Indian diaspora amplified American dream: US envoy Garcetti

The panel also included Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and author Meenakshi Ahamed whose book Indian Genius: The Meteoric Rise of Indians in America was also discussed. / American Center, New Delhi

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti pointed out the critical role of the Indian diaspora in shaping the United States. Garcetti was speaking at a recent panel discussion titled: “Indian Diaspora – Defining Success in the United States,” held at the American Center in New Delhi. Highlighting the diaspora’s contributions to culture, economy, and leadership, he noted that Indian Americans are an indispensable part of the American story.

The panel also included Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and author Meenakshi Ahamed whose book Indian Genius: The Meteoric Rise of Indians in America was also discussed.

“Indian Americans have a capital A on the American part,” Garcetti remarked, stressing how the diaspora has “embodied, accelerated, and amplified the American dream”. He described Indian Americans as key contributors to U.S. progress, serving as "translators, interpreters, and openers" of a bridge between India and the United States.

Drawing a vivid metaphor, Garcetti compared the relationship to a steel-reinforced bridge from India to the U.S., while the reverse — American understanding of India — he likened to a rope bridge with missing planks. “Most Americans know very little about India beyond clichés,” he admitted, adding that Indian Americans are increasingly bridging this gap by advancing the bilateral relationship.

The Ambassador praised Indian Americans as the most successful immigrant group in the United States over the last four decades. “About 1.5 percent of our population is of Indian descent, yet they contribute about 6 percent of our income tax,” he pointed out, underlining the community’s outsized impact. He further noted that one in four Americans has been treated by an Indian doctor, many of whom ventured into underserved rural areas when healthcare access was scarce.

Indian Americans have also transformed perceptions of leadership in the United States. “The old cliché that you couldn’t succeed in American business if you were Indian American has been flipped. Now, it feels as though you can only succeed in America if you are Indian American,” he said, referencing the growing presence of Indian-origin CEOs, policymakers, and elected officials.

Garcetti reinforced the role of the diaspora as a “secret weapon” in advancing U.S.-India ties. He listed Indian American leaders across federal government, business, and education who strengthen bilateral relations: “When we have the Surgeon General giving talks here, business leaders exploring partnerships, or our own mission staff with Indian roots, it puts us ahead of the game.”

Reflecting on their role in policy and diplomacy, he noted that Indian Americans bring unparalleled insights into navigating the complexities of India. “They act as navigators during tougher times, showing how resilient this relationship is,” Garcetti said.

On immigration, Garcetti encouraged young Indians to pursue opportunities in the United States, especially through education. “We’re seeing a record number of Indian students—over 333,000 visa applications adjudicated last year, more than double any other country,” he revealed. He advocated for greater inclusion of students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to the American dream.

“I hope that opportunities open up for Indians from minority groups and less privileged regions. America has always been a place for opportunity immigrants, not just the elite,” Garcetti said, underscoring his vision for inclusive immigration policies.

The Ambassador closed with optimism, calling Indian Americans a driving force behind the “ping-pong effect” of progress between the U.S. and India. “If you took Indian Americans out of the American story today, it would look incomplete — culturally, economically, and innovatively,” he concluded.

 

Milan Vaishnav on the Indian Diaspora in the United States

Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, highlighted the dramatic growth and influence of the Indian diaspora in the United States. "According to the latest US census data (2023), there are about 5.2 million people of Indian origin, making up 1.5 percent of the total population," he said. Of these, roughly 2.6 million are eligible voters. Notably, half the population resides in just four states: California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York.

Vaishnav underscored the diaspora’s exponential rise, stating, "From 2010 to 2020, the community grew by 50 percent, becoming the second largest immigrant group after Mexican Americans." He noted the post-2000 influx, driven largely by the IT boom, has reshaped the community's linguistic and cultural makeup, with Tamil and Telugu speakers on the rise.

On socio economic metrics, Vaishnav shared striking figures: "The median household income for Indian Americans is $153,000—double the national average. Educational attainment is also high, with 76 percent of Indian Americans holding a college degree, compared to 36 percent nationwide."

Vaishnav pointed to Indian Americans as crucial drivers of US-India relations, particularly through technology, venture capital, and political influence. Highlighting their advocacy during India's COVID-19 crisis, he said, "Indian Americans picked up the phone, called the White House, and expedited action." Their role as campaign donors and highly engaged voters—96 percent voter turnout—makes them a significant political force, courted by both parties in recent elections.