Four Indian Americans were included in Carnegie Corporation of New York's prestigious "Great Immigrants, Great Americans" list for 2026. This includes cybersecurity executive Nikesh Arora, Harvard professor Mahzarin Banaji, Harvard Medical School professor Dr Sanjiv Chopra and Vertex Pharmaceuticals President and CEO Reshma Kewalramani. The 2026 class includes 25 naturalised citizens from 21 countries and was announced just ahead of the US's 250th anniversary of independence. These people are recognised for their extraordinary contribution to American society.Nikesh was born in Uttar Pradesh and immigrated to pursue his graduate studies in the US in the 1990s. He has been serving as the chairman and chief executive officer of the American cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks since June 2018. As a Chairman, he increased the valuation of the company from $18 million to $225 billion. Mahzarin Banaji is widely known in the Academic circle for popularising the concept of implicit bias, and created the Implicit Association Test (IAT) along with three other scholars. She is a Social Psychologist at Harvard University. Born in New Delhi, Chopra is renowned as a liver disease specialist and educator at Harvard Medical School, while Mumbai-born Kewalramani leads Vertex Pharmaceuticals as its president and chief executive.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-big-beautiful-bill-student-loan-changes-july-1-1782903055163">Trump's Big Beautiful Bill brings sweeping changes to US student loans from July 1</a>Indian Americans frequently feature in this campaign. Most notable names include Astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan and civil rights advocate Manjusha P. Kulkarni in 2025, while other prominent Indian origin people to be honoured are Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, economist Gita Gopinath, and Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee

Nikesh Arora, Mahzarin Banaji, Dr Sanjiv Chopra and Reshma Kewalramani have been named to Carnegie Corporation of New York's Great Immigrants, Great Americans 2026 list.

Four Indian Americans were included in Carnegie Corporation of New York's prestigious "Great Immigrants, Great Americans" list for 2026. This includes cybersecurity executive Nikesh Arora, Harvard professor Mahzarin Banaji, Harvard Medical School professor Dr Sanjiv Chopra and Vertex Pharmaceuticals President and CEO Reshma Kewalramani. The 2026 class includes 25 naturalised citizens from 21 countries and was announced just ahead of the US's 250th anniversary of independence. These people are recognised for their extraordinary contribution to American society. Nikesh was born in Uttar Pradesh and immigrated to pursue his graduate studies in the US in the 1990s. He has been serving as the chairman and chief executive officer of the American cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks since June 2018. As a Chairman, he increased the valuation of the company from $18 million to $225 billion. Mahzarin Banaji is widely known in the Academic circle for popularising the concept of implicit bias, and created the Implicit Association Test (IAT) along with three other scholars. She is a Social Psychologist at Harvard University. Born in New Delhi, Chopra is renowned as a liver disease specialist and educator at Harvard Medical School, while Mumbai-born Kewalramani leads Vertex Pharmaceuticals as its president and chief executive. Also Read: Trump's Big Beautiful Bill brings sweeping changes to US student loans from July 1 Indian Americans frequently feature in this campaign. Most notable names include Astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan and civil rights advocate Manjusha P. Kulkarni in 2025, while other prominent Indian origin people to be honoured are Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, economist Gita Gopinath, and Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee

Nikesh Arora, Mahzarin Banaji, Dr Sanjiv Chopra and Reshma Kewalramani have been named to Carnegie Corporation of New York's Great Immigrants, Great Americans 2026 list.

Four Indian Americans named to Carnegie's Great Immigrants, Great Americans 2026 list

US President&nbsp;Joe Biden on Friday (March 11)&nbsp;appointed two Indian-Americans to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, and Manish Bapna, CEO of Natural Resources Defence Council, join the increasing list of persons of Indian heritage who have been appointed to important posts in the Biden administration.

On Friday, Biden announced his intent to appoint 14 people to the Advisory Committee, which provides overall policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on matters of development, implementation, and administration of the US trade policy.

Among these include negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements, the impact of the implementation of trade agreements, matters concerning the operation of any trade agreement once entered into, and other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States, the White House said.

Revathi Advaithi is CEO of Flex, "the global manufacturing partner of choice that helps a diverse customer base design and build products to improve the world".

Since assuming the role in 2019, Advaithi has been responsible for architecting the company's strategic direction and leading Flex through a transformation that is defining a new era in manufacturing, the White House said.

Prior to Flex, Advaithi was president and Chief Operating Officer for the electrical sector business for Eaton, a company with more than USD20 billion in sales and 102,000 employees.

She has also worked at Eaton's electrical sector, Americas, and Honeywell, and serves on the Board of Directors of Uber and Catalyst.Org.

Advaithi is a Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Advanced Manufacturing CEO Community and joined the WEF Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders.

