Indian American Delegates to Engage with Lawmakers on Key Issues
Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, nearly 200 Indian American delegates from 25 states will gather to meet with lawmakers and congressional staff. This event is part of an advocacy effort aimed at enhancing U.S.-India relations, overhauling immigration policies, and boosting security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The fourth annual Capitol Hill Day, organized by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), will feature discussions in over 125 congressional offices.
The delegates aim to cover various topics such as trade partnerships with India, security cooperation, and the importance of critical-mineral supply chains. They will also highlight the valuable contributions of Indian Americans to the U.S. economy.
Khanderao Kand, FIIDS’s chief of policy and strategy, emphasized the importance of this moment: “This is a time to turn influence into real policy change.” He pointed out that Indian Americans are involved in multiple sectors, including technology, research, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture. The community is dedicated to making sure Congress understands key issues that impact America’s future.
The advocacy agenda will focus on five main areas: Indo-Pacific trade and security, the U.S.-India strategic partnership, the contributions and concerns of Indian Americans, immigration reform that promotes innovation, and the security of critical-mineral supply chains.
FIIDS noted that this agenda reflects the increasing role of the Indian American community in public discussions, alongside broader worries about U.S. competitiveness and national security.
Following Capitol Hill Day, a U.S.-India Partnership Summit will take place, bringing together diplomats, elected officials, and policy leaders to discuss future cooperation between the two nations.
Scheduled speakers at the summit include Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Morrison and Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Mangya Khampa, among others working to strengthen ties between the U.S. and India.
FIIDS advocates for enhanced defense and technology collaboration between Washington and New Delhi, increased resilience in the Indo-Pacific, and recognition of Indian American contributions. They also call for reforms in high-skilled immigration programs and a long-term plan to secure critical-mineral supply chains.
Participation in Capitol Hill Day has steadily increased, growing from about 70 delegates in 2023 to approximately 145 in 2025. This year’s event is expected to have the largest turnout yet.
