Indian-American diaspora's silence on US policy is surprising: Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed surprise over the muted response of the Indian-American community to recent US policy decisions that adversely affect India.

Speaking after a meeting between India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and a visiting US Congressional delegation, Tharoor underlined that the silence of one of the most politically influential immigrant communities in America was both puzzling and disappointing.

“One of the points we raised was why the Indian-American diaspora has been so silent about all of this,” Tharoor said. He added that one of the visiting Congresswomen revealed her office had not received even a single phone call from Indian-American voters urging her to support policy changes.

“This is something that is surprising,” Tharoor remarked.

Policy frictions testing ties

The timing of Tharoor’s comments is significant. The meeting took place against the backdrop of policy frictions that have tested India–US relations in recent months. These include Washington’s decision to impose a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, tariffs on Indian exports such as garments and gems and sanctions affecting India’s development of Iran’s Chabahar Port.

While these measures have triggered unease in New Delhi, the lack of vocal pushback from Indian-Americans—many of whom are directly impacted by visa restrictions—has raised eyebrows in the Indian political establishment.

Case for diaspora advocacy

Tharoor’s call was not just a lament but also a challenge to the diaspora to use its political weight more effectively. Indian-Americans are among the wealthiest and most professionally successful communities in the US, with growing representation in politics, technology and academia. Yet, their silence on issues directly shaping India–US ties suggests a gap between identity pride and political action.

“If you care about the relationship with your motherland, then you also have to fight for it, speak for it and make more of an effort to press your political representatives to stand up for India,” Tharoor urged. His words point to an irony: a community celebrated for its achievements in America seems hesitant to leverage its influence when India’s interests are at stake.

A warm but watchful partnership

The five-member US delegation—comprising Democrats, four from California, and led by Congressman Ami Bera—sought to reassure Indian counterparts of bipartisan support for India. Tharoor acknowledged that the lawmakers were “already friends of India, well disposed towards India,” and that they spoke warmly of the partnership.

“The most important message that came out from them,” he said, “was that a lot of American opinion, including in the US Congress, is very strongly committed to the Indian relationship.” This reassurance highlights that India continues to enjoy goodwill in Washington, even as specific policy decisions create strain.

Between goodwill and complacency

The episode shows a paradox. While the India–US strategic partnership remains on a strong footing, policy irritants demand greater advocacy and lobbying, particularly from those most positioned to influence US lawmakers—the diaspora. Tharoor’s surprise at their silence is therefore not just rhetorical but a warning. Unless Indian-Americans speak up, goodwill alone may not be enough to shield bilateral ties from recurring tensions.