She was recognized on Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business list for four consecutive years and named one of Business Today's Most Powerful Women in India. She holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Manish Bapna is president and CEO of the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC), which has been behind many of the most significant environmental milestones of the last half century from the creation of bedrock environmental laws, to landmark legal victories, and foundational research, the White House said.

During his 25-year career, Bapna's leadership roles have focused on tackling the root causes of poverty and climate change with strategies that are equitable, durable, and scalable. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Managing&nbsp;Director of the World Resources Institute, a research organization focused on the intersection of the environment and human development, for more than 14 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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US President Joe Biden on Friday (March 11) appointed two Indian-Americans to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, and Manish Bapna, CEO of Natural Resources Defence Council, join the increasing list of persons of Indian heritage who have been appointed to important posts in the Biden administration.

US President Joe Biden on Friday (March 11) appointed two Indian-Americans to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, and Manish Bapna, CEO of Natural Resources Defence Council, join the increasing list of persons of Indian heritage who have been appointed to important posts in the Biden administration. On Friday, Biden announced his intent to appoint 14 people to the Advisory Committee, which provides overall policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on matters of development, implementation, and administration of the US trade policy. Among these include negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements, the impact of the implementation of trade agreements, matters concerning the operation of any trade agreement once entered into, and other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States, the White House said. Revathi Advaithi is CEO of Flex, "the global manufacturing partner of choice that helps a diverse customer base design and build products to improve the world". Since assuming the role in 2019, Advaithi has been responsible for architecting the company's strategic direction and leading Flex through a transformation that is defining a new era in manufacturing, the White House said. Prior to Flex, Advaithi was president and Chief Operating Officer for the electrical sector business for Eaton, a company with more than USD20 billion in sales and 102,000 employees. She has also worked at Eaton's electrical sector, Americas, and Honeywell, and serves on the Board of Directors of Uber and Catalyst.Org. Advaithi is a Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Advanced Manufacturing CEO Community and joined the WEF Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders. She was recognized on Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business list for four consecutive years and named one of Business Today's Most Powerful Women in India. She holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Manish Bapna is president and CEO of the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC), which has been behind many of the most significant environmental milestones of the last half century from the creation of bedrock environmental laws, to landmark legal victories, and foundational research, the White House said. During his 25-year career, Bapna's leadership roles have focused on tackling the root causes of poverty and climate change with strategies that are equitable, durable, and scalable. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the World Resources Institute, a research organization focused on the intersection of the environment and human development, for more than 14 years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Joe Biden appoints two Indian-Americans to Advisory Committee for trade

US President Joe Biden has announced his intention to propose 11 people for key positions on Tuesday.

Rahul Gupta and Atul Gawande are the two Indian-Americans among the 11 nominees who will play crucial roles in the US government.

Atul Gawande is the candidate for Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development, while Rahul Gupta is the nominee for Director of National Drug Control Policy.

Gawande has four New York Times best-selling books to his credit -- Complications, Better, The Checklist Manifesto, and Being Mortal.

"I'm honoured to be nominated to lead global health development at USAID, including for Covid. With more Covid deaths worldwide in the first half of 2021 than in all of 2020, I'm grateful for the chance to help end this crisis and to re-strengthen public health systems worldwide," Gawande said in a tweet.

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I’m honored to be nominated to lead global health development at <a href="https://twitter.com/USAID?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAID</a>, including for COVID. With more COVID deaths worldwide in the first half of 2021 than in all of 2020, I’m grateful for the chance to help end this crisis and to re-strengthen public health systems worldwide.
— Atul Gawande (@Atul_Gawande) <a href="https://twitter.com/Atul_Gawande/status/1415048313653563395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Dr Rahul Gupta, a primary-care doctor who led Biden’s transition efforts for the drug policy office, would be the first physician to serve as a drug czar if confirmed by the Senate.

"President Biden’s nomination of Dr Rahul Gupta to be the first physician ever to lead the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is another historic step in the Administration’s efforts to turn the tide of our nation’s addiction and overdose epidemic," the White House said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden has announced his intention to propose 11 people for key positions on Tuesday. Rahul Gupta and Atul Gawande are the two Indian-Americans among the 11 nominees who will play crucial roles in the US government.

US President Joe Biden has announced his intention to propose 11 people for key positions on Tuesday. Rahul Gupta and Atul Gawande are the two Indian-Americans among the 11 nominees who will play crucial roles in the US government. Atul Gawande is the candidate for Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development, while Rahul Gupta is the nominee for Director of National Drug Control Policy. Gawande has four New York Times best-selling books to his credit -- Complications, Better, The Checklist Manifesto, and Being Mortal. "I'm honoured to be nominated to lead global health development at USAID, including for Covid. With more Covid deaths worldwide in the first half of 2021 than in all of 2020, I'm grateful for the chance to help end this crisis and to re-strengthen public health systems worldwide," Gawande said in a tweet. I’m honored to be nominated to lead global health development at @USAID, including for COVID. With more COVID deaths worldwide in the first half of 2021 than in all of 2020, I’m grateful for the chance to help end this crisis and to re-strengthen public health systems worldwide. — Atul Gawande (@Atul_Gawande) July 13, 2021 × Dr Rahul Gupta, a primary-care doctor who led Biden’s transition efforts for the drug policy office, would be the first physician to serve as a drug czar if confirmed by the Senate. "President Biden’s nomination of Dr Rahul Gupta to be the first physician ever to lead the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is another historic step in the Administration’s efforts to turn the tide of our nation’s addiction and overdose epidemic," the White House said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-Americans Atul Gawande, Rahul Gupta in Joe Biden's 11 key nominations

