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Synopsis: The stature of the Indian diaspora in the US is growing. It will have a significant impact on India-US relations.
Significance of Indian Diaspora in the US
- Indian-Americans are the second-largest immigrant community in the US(4 million-plus).
- They are considered as one of the most influential groups in the US. and they have played a key role in transforming the relations. For example, the U.S. signing the civil nuclear deal.
- In addition, many American Indians have entered into the administration and the US congress.
- Yet, over the past years, there has been a divergence in the preference of the community especially the second generation of American Indians. They have become more Americanised.
How the attitude changes of Indian-Americans is affecting India-US relations?
- First, the second generation of American Indians has their own assessment of developments in India. For example, Government steps on Farmers protest in India was criticized by many American- Indian citizens.
- Second, the India caucus (A caucus is a meeting of supporters or members of a specific political party) with the Indian Ambassador to the United States offers an insight into the changing attitude of the Indian-American community.
- For example, the caucus with representatives from the Indian-American community urged the Government of India to make sure that the norms of democracy are maintained.
- Also, they stated that protesters shall be allowed to protest peacefully with access to the Internet and journalists.
- Third, notably, the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar cancelled the engagement with the top leadership of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee congress in December 2019.
- This was due to the presence of Ms. Jayapal (Democrat, Indian-American) who voiced against the Indian government clampdown in Kashmir.
- In addition to the above issues, Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) might impact India-USA ties. Because India has proceeded to procure the Russian S-400 missile defence system which is against the CAATSA act.
Suggestion
India-U.S.-Parliamentary Exchange for formal and reciprocal visits by parliamentarians should be established. It was expressed in the India-U.S. 2+2 meeting, in October 2019, it will help to solve the above issues.
