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FIIDS brings 200 delegates to Capitol Hill Advocacy day
FIIDS said delegates from 25 states met more than 125 congressional offices to advocate on Indo-Pacific security, immigration reform and U.S.-India ties.
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Staff Reporter - Tue, 23, Jun 2026
- 14:02 EDT
- 35
Capitol Hill Day / Handout
Nearly 200 delegates from 25 states met with more than 125 congressional and elected offices on Tuesday as the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) hosted its fourth annual Capitol Hill Day in Washington.
The advocacy initiative focused on five policy areas: Indo-Pacific trade and security, the U.S.-India strategic partnership, Indian American concerns, immigration reform and critical mineral supply chains.
Also Read: FIIDS to host fourth annual Capitol Hill Day
FIIDS said the agenda reflects the growing role of Indian Americans in the United States and the need for lawmakers to address issues affecting economic competitiveness, national security and democratic resilience.
“This is a moment to translate influence into policy impact,” said Khanderao Kand, FIIDS chief of Policy and Strategy. “Indian Americans contribute across technology, research, academia, hospitality, health care, small business, and agriculture, and our community is engaged in ensuring that Congress understands the issues that matter most to America’s future.”
FIIDS said delegates urged lawmakers to support legislation aimed at strengthening Indo-Pacific cooperation, expanding U.S.-India defence and technology ties, reforming high-skilled immigration pathways, combating discrimination against Indian Americans and securing critical mineral supply chains.
Among the measures highlighted were support for the Quad partnership, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), stronger defence cooperation with India and efforts to reduce green-card backlogs affecting highly skilled immigrants.
The organisation also pointed to the economic contributions of Indian Americans in sectors including healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship and hospitality, while raising concerns about discrimination and anti-Indian sentiment linked to immigration debates and online misinformation.
The Capitol Hill engagements were followed by the U.S.-India Partnership Summit, which brought together diplomats, elected officials and policy experts to discuss the future of bilateral cooperation. Speakers included Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Morrison and Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Mangya Khampa.
FIIDS said participation in Capitol Hill Day has grown steadily from about 70 delegates in 2023 to nearly 200 this year, reflecting its expansion as a national platform for Indian American civic engagement and policy advocacy.
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