US President Joe Biden has named Radhika Fox and Meera Joshi, two Indian-American women already working in his administration, to be part of a 10 member team to lead on climate and transportation matters across key agencies, the media reported. 
 
According to a White House announcement on Wednesday, Fox would become Assistant Administrator for Water, Environmental Protection Agency, while Joshi is being named as Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, reports The American Bazaar media outlet. 
 
Appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 20, Fox currently serves as the Acting Assistant Administer for Water. 
 
Prior to joining the EPA, Fox served as Chief Executive Officer for the US Water Alliance and had also directed the policy and government affairs agenda for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. 
 
Meanwhile, Joshi had previously served as the Chair and CEO of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. 
 
At the nation`s largest for-hire transportation regulator, she led the `Vision Zero` campaigns using data tools to keep high-risk drivers and unsafe vehicles off the road. 
 
She was also the Inspector General for New York City`s Department of Corrections.

US President Joe Biden has named Radhika Fox and Meera Joshi, two Indian-American women already working in his administration, to be part of a 10 member team to lead on climate and transportation matters across key agencies, the media reported.

US President Joe Biden has named Radhika Fox and Meera Joshi, two Indian-American women already working in his administration, to be part of a 10 member team to lead on climate and transportation matters across key agencies, the media reported. According to a White House announcement on Wednesday, Fox would become Assistant Administrator for Water, Environmental Protection Agency, while Joshi is being named as Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, reports The American Bazaar media outlet. Appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 20, Fox currently serves as the Acting Assistant Administer for Water. Prior to joining the EPA, Fox served as Chief Executive Officer for the US Water Alliance and had also directed the policy and government affairs agenda for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Meanwhile, Joshi had previously served as the Chair and CEO of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. At the nation`s largest for-hire transportation regulator, she led the `Vision Zero` campaigns using data tools to keep high-risk drivers and unsafe vehicles off the road. She was also the Inspector General for New York City`s Department of Corrections.

Biden names 2 Indian-Americans to key jobs

Temples across the US have announced special events to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple going around the US Capitol Hill on Tuesday, according to Hindu community leaders.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the temple would take place on August 5 in the holy town of Ayodhya and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be attending the event.

Temples across the US will perform special poojas and prayers, while a large number of Indian-Americans have said that they would lit diya to celebrate the bhoomi poojan of the Ram Temple.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-you-should-know-before-ram-mandir-bhoomi-puja-318075">In pics: What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony</a>

Indian-Americans from in and around Washington DC said that a tableau truck with a big LED display on Sri Ram Mandir will go around the Capitol Hill and the White house on Tuesday night.

Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir Tableau will go around the US Capitol Hill marking the beginning of the historic Temple construction at the holiest site for billion strong Hindus around the World,&nbsp;a statement issued by the community leaders here said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-blog-ayodhya-gears-for-ram-temple-foundation-laying-ceremony-all-decked-up-318200">Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony</a>

The Hindu Mandir Executives' Conference and Hindu Mandir Priests' Conference have also called for a virtual collective national prayer across America to rejoice the upcoming Shree Ram Mandir Poojan at Ayodhya.

Similarly in the city of New York as well, Hindu community leaders have decided to celebrate the historic occasion.

Images of Lord Ram and 3D portraits of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be beamed across the giant billboards in the iconic Times Square on August 5.

Prominent community leader and President of the American India Public Affairs Committee Jagdish Sewhani said that among the prominent billboards that are being leased for the occasion are the giant Nasdaq screen and the 17,000-square-foot wrap-around LED display screen, considered among the largest continuous exterior displays in the world and the highest-resolution exterior LED screen in Times Square.

Temples across the US have announced special events to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple going around the US Capitol Hill on Tuesday, according to Hindu community leaders.

