Sacramento, California, USA: Suhag A. Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), has pushed back against remarks made by Indian National Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who suggested that the Indian-American community has largely remained “silent” on matters influencing India-US relations. In an opinion piece for The Print, Shukla argued that Tharoor’s statements misrepresented the diaspora’s involvement in civic affairs and overlooked the constraints within which it operates in the United States.
“There are 535 legislators in the United States Congress—100 senators and 435 representatives. Yet, Shashi Tharoor drew broad conclusions about the Indian-American community based on comments from just one member,” Shukla noted, referring to Tharoor’s citation of a Congresswoman who said she had not received outreach from diaspora members regarding policies under former President Donald Trump.
Shukla, who co-founded HAF, emphasised that Indian Americans have historically contributed to strengthening India-US relations, but always “within the legal framework of the United States, without formal influence over India’s policymaking, and with only partial visibility into the process.” She added, “It is misleading, and potentially harmful, to imply otherwise.”
Addressing the dual identity of the community, Shukla said active participation in US civic life does not undermine cultural or emotional connections to India. “As India has an obligation to pursue its national interests, so too does the United States, and its citizens—including Indian Americans—have the right and responsibility to do the same,” she explained. “Acknowledging this does not diminish our heritage; it is a reality of citizenship.”
Shukla also highlighted legislative concerns affecting Indian and Hindu Americans, such as California’s SB509 and proposed federal measures aimed at addressing “transnational repression.” She cautioned that such legislation could lead to “widespread surveillance and profiling” due to vague language. “Comments like those of Mr Tharoor do more than misrepresent our community—they encourage sceptics who have doubted our American loyalty from the start,” she added.
Recognising Tharoor’s influence, Shukla stated that his “remarks carry significant weight” and should be carefully considered. She concluded, “Indian Americans are not here to act as agents of the Government of India. We are Americans, with rights, duties, and allegiances grounded in this nation.”
Following her article, Tharoor responded on X, acknowledging Shukla’s critique. “I welcome the feedback from @SuhagAShukla,” he wrote. “If my statements prompted Indian-Americans to reflect on these issues, I consider that positive.” Tharoor noted that although Indian Americans face different challenges than Jewish or Cuban Americans, “this does not preclude them from making their voices heard within the framework of US democracy, as other communities effectively do.”
