Silence of Indian-American Diaspora on US Policy: A Strategic Puzzle

Why in the News?

1. Recent US policies under the Trump administration have targeted India through tariffs, visa restrictions, and sanctions, directly affecting India’s economic and strategic interests.
2. Despite being highly influential, the Indian-American diaspora’s muted response to these measures has raised questions about its role, identity, and responsibility in defending India’s interests.

Key Highlights

1. Indian-American Success Story
   1. Indian-Americans are among the most prosperous and influential immigrant groups in the US.
      1. Highest median household income among all ethnic groups.
      2. CEOs of top Fortune 500 companies, six members of Congress, two former governors.

• Senior officials in agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

1. Widely celebrated as a model of integration and achievement, often hailed as ambassadors of India’s success abroad.

2. Policy Assaults on India under Trump Administration
   1. 50% tariffs on Indian goods, hurting exports.
   2. $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, of which Indians receive 70%.
   3. Sanctions on Chabahar port project, affecting India’s strategic connectivity.
   4. Restrictions on student visas and tightened immigration pathways.
   5. Despite these punitive actions, diaspora response has been largely silent or muted.
3. Why Does the Diaspora Remain Silent?
   1. Dual belonging dilemma: balancing American assimilation with Indian cultural pride, fearing suspicion about “loyalties.”
   2. Rising anti-immigrant sentiment: fear of hate crimes and marginalisation discourages activism.
   3. Practical considerations: some Indian-Americans believe H-1B visas hurt opportunities for their own US-born children.
   4. Generational gap: second-generation Indians feel a looser emotional connection to India; activism focuses on US issues.
4. Fragmentation and Political Alignments
   1. Unlike Jewish-Americans or Cuban-Americans, Indian-Americans are divided by region, religion, and political ideology.
   2. Many supported Trump for his pro-business stance and tough China policy, overlooking harmful measures against India.
   3. Events like ‘Howdy Modi’ rally in Houston symbolised closeness, but substantive issues like tariffs remained unaddressed.
5. The Costs of Silence
   1. Allows negative caricatures of India (as a trade cheat or irritant) to dominate.
   2. Weakens India’s diplomatic leverage in Washington.
   3. Undermines the pride narrative cultivated by India, with Modi calling them rashtradoots.
   4. Advocacy remains isolated and uncoordinated, unlike more effective diaspora lobbies.

Key Terms

1. Diaspora Diplomacy
   1. Refers to using overseas communities as strategic assets in foreign policy.
   2. Involves mobilising diaspora influence in host-country politics, economy, and media.
   3. Plays a role in lobbying, advocacy, and shaping narratives.
   4. India has the largest diaspora (32+ million globally).
   5. Strength depends on unity, organisation, and political engagement.
   6. Successful examples: Jewish-American and Cuban-American lobbies.
2. Diaspora Lobbying
   1. Organised efforts of diaspora communities to influence legislative and executive branches in host countries.
   2. Involves campaign financing, mobilising public opinion, and advocacy groups.
   3. Jewish, Irish, and Cuban lobbies are often cited as highly successful.
   4. Indian diaspora lobbying remains fragmented.
   5. Can play a crucial role in shaping Indo-US policy debates.
   6. Requires professional organisation and unity.

Implications

1. For India’s Strategic Interests
   1. Tariffs and sanctions weaken India’s economic autonomy and international partnerships.
   2. Lack of diaspora pushback reduces pressure on Washington to reconsider such policies.
2. For Indo-US Relations
   1. Silence undermines the potential of the diaspora as a strategic bridge between the two democracies.
   2. Risks creating an imbalanced partnership, dependent on leaders, not communities.
3. For Diaspora Politics
   1. Missed opportunity to organise like Jewish or Cuban lobbies.
   2. Without collective advocacy, diaspora’s influence remains underutilised.
4. For India’s Engagement Policy
   1. Over-reliance on Public Relations (PR) events (like Houston rallies) rather than substantive lobbying.
   2. Need to treat diaspora as strategic stakeholders, not only cultural icons.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion

The silence of the Indian-American diaspora highlights the tension between success and solidarity, assimilation and allegiance. While deeply successful in the US, their political voice in defending India remains fragmented. For India, the challenge lies in transforming diaspora pride into strategic advocacy that safeguards national interests. Without this shift, representation risks becoming symbolic rather than impactful.