Temples across the US have announced special events to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple going around the US Capitol Hill on Tuesday, according to Hindu community leaders. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the temple would take place on August 5 in the holy town of Ayodhya and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be attending the event. Temples across the US will perform special poojas and prayers, while a large number of Indian-Americans have said that they would lit diya to celebrate the bhoomi poojan of the Ram Temple. Also see: In pics: What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony Indian-Americans from in and around Washington DC said that a tableau truck with a big LED display on Sri Ram Mandir will go around the Capitol Hill and the White house on Tuesday night. Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir Tableau will go around the US Capitol Hill marking the beginning of the historic Temple construction at the holiest site for billion strong Hindus around the World, a statement issued by the community leaders here said. Also read: Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony The Hindu Mandir Executives' Conference and Hindu Mandir Priests' Conference have also called for a virtual collective national prayer across America to rejoice the upcoming Shree Ram Mandir Poojan at Ayodhya. Similarly in the city of New York as well, Hindu community leaders have decided to celebrate the historic occasion. Images of Lord Ram and 3D portraits of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be beamed across the giant billboards in the iconic Times Square on August 5. Prominent community leader and President of the American India Public Affairs Committee Jagdish Sewhani said that among the prominent billboards that are being leased for the occasion are the giant Nasdaq screen and the 17,000-square-foot wrap-around LED display screen, considered among the largest continuous exterior displays in the world and the highest-resolution exterior LED screen in Times Square.

Indian-Americans to celebrate Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony

Indian-Americans, U.S. veterans protest against Pakistan on the streets of U.S.

Anti-Pakistan protests in U.S.

53-year-old went to police station with a body in his car and confessed about the gruesome murders done by him.

Indian-American man held for murders

PM Modi and President Trump came together to address the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/howdy-modi-us-president-donald-trump-hints-he-might-visit-india-for-nba-next-month-251328"> Indian-American community </a>at "Howdy, Modi" event at the NRG stadium in Houston today with both leaders pledging to further strengthen India-US ties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-president-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-nrg-stadium-houston-251225">Also Read - Howdy, Modi': Several defence deals in the works between US, India, says Trump</a>

The Indian prime minister arrived amid a standing ovation&nbsp;by the crowd who had gathered at the stadium several hours ahead of the event.

Modi was later joined by President Trump as the crowd cheered both leaders. PM Modi lauded India-US relationship as President Trump looked visibly elated with Indian-Americans cheering him on.

Watch Video:

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During his speech, Trump announced that "several defence deals" were in the works between the two countries even as he stressed that enhanced space cooperation was also being worked out.&nbsp;

Sending a strong anti-terror message, Trump said: "We will jointly fight radical Islamic terrorists." "In November, we will conduct tri-service military exercise," the US president added.

"India-US ties are stronger than ever, Trump said, adding," border security is vital for both of us."&nbsp;

"India is growing remarkably under PM Modi," Trump said. "India lifted 300 million people from poverty, under PM Modi," Trump told the crowd amid loud cheers.

"India will shortly have NBA," he said. "Am I invited Mr Prime Minister," he asked PM Modi, "I may come," he added.

"Proud to have Indians as Americans," Trump said.

"We love you," Trump told the over 50,000 strong Indian-Americans gathered at the NRG stadium.

"The relationship between India and US is stronger than ever before," Trump said.

"Both countries are guided by commitment to justice," the US President said.

PM Modi and President Trump came together to address the Indian-American community at "Howdy, Modi" event at the NRG stadium in Houston today with both leaders pledging to further strengthen India-US ties.

PM Modi and President Trump came together to address the Indian-American community at "Howdy, Modi" event at the NRG stadium in Houston today with both leaders pledging to further strengthen India-US ties. Also Read - Howdy, Modi': Several defence deals in the works between US, India, says Trump The Indian prime minister arrived amid a standing ovation by the crowd who had gathered at the stadium several hours ahead of the event. Modi was later joined by President Trump as the crowd cheered both leaders. PM Modi lauded India-US relationship as President Trump looked visibly elated with Indian-Americans cheering him on. Watch Video: During his speech, Trump announced that "several defence deals" were in the works between the two countries even as he stressed that enhanced space cooperation was also being worked out. Sending a strong anti-terror message, Trump said: "We will jointly fight radical Islamic terrorists." "In November, we will conduct tri-service military exercise," the US president added. "India-US ties are stronger than ever, Trump said, adding," border security is vital for both of us." "India is growing remarkably under PM Modi," Trump said. "India lifted 300 million people from poverty, under PM Modi," Trump told the crowd amid loud cheers. "India will shortly have NBA," he said. "Am I invited Mr Prime Minister," he asked PM Modi, "I may come," he added. "Proud to have Indians as Americans," Trump said. "We love you," Trump told the over 50,000 strong Indian-Americans gathered at the NRG stadium. "The relationship between India and US is stronger than ever before," Trump said. "Both countries are guided by commitment to justice," the US President said.

Border security vital for both US and India, says Trump at 'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/howdy-modi-in-houston-indian-parliamentarians-get-standing-ovation-for-scrapping-article-370-251364">India</a> and the US are committed to eradicate Islamic terrorism and to protect innocent civilians.

Addressing the issue of terrorism during the gala-event of 'Howdy Modi!' that was attended by more than 50,000 people in Houston, Trump stated that India and the US stand proudly in defence of liberty and "we are committed to protect innocent civilians from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism."

