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'Punch way above our weight': Indian-American rebuts diaspora 'silence' critique
Hindu American Foundation’s Suhag Shukla rebuts charges of “silence,” citing risks and hate crimes as debate over US-India lobbying intensifies.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 27, Sep 2025
- 11:39 EDT
- 31
Executive director & HAF Co-Founder Suhag Shukla. / X via @SuhagAShukla
A social media exchange has reignited debate within the Indian-American community over its role in advancing US-India ties, after Hindu American Foundation (HAF) Executive Director Suhag A. Shukla pushed back against claims of inaction.
The controversy stemmed from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s recent visit to Washington, where he urged the diaspora to become more vocal in engaging US lawmakers.
In a widely shared video, Tharoor recounted meetings with five Democratic House members—four from California—who expressed commitment to the US-India partnership but cited ongoing hurdles such as H-1B visa restrictions, steep tariffs, and sanctions linked to Pakistan.
Tharoor said he was “astonished” that lawmakers had received no calls from Indian-American constituents urging policy shifts. “If you care about your motherland, then you also have to fight for it,” he urged.
Also Read: If my parents had to pay $100K, I wouldn’t be here: Indian American on H-1B fee
The video was amplified by an Indian journalist with remarks on X, suggesting prominent Indian-Americans had become so assimilated they had “whitewashed their Indianness.” Within hours, Shukla fired back.
The Govt of India does not ask our approval for its oil policy or import duties, and so @shashitharoor and the GOI shouldn't be expecting us to champion their sovereign policy decisions with the U.S. government. They can hire lobbyists for that.
— Suhag A. Shukla (@SuhagAShukla) September 26, 2025
Because we care about the world's… https://t.co/e6GqunYRsH
She argued that India’s government should not expect diaspora groups to lobby on behalf of its “sovereign policy decisions” without consultation, recommending instead that New Delhi hire professional lobbyists.
At the same time, she highlighted HAF’s record: supporting the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, countering Pakistan-sponsored narratives on Kashmir, blocking critical congressional bills, and raising awareness of human rights issues.
“We punch way above our weight,” she wrote, stressing that such work often invites harassment ranging from white nationalist attacks to Khalistani threats and FBI scrutiny. Directing her response at Tharoor, she added, “Maybe walk in our shoes before you criticize us.”
Her post quickly drew traction—over 60,000 views, 510 likes, and 234 replies—splitting opinion across the five million-strong Indian-American community. Supporters applauded Shukla’s resilience, one calling her “one of the few who speak up.”
Critics, however, accused diaspora groups of prioritizing self-preservation over India’s interests, pointing to Jewish-American lobbying as a contrast. Memes mocking Indian-Americans’ reluctance to pressure lawmakers underscored perceptions of political caution amid fears of MAGA backlash or career consequences.
I am sorry to say this , but in the last 3 months , Indian American community has punched far below their weight. Maybe they are afraid of MAGA loonies and creeping racisim, but this is an undisputed fact! Look at Jewish , contrast is clear as daylight! @SandipGhose @desimojito
— Rajiv Wadehra (@WadehraRajiv) September 26, 2025
The debate reflects broader 2025 election-year pressures, as Indian professionals in tech and medicine face intensified anti-immigrant rhetoric. Analysts say Tharoor’s comments underscore a disconnect between India’s expectations and the diaspora’s political constraints.
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