Arizona, Phoenix, USA: India has been recognized as “an essential ally,” with the newly launched initiative expected to strengthen “cultural exchange, strategic cooperation, and mutual progress between the two countries.”

Speaking at the inaugural event, India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Kwatra, commended the bipartisan initiative, calling it an important step toward advancing shared priorities of both nations.

On September 2, the Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) formally introduced the Congressional Study Group on India (CSGI), highlighting the growing significance of U.S.-India relations, especially at a time when global challenges are testing international partnerships.

The program, jointly led by Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC) and Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), aims to give U.S. lawmakers and senior congressional staff deeper exposure to India through expert briefings, policy dialogues, and planned study visits. This new forum joins FMC’s existing study groups focused on Europe, Germany, Japan, and South Korea.