"To keep our communities safe, we must protect our borders Border security vital to the USA," he added.

Trump received a standing ovation from the Indian-American community over his remark.

Watch: Committed to fight radical Islamic terror, says Donald Trump

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The US President's comment holds importance as India last month reorganised Jammu and Kashmir to safeguard the region from the Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Trump also exuded confidence in the Prime Minister and said that Modi is doing a great job with the people of India.

"To keep our security safe we must protect our borders. Border security is vital to the two countries," he added.

He also said that the US has also increased its defence sales to India. India and America will also increase its space cooperation, the President assured, adding that the two countries will also hold a tri-service military exercise in November.

Upon his arrival, Trump was welcomed by PM Modi who hailed the US President for his sense of leadership.

PM Modi, in his style, vouched for Trump ahead of 2020 presidential polls, saying "ab ki baar Trump sarkar" - modifying the 'Ab ki Baar Modi sarkar' slogan coined for the 2014 BJP election campaign.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that India and the US are committed to eradicate Islamic terrorism and to protect innocent civilians. Addressing the issue of terrorism during the gala-event of 'Howdy Modi!

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that India and the US are committed to eradicate Islamic terrorism and to protect innocent civilians. Addressing the issue of terrorism during the gala-event of 'Howdy Modi!' that was attended by more than 50,000 people in Houston, Trump stated that India and the US stand proudly in defence of liberty and "we are committed to protect innocent civilians from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism." "To keep our communities safe, we must protect our borders Border security vital to the USA," he added. Trump received a standing ovation from the Indian-American community over his remark. Watch: Committed to fight radical Islamic terror, says Donald Trump The US President's comment holds importance as India last month reorganised Jammu and Kashmir to safeguard the region from the Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Trump also exuded confidence in the Prime Minister and said that Modi is doing a great job with the people of India. "To keep our security safe we must protect our borders. Border security is vital to the two countries," he added. He also said that the US has also increased its defence sales to India. India and America will also increase its space cooperation, the President assured, adding that the two countries will also hold a tri-service military exercise in November. Upon his arrival, Trump was welcomed by PM Modi who hailed the US President for his sense of leadership. PM Modi, in his style, vouched for Trump ahead of 2020 presidential polls, saying "ab ki baar Trump sarkar" - modifying the 'Ab ki Baar Modi sarkar' slogan coined for the 2014 BJP election campaign.

India, US committed to protect innocents from radical Islamic terrorism, says Trump at 'Howdy Modi!'

In front of a plethora of US Leaders and President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/howdy-modi-us-president-donald-trump-hints-he-might-visit-india-for-nba-next-month-251328">Donald Trump</a> himself, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly reiterated that his government's move to bid farewell to Article 370 was aimed at ending 2 things - discrimination and terrorism.

Addressing the “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/border-security-vital-for-both-us-and-india-says-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-houston-251331">Howdy, Mody</a>” event in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-loves-india-tweets-trump-after-howdy-modi-event-in-houston-251332">Houston</a>, Prime Minister Modi told the crowd to give a standing ovation to Indian parliamentarians for ensuring the nod to repeal key provisions of Article 370 that deal with Jammu and Kashmir.

The prime minister counted the move in Jammu and Kashmir as one of the major achievements of his government within its first 100 days.

He said that Article 370 had kept people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh away from the development and equal rights.

Watch: Loud cheers as PM Modi mentions Article 370

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"Separatist leaders and terrorism were taking advantage of this situation. Now, the people there are getting the same rights as enjoyed by the rest of the nation," PM Modi added.

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In pics: Sending a strong anti-terror message, <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> said, "We will jointly fight radical Islamic terrorists"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInHouston?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInHouston</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HowdyModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HowdyModi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USADirect?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USADirect</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><a href="https://t.co/kiZEyjtLrk">https://t.co/kiZEyjtLrk</a>
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The issue of abrogation of article 370 had also resonated in the US. With President Trump too making a mention.

New Delhi had given a firm reminder that the Kashmir issue was a bilateral one between India and Pakistan and the current changes were part of an effort to bring development to the state where terrorism had flourished.

Launching a scathing attack at the Imran Khan government which has been flagging Kashmir at various international forums - including the United Nations, PM Modi said that 'What India is doing has troubled some people who can't even manage their own country'.

This remark drew loud cheers from the audience at the event.

Without naming Pakistan again - the Prime Minister said that one country (Pakistan) has made its hatred towards India the centre of their agenda.

Ever since Modi government stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, Pakistan has left no stone unturned to internationalise the issue.&nbsp;

However, to its embarrassment, Islamabad failed to garner support from the international community. Several countries, including the USA, have dubbed abrogation of article 370 as India's internal matter.

In front of a plethora of US Leaders and President Donald Trump himself, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly reiterated that his government's move to bid farewell to Article 370 was aimed at ending 2 things - discrimination and terrorism.

