Donald Trump Isn’t The Only One With A Say In The Next Chapter Of U.S.-India Relations
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, D.C. this week marks the opening act of the next four years of U.S.-India relations under the new Administration. One of humanity’s oldest civilizations, India is a country of 1.4 billion people and the largest democracy in the world. It is home to the fifth-largest economy, including a $1 billion Bollywood entertainment industry that is kindred spirits with the creative economy here in LA. India is also a rising power in the Indo-Pacific just as China is trying to assert its dominance over the region. How the U.S.-India relationship develops over the next four years will have serious implications for our own security and prosperity–as well as for the people of South and East Asia.
But Trump is not the only one with a say in how these ties deepen and evolve. As the new Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, I know Congress plays a vital role in shaping one of the most important bilateral relationships in our diplomatic arsenal–and I intend to help lead this effort. For me, the significance of the U.S.-India relationship is illustrated by the essential role of the Indian American community in Los Angeles.
As the proud Congresswoman for California’s 37th District, I help represent over 200,000 Indian Americans who call Los Angeles County home. I see firsthand how my city benefits from the Indian Americans who are an invaluable part of the greater Los Angeles tapestry. Indian Americans working in Los Angeles on H1B visas have made transformative advancements in our technology, engineering, healthcare, and creative sectors.
At the University of Southern California, my alma mater, Indian students make up 21% of USC’s international enrollment, a whopping 36% increase since Fall 2019. Little India in Artesia stands out as a vibrant economic and cultural hub and a great place for delicious food– you can’t miss the Gujarati Thali at Jay Bharat! The immeasurable contributions of the Indian American community in my district showcase the mutually beneficial nature of a strong and enduring U.S.-India partnership.
My top priority as Ranking Member is to ensure that U.S.-India ties serve LA’s Indian American community. I am working with the Indian government to support the timely opening of an Indian consulate here in LA, which will make critical services more accessible to our community. I urged the State Department to reduce the year-plus wait times for visa interviews in New Delhi and Mumbai, especially as LA gears up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, which will bring unprecedented tourism and cultural exchange to my district. I have highlighted the importance of the H1B visa program in attracting top talent and spurring innovation and prosperity at home. I have also raised concerns about transnational repression to ensure that no one in the Indian diaspora feels at risk of harm on American soil.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit kickstarts the beginning of a pivotal new chapter in the U.S.-India partnership, with potential for substantial growth in trade, defense, and people-to-people ties. This bilateral meeting will set the tone for the next four years of U.S.-India relations, and I look forward to leveraging my new role to not only better serve my constituents but also help usher in new areas of collaboration with one of our strongest partners.
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove has represented California’s 37th District since 2023. At the beginning of the 119th Congress, she was selected to serve as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South Central Asia. She also serves on the House Judiciary Committee.