Highlights:
- Rakesh Malhotra warned that misinformation could harm India-US relations.
- He urged Indian Americans to engage more in civic and local governance.
- Malhotra said “America First” can coexist with pride in India’s growth.
- The diaspora must act as a bridge between two major democracies.
- Suhag Shukla stressed Indian Americans’ duty to prioritise US interests.
Rakesh Malhotra, founder of The Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF), has cautioned that short-term political interests and misinformation could weaken the unique partnership between India and the United States. Writing on X, Malhotra appealed to the Indian diaspora to take an active role in public life and ensure their voices are represented in civic discussions.
He said the Indian diaspora, with its strong cultural roots in both countries, has a duty to participate meaningfully in matters that shape their shared future.
Malhotra emphasized that there is no contradiction between supporting America First and taking pride in India's progress. “Our commitment to America First is not in conflict with our pride in India’s progress—it strengthens our credibility and relevance as a bridge between two dynamic democracies,” he wrote. “It is our duty to speak out whenever short-term politics or misinformation threatens to weaken the longstanding relationship between these two nations.”
He also encouraged Indian Americans to move beyond symbolic gestures and become more active in local government, including county, village, and city legal decision-making. “Moving beyond symbolism and becoming involved in local government, county, village, and city-level decisions is essential. It’s not just about making our voices heard, but ensuring that our perspectives are reflected in policies that shape our shared future,” Malhotra said.
He further urged, “We must become more than just passive observers—we must actively contribute to shaping the direction of the countries we call home.” This, he added, would help keep the India-US partnership “strong, resilient, and capable of navigating the challenges of the 21st century.”
In recent years, the idea of being 'Indian American' has evolved from simply representing India abroad to balancing both identities thoughtfully. Many within the community now stress prioritizing American values while maintaining cultural pride.
Suhag Shukla, co-founder of the Hindu American Foundation, recently echoed this view, saying 'Indian Americans are not mouthpieces for any Indian government or political party.' She noted that as American citizens, they must priortize the nation's interests while offering a balanced view of India. “Just as India’s citizens prioritise their country’s national interests, American citizens, including Indian Americans, have a duty to pursue their own,” Shukla said.