In front of a plethora of US Leaders and President Donald Trump himself, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly reiterated that his government's move to bid farewell to Article 370 was aimed at ending 2 things - discrimination and terrorism. Addressing the “Howdy, Mody” event in Houston, Prime Minister Modi told the crowd to give a standing ovation to Indian parliamentarians for ensuring the nod to repeal key provisions of Article 370 that deal with Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister counted the move in Jammu and Kashmir as one of the major achievements of his government within its first 100 days. He said that Article 370 had kept people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh away from the development and equal rights. Watch: Loud cheers as PM Modi mentions Article 370 "Separatist leaders and terrorism were taking advantage of this situation. Now, the people there are getting the same rights as enjoyed by the rest of the nation," PM Modi added. In pics: Sending a strong anti-terror message, @realDonaldTrump said, "We will jointly fight radical Islamic terrorists"#ModiInHouston #HowdyModi#USADirect @narendramodihttps://t.co/kiZEyjtLrk — WION (@WIONews) September 22, 2019 × The issue of abrogation of article 370 had also resonated in the US. With President Trump too making a mention. New Delhi had given a firm reminder that the Kashmir issue was a bilateral one between India and Pakistan and the current changes were part of an effort to bring development to the state where terrorism had flourished. Launching a scathing attack at the Imran Khan government which has been flagging Kashmir at various international forums - including the United Nations, PM Modi said that 'What India is doing has troubled some people who can't even manage their own country'. This remark drew loud cheers from the audience at the event. Without naming Pakistan again - the Prime Minister said that one country (Pakistan) has made its hatred towards India the centre of their agenda. Ever since Modi government stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, Pakistan has left no stone unturned to internationalise the issue. However, to its embarrassment, Islamabad failed to garner support from the international community. Several countries, including the USA, have dubbed abrogation of article 370 as India's internal matter.

'Howdy, Modi' in Houston: Indian Parliamentarians get standing ovation for scrapping Article 370

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (local time) hailed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/investment-border-security-pro-growth-policies-donald-trumps-speech-at-howdy-modi-251341">Indian-American communit</a>y for its contributions in providing new heights and dynamics to the warm and friendly ties shared by India and the United States.

"You all have set the stage for a glorious future as far as India-USA ties are concerned. I thank you all for your team-work," the Prime Minister told the crowd gathered at the community reception in Houston.

Earlier today, Modi inaugurated the Eternal Gandhi Museum, during an event organised by the Indian community here.

Watch: Howdy Modi Event - Trump calls Modi 'the most loyal friend'

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Citing the relevance of the Mahatma's principles in the contemporary world, the Prime Minister said, "The Eternal Gandhi museum will be a prized cultural landmark in Houston. I have been associated with this effort for a while. It will surely make Gandhi Ji's&nbsp;thoughts popular among the youth."

During the same event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Gujarati Samaj of Houston Event Centre and Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple in the US city of Texas.

"Wherever we go, we should stay connected with our mother tongue, it has its own strength. You're making a centre for Gujarati community, I request you to never grow distant from your mother tongue. This effort should be continuous for the upcoming generations," Modi stressed.

In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister further urged the Indian Diaspora to send at least five non-Indian families to India as tourists.

The Prime Minister said, "People don't visit a country after looking into maps. They do after somebody tells them about a place and its attractions.

"The reception follows the 'Howdy, Modi!'&nbsp;at NRG Stadium that saw nearly 50,000 people attending gala-event. The Indian Prime Minister shared the stage with US President Donald Trump and addressed issues such as terrorism, border security and energy cooperation between the two countries.

The Prime Minister has now emplaned for New York to attend the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (local time) hailed the Indian-American community for its contributions in providing new heights and dynamics to the warm and friendly ties shared by India and the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (local time) hailed the Indian-American community for its contributions in providing new heights and dynamics to the warm and friendly ties shared by India and the United States. "You all have set the stage for a glorious future as far as India-USA ties are concerned. I thank you all for your team-work," the Prime Minister told the crowd gathered at the community reception in Houston. Earlier today, Modi inaugurated the Eternal Gandhi Museum, during an event organised by the Indian community here. Watch: Howdy Modi Event - Trump calls Modi 'the most loyal friend' × Citing the relevance of the Mahatma's principles in the contemporary world, the Prime Minister said, "The Eternal Gandhi museum will be a prized cultural landmark in Houston. I have been associated with this effort for a while. It will surely make Gandhi Ji's thoughts popular among the youth." During the same event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Gujarati Samaj of Houston Event Centre and Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple in the US city of Texas. "Wherever we go, we should stay connected with our mother tongue, it has its own strength. You're making a centre for Gujarati community, I request you to never grow distant from your mother tongue. This effort should be continuous for the upcoming generations," Modi stressed. In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister further urged the Indian Diaspora to send at least five non-Indian families to India as tourists. The Prime Minister said, "People don't visit a country after looking into maps. They do after somebody tells them about a place and its attractions. "The reception follows the 'Howdy, Modi!' at NRG Stadium that saw nearly 50,000 people attending gala-event. The Indian Prime Minister shared the stage with US President Donald Trump and addressed issues such as terrorism, border security and energy cooperation between the two countries. The Prime Minister has now emplaned for New York to attend the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

PM Modi hails Indian community's contribution in strengthening India-US ties

Here are the expectations of Indian-Americans from the grand speech of PM Modi and Donald Trump in Howdy Modi event.

