Panelists at the India Abroad Dialogue on Oct. 7 / New India Abroad

Indian-American leaders pushed back against Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor’s recent op-ed, “Why Indian Americans Are Silent and Its Cost,” which argued that the diaspora has been largely quiet on issues such as tariffs, H-1B visa restrictions, and negative narratives about India. Tharoor suggested that this silence weakens India’s position abroad and urged the community to be more vocal in advocating for India’s interests.

During a webinar – “Speaking Up or Keeping Quiet: Diaspora Perspectives on U.S. & India”—hosted by New India Abroad, on Oct. 7, the diaspora leaders emphasized that the diaspora operates primarily as American citizens, bound by U.S. law and political norms, while maintaining pride in their Indian heritage. Moderator Rohit Sharma framed the discussion by asking how Indian Americans balance advocating for U.S.–India ties without being perceived as lobbying on behalf of New Delhi.

Atul Keshap, retired American diplomat and President, USIBC, said, “The two governments have a bit of a difficult time. How can they be constructive? And sometimes in moments like this, it's better to engage in quiet diplomacy and not shout from the rooftops. It may indeed be counterproductive to do that. What I've tried to do in my channel in representing the business community is talk about the value long-term of the world's two largest democracies, collaborating on the frontier technologies of the 21st century on forging resilient supply chains on ensuring economic growth and ensuring happiness for both of our countries.”

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M R Rangaswami, Founder and Chairman, Indiaspora, highlighted the diaspora’s tangible contributions. “The diaspora remitted $135 billion to India last year, $30 billion from the U.S. alone. Many have invested in real estate, stock markets, and set up global capability centers in India employing thousands,” he said. “We act as a living bridge—taking U.S. officials to India and vice versa. Indian Americans have also impacted this country: we pay 6% of taxes, have 75,000 doctors serving 30 million patients, and 22,000 academics teaching millions of students.”

Rangaswami highlighted non-partisan outreach, using events and cultural diplomacy to foster dialogue. “The diaspora is non-partisan. We work with whoever is in power. For example, we hold Diwali events in D.C., inviting Republicans and Democrats to build relationships and understanding,” he said. He noted that, unlike the Jewish diaspora, many U.S. lawmakers have never visited India, and organized visits could strengthen their awareness and understanding.

He discussed the practical steps the diaspora has taken to engage policymakers. “Many Indian Americans have called their senators and representatives. Several Indian-American Congress members have issued statements on H-1B visas,” he said. “We also work to counter misinformation online with facts, highlighting the economic benefits of skilled immigration and the positive role Indian talent plays in the U.S.”

Swadesh Chatterjee, a veteran of U.S.–India relations, underscored the diaspora’s historical role. “Without Indian-American activism, the civil nuclear deal would never have passed. Mr. Tharoor wasn’t present in Washington when this lobbying happened. To say the diaspora has been silent is unfair,” he said. Chatterjee stressed that Indian Americans have consistently worked behind the scenes to advance U.S.–India relations, asserting, “We are American first, but India is never out of us.”

He emphasized organized advocacy in Washington. “Diaspora efforts need to be scaled—hundreds knocking on doors, making clear that we are lobbying for the United States, not India,” he said. “We are technology and talent-driven, not just immigrants trying to come here. Our role is to strengthen the U.S.–India corridor in ways that benefit both countries.”

The panelists repeatedly stressed the legal and political constraints under which the diaspora operates. Keshap pointed out that engagement must comply with U.S. laws such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act, cautioning that advocacy “must be done at the behest of Americans, not foreign entities.” He also noted that many U.S. policy decisions, including H-1B visa rules, are shaped by domestic political and economic concerns, not solely by bilateral relations.

Asha Jadeja Motwani, Founder, Motwani Jadeja Foundation, suggested that the Indian government could support diaspora advocacy with resources for narrative-building and lobbying. “Small investments like hiring a PR or lobby team could shift the narrative,” he said. “If you can afford it, support initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to U.S. policy and engagement.” She emphasized the role of political contributions and backing local initiatives as a practical way to influence policy while remaining legally compliant.

Motwani added that engagement also starts at the local level: “Whether on a campus or in a community, support groups that give voice to Indian-American ideas, values, and aspirations. It’s important to communicate clearly that we are Americans first while strengthening U.S.–India relations. America comes first.”

The discussion also touched on the broader challenges facing the community, including rising hate crimes, online vitriol, and domestic political pressures. Rangaswami noted, “The diaspora is addressing physical and online threats, but also educating the public about the benefits of Indian talent. Emotional rhetoric doesn’t work; facts do.”

Chatterjee remained optimistic about the future of U.S.–India relations. “We saw strong engagement during Howdy Modi and other events. India is no longer a country that can be bullied internationally. The fundamentals of the relationship are strong, and the diaspora can continue to play a proactive role,” he said.

Keshap concluded, emphasizing the strategic importance of diaspora engagement. “Governments cannot afford to be irrelevant to one another in the 21st century. Indian Americans must remind both countries of the overall logic of what benefits us both. We are loyal citizens of the United States, and our work strengthens this relationship,” he said.

The panel’s discussion highlighted a clear consensus: while Tharoor’s call for vocal advocacy reflects a perspective rooted in Indian politics, Indian-American leaders maintain that effective influence comes through pragmatic, lawful, and sustained engagement that respects their dual identity and the political environment of the United States.