USIRC Lobbies Lawmakers In Washington To Promote US-India Ties
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States India Relationship Council (USIRC), a bipartisan political advocacy group focused on strengthening US-India relations, met with nine members of Congress during a two-day advocacy visit to Washington, DC, August 30 through September 1.
The organization, which is registered as a non-connected political committee under federal law, said its Washington meetings focused on trade, defense, the Indo-Pacific, the Quad, concerns involving the Chinese Communist Party, and issues affecting the Indian American community, including Hindu Americans.
USIRC said it is seeking to build support among lawmakers who serve or could serve on congressional foreign relations committees and to promote what it describes as pro-India policies in Congress and the executive branch.
The organization said it also seeks to counter what it considers inaccurate or misleading narratives about US India relations by providing lawmakers and the public with information reflecting its views on the bilateral relationship.
The meetings began August 31 with Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL). USIRC representatives Dr. Jashvant Patel and Dr. Amit Desai met with Jackson, who the organization said discussed his connection to the legacy of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including King’s well-known reverence for Mahatma Gandhi. The group also met with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), whom USIRC said reiterated his commitment to strengthening US India relations.
Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) discussed the potential of closer US India ties, according to USIRC. He said the two countries have similar constitutional foundations and the two countries should work toward becoming enduring allies.
On September 1, USIRC met with Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), whom the organization described as a longtime supporter of US India relations and an ongoing partner on bilateral issues. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) emphasized the importance of political participation with the message, “Get involved, Stay involved,” according to USIRC. The group also discussed issues concerning Hindu Americans.
Rep. Derek Tran (D-CA) discussed his commitment to building US India relations, while Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) expressed support for the bilateral partnership, according to the organization.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) expressed strong support for US India relations and discussed opportunities for cooperation and mutual growth across a range of areas. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, discussed her work involving South and Central Asia and emphasized the importance of engagement with diaspora communities in strengthening bilateral ties, USIRC said.
During the meetings, USIRC raised issues involving the Indo-Pacific, China, terrorism, maritime security, supply-chain resilience, space cooperation and technology. Discussions also covered the Quad, the Artemis Accords and the NISAR mission.
The organization also discussed the participation of Indian and Hindu Americans in the US political process and raised concerns about anti-Indian and anti-Hindu hate.