Howdy Modi Event: Expectations of Indian-Americans from the grand speech of PM Modi and Trump

One look at Prime Minister Modi's historic address at the Madison Square Garden in 2014 or the Wembley stadium in 2015 would explain the importance of the Indian diaspora. In the past - the Indian diaspora was viewed as a vote bank since previous Indian governments did not always harness the strength of the Indian diaspora.

Of course, overseas Indians contribute heavily to the funds of political parties in India but their reach extends far beyond it. According to the US census, the Indian diaspora in the US outpaces all other ethnic groups in terms of socio-economic status.

Indian-Americans account for over six per cent of physicians in the US with&nbsp;high household income. The Indian diaspora is often seen as a "model minority" not just in the US, but in other countries as well including in the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. They own several businesses in these countries and their political representation is ever-increasing.

If India wants a steady flow of investments from countries like the US, then the government must &nbsp;promote serious engagement with the Indian diaspora. It's unbelievable that such engagement remained poor in the past. It's as if India did&nbsp;not want to synergise the strength of its 31 million people.

Under PM Modi, things have changed for sure! The remittances in 2016 alone were over $62 billion. It is a direct contribution to the Indian economy. In simple terms, the Indian diaspora gives India the soft power to improve its reach in other markets. As India's export-competitiveness increases further, such links would be crucial to maintain holistic growth. Unlike the current regime, the Congress was handicapped by suspicion of the Indian diaspora be it Myanmar in 1964, or Uganda in 1972, the party did not support the people of Indian origin when they most needed it.

It created an environment of mistrust and that has hurt India's ability to engage with other countries.

A strong engagement between the Indian government and the Indian diaspora will also help in another way - it will force foreign governments to take the Indian diaspora seriously and not just as a vote bank, and that in turn would lend strength to the government on crucial issues.

India is going to be a major growth engine of this century and the clout of New Delhi can improve only if diplomatic links are established with other countries at a micro-economic level. It can only happen through the Indian diaspora which is a vital cog in the wheel of India's engagement with the world.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

One look at Prime Minister Modi's historic address at the Madison Square Garden in 2014 or the Wembley stadium in 2015 would explain the importance of the Indian diaspora.

One look at Prime Minister Modi's historic address at the Madison Square Garden in 2014 or the Wembley stadium in 2015 would explain the importance of the Indian diaspora. In the past - the Indian diaspora was viewed as a vote bank since previous Indian governments did not always harness the strength of the Indian diaspora. Of course, overseas Indians contribute heavily to the funds of political parties in India but their reach extends far beyond it. According to the US census, the Indian diaspora in the US outpaces all other ethnic groups in terms of socio-economic status. Indian-Americans account for over six per cent of physicians in the US with high household income. The Indian diaspora is often seen as a "model minority" not just in the US, but in other countries as well including in the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. They own several businesses in these countries and their political representation is ever-increasing. If India wants a steady flow of investments from countries like the US, then the government must promote serious engagement with the Indian diaspora. It's unbelievable that such engagement remained poor in the past. It's as if India did not want to synergise the strength of its 31 million people. Under PM Modi, things have changed for sure! The remittances in 2016 alone were over $62 billion. It is a direct contribution to the Indian economy. In simple terms, the Indian diaspora gives India the soft power to improve its reach in other markets. As India's export-competitiveness increases further, such links would be crucial to maintain holistic growth. Unlike the current regime, the Congress was handicapped by suspicion of the Indian diaspora be it Myanmar in 1964, or Uganda in 1972, the party did not support the people of Indian origin when they most needed it. It created an environment of mistrust and that has hurt India's ability to engage with other countries. A strong engagement between the Indian government and the Indian diaspora will also help in another way - it will force foreign governments to take the Indian diaspora seriously and not just as a vote bank, and that in turn would lend strength to the government on crucial issues. India is going to be a major growth engine of this century and the clout of New Delhi can improve only if diplomatic links are established with other countries at a micro-economic level. It can only happen through the Indian diaspora which is a vital cog in the wheel of India's engagement with the world. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

WION Edit: Diaspora vital cog in India's engagement with the world

Pulwama attack: Indian-Americans protest in New York, raise 'Pakistan Murdabad' slogans

US President Trump while c<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-interviews-indian-american-woman-to-replace-kavanaugh-in-dc-circuit-court-174293">elebrating Diwali at the White House </a>joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators".

