Rakesh Malhotra, founder of The Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF) on Wednesday wrote on X about the growing risk of short-term political interests and misinformation that could undermine the unique relationship between India and the US.
He urged members of the Indian diaspora to step up and ensure that their voices are heard in the broader civic conversation.
The statement added that the Indian diaspora, with its deep cultural and moral roots in both India and the United States, has a responsibility to actively engage in matters that affect both countries.
The Indian diaspora, with its deep roots in both nations, carries a moral and cultural responsibility to speak up whenever short-term politics or misinformation risk undermining the long-term Indo-U.S. partnership. Our commitment to America First is not in conflict with our pride…
— Rakesh Malhotra (@RakeshMalhotra) October 7, 2025
Malhotra added that there is no inherent conflict between supporting America First and taking pride in India’s progress and that these values can coexist and even strengthen the diaspora’s position as a bridge between two dynamic democracies.
‘America First is not in conflict with our pride in India’s progress’
“Our commitment to America First is not in conflict with our pride in India’s progress—it strengthens our credibility and relevance as a bridge between two dynamic democracies,” the tweet reads.
“It is our duty to speak out whenever short-term politics or misinformation threatens to weaken the longstanding relationship between these two nations.”
To ensure that diaspora voices are effectively integrated into the national conversation, Malhotra urged Indian Americans to go beyond mere symbolism and engage more meaningfully in the civic life of the United States, particularly at the local and grassroots levels.
“Moving beyond symbolism and becoming involved in local government, county, village, and city-level decisions is essential. It’s not just about making our voices heard, but ensuring that our perspectives are reflected in policies that shape our shared future,” said the statement.
“We must become more than just passive observers—we must actively contribute to shaping the direction of the countries we call home,” the statement continued.
“In doing so, we can ensure that the India-US partnership remains strong, resilient, and capable of navigating the challenges of the 21st century.”
The shift in Indian-Americans’ tone
In recent years, the label “Indian-American” has often been seen as a bridge between two identities, representing India in the US while following American values and culture.
However, there has been a noticeable shift in how this community views its role, especially when it comes to issues like immigration policy.
Recently, Hindu American Foundation’s co-founder Suhag Shukla said that Indian Americans are not “mouthpieces for any Indian government or political party”.
Shukla argued that Indian Americans, as citizens of the United States, have a duty to prioritise American interests and not serve as extensions of India’s political agenda.
According to Shukla, Indian Americans are uniquely positioned to provide a balanced perspective on India, countering the one-dimensional narratives often found in the media.
“Just as India’s citizens prioritise their country’s national interests, American citizens, including Indian Americans, have a duty to pursue their own,” Shukla said, drawing a clear line between supporting Indian values and focusing on American priorities.