Highlights:
- Bipartisan US leaders stress importance of India-US partnership
- Indian diaspora praised for economic and cultural contributions
- Lawmakers call ties vital for global peace and stability
- New York event marks India’s 77th Republic Day
- Artificial intelligence and trade highlighted as key cooperation areas
Top bipartisan American lawmakers and political leaders have praised India-US ties and the contributions of the Indian diaspora, calling the partnership vital for global peace and stability and understanding the need to strengthen bilateral relations further.
The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a special reception on Saturday (31) to commemorate the 77th Republic Day of India.
The Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and the Deputy Consul General, Vishal Harsh, welcomed the dignitaries at the reception.
The event was attended by government officials, leaders from business, academia, and culture, prominent members of the Indian-American community, members of the diplomatic corps, and guests from various walks of life.
Addressing the gathering, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer said the Indian community in his state is “our fastest-growing immigrant community in Delaware, as it is in many places across the country.” He recalled the immigrant journey of the parents of Delaware’s Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez, the first Indian-American to hold the position in the United States.
“The immigrant experience here and the opportunity to embrace freedom, education, and build wealth not just for yourselves but for American communities across our country is something so deeply enmeshed in the Indian-American community,” Meyer said.
Meyer is scheduled to visit India in March, leading a business delegation to Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
US Representative Nick LaLota, a Republican from Suffolk County, described the growing Indian community as the “third I” on Long Island, after the Italian and Irish communities.
LaLota cited Indian-American entrepreneur Harry Singh, founder and CEO of Bolla Oil Corporation, who came to the U.S. “with nothing but built an empire of hundreds of gas stations” across Long Island, exemplifying the hardworking spirit of the Indian-American community.
U.S. Representative Mike Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, said the relationship between the United States and India is cherished and “one that we need to continue to foster.”
“When you talk about the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy, that partnership is vital for peace and stability around the globe,” he said.
Lawler, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the India–US relationship is central to the committee’s work.
“I fundamentally believe that India is the most important country when it comes to the United States’ ability to ensure peace and prosperity around the globe. As we move forward, the relationship between the United States and India must be paramount, and we must get that relationship back on track and moving in the right direction,” he said to applause.
Lawler recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to a joint session of Congress in 2023, calling it a “momentous” occasion marked by what he described as Modi’s “rock star vibes.”
He added that from Delaware to New Jersey and New York, there is a large and vibrant Indian-American community, and stressed the importance of ensuring it continues to grow, thrive economically, and have its cultural contributions recognized and celebrated.
Lawler also presented proclamations to Pradhan in recognition of efforts to foster a strong India–US relationship.
Congresswoman Laura Gillen recalled her early years working in Kolkata with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity.
“I developed a deep love for India and the Indian people,” Gillen said, adding that she carries that affection forward by building relationships with the vibrant Indian-American community in the U.S., immigrants who have strengthened the country while serving as engineers, doctors, and professionals across many fields.
Gillen expressed gratitude to the Indian-American community and said there is bipartisan interest in ensuring the India–US relationship remains strong.
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar highlighted the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. She also noted efforts to declare Diwali a school holiday in New York City, adding that cities and states across the country are now following suit.
Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, re-elected in the November 2025 elections, said that as he begins his second term, “I am openly, unapologetically Indian.” While noting he does not typically engage in national or federal issues, Joshi said he would not shy away from advocating for stronger US–India relations.
Joshi said the Indian-American community across business, entertainment, healthcare, life sciences, and government has enough influence to make a national push for stronger ties and called for collective action to advance the relationship.
In his remarks, Pradhan said India–US relations are anchored in a comprehensive global strategic partnership, reflected in multifaceted cooperation across all areas of human endeavor and supported by bipartisan political backing in both countries.
Ahead of the India-AI Impact Summit to be hosted later this month in New Delhi, Pradhan highlighted bilateral collaboration in artificial intelligence, including a recent memorandum of understanding to establish the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence at IIM Ahmedabad.
Indian-American philanthropist and Grammy-winning artist Chandrika Tandon, an alumna of IIM Ahmedabad, and her husband Ranjan Tandon have established the AI school with an endowment of ₹100 crore.
Pradhan described the Indian-American community as a “strong pillar” supporting the growth of bilateral cooperation and said the American leaders present are strong advocates of the India–US partnership who stand with the Indian diaspora in their constituencies.
“I believe the India–US relationship is at an inflection point, driven by the people of our two countries. It will only get stronger in the coming years,” he said.
The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances, including a Bhangra presentation and soulful instrumental music. It also included a dedicated ‘Make in India’ pavilion and displays highlighting the ‘One District One Product’ initiative, along with a curated range of Indian textile products showcasing the country’s artisanal traditions and regional craftsmanship.