"I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said.

"So we're working and it's moving along. India is the world's largest democracy and the relationship between our two countries can act as a bulwark for freedom, prosperity and peace," he said as Indian-Americans at the White House applauded.&nbsp;

Last year, President Trump had celebrated Diwali at the Oval Office with his cabinet minister Nikki Haley and other senior officials along with a few Indian-Americans.

"As we light the diya in the White House and we join in the fellowship with all of those who light lamps in their own home, cities and places of worship. America is a land of faith and we are truly fortunate to have these wonderful traditions woven into the tapestry of our national life," he said.

President Trump had invited the Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Singh Sarna, his wife Dr Avina Sarna, and his special assistant Pratik Mathur to be present during the White House Diwali celebrations&nbsp;

"I think, we are looking at one of the best times we ever had in India-US relationship," Sarna said, to which the US president said: "I think, that's true. Very close, closer than ever before."

The first White House Diwali celebrations was held in 2003 under the then president George W Bush, however, he didn't attend the ceremony. 
&nbsp; 
Since 2003, Diwali celebrations at the White House has become an annual tradition. In 2009, former President Barack Obama had lit the ceremonial lamp in the East room of the White House. &nbsp;

In 2013, First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated Diwali.

"I'm honored to host this beautiful ceremony at the White House. Very, very special people. We're gathered today to celebrate a very special holiday observed by Buddhist, Sikhs and Jains throughout the United States and around the world. Hundreds of millions of people have gathered with family and friends to light the Diya and to mark the beginning of a New year: very special new year," the president said.

US President Trump while celebrating Diwali at the White House joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators". "I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi.

US President Trump while celebrating Diwali at the White House joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators". "I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said. "So we're working and it's moving along. India is the world's largest democracy and the relationship between our two countries can act as a bulwark for freedom, prosperity and peace," he said as Indian-Americans at the White House applauded. Last year, President Trump had celebrated Diwali at the Oval Office with his cabinet minister Nikki Haley and other senior officials along with a few Indian-Americans. "As we light the diya in the White House and we join in the fellowship with all of those who light lamps in their own home, cities and places of worship. America is a land of faith and we are truly fortunate to have these wonderful traditions woven into the tapestry of our national life," he said. President Trump had invited the Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Singh Sarna, his wife Dr Avina Sarna, and his special assistant Pratik Mathur to be present during the White House Diwali celebrations "I think, we are looking at one of the best times we ever had in India-US relationship," Sarna said, to which the US president said: "I think, that's true. Very close, closer than ever before." The first White House Diwali celebrations was held in 2003 under the then president George W Bush, however, he didn't attend the ceremony. Since 2003, Diwali celebrations at the White House has become an annual tradition. In 2009, former President Barack Obama had lit the ceremonial lamp in the East room of the White House. In 2013, First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated Diwali. "I'm honored to host this beautiful ceremony at the White House. Very, very special people. We're gathered today to celebrate a very special holiday observed by Buddhist, Sikhs and Jains throughout the United States and around the world. Hundreds of millions of people have gathered with family and friends to light the Diya and to mark the beginning of a New year: very special new year," the president said.

Video: Indians are very good negotiators, says Trump during Diwali celebrations

The so-called 'Samosa Caucus' - an informal group of the Indian-Americans in the US Congress - has failed to bolster its strength, though its all four incumbent members got re-elected to the House of Representatives in the crucial midterm elections.

Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi all won in landslides, while Ami Bera, the longtime US representative in California's 7th Congressional District, won in a more closely-contested race.

In the Eighth Congressional District of Illinois, 45-year-old Krishnamoorthi was re-elected for the second term by a comfortable margin of more than 30 percentage points. He defeated his Indian American Republican opponent J D Diganvker.

Three-term lawmaker 53-year-old Bera was re-elected for a record fourth consecutive time from the Seventh Congressional District of California.&nbsp;

Unlike the previous three elections, Bera did not have to wait for weeks for recounting of votes. He defeated Andrew Grant of the Republican party by a small five per cent margin.

"It's been an honour serving the 7th Congressional District as your congressman and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve again," he said in a statement after responding to the news of his victory.

Bera added that the election was about the values held by Americans.

"If we are truly going to heal this country, we must start by rebuilding trust in government, working across party lines, and putting people before politics," he said, adding that "Whether it's protecting health care or improving Social Security and Medicare, the choices we make right now will directly impact future generations raised in Sacramento County.

In the Silicon Valley, Khanna, 42, defeated Ron Cohen of the Republican party with a massive 44 percentage point in the 17th Congressional District of California.&nbsp;

"Tonight was a great night for our campaign and for Democrats across the country. I'm grateful to the voters of #CA17 for giving me the opportunity to continue to represent you in Congress. This has been the honour of my life," Khanna said.

"With Democrats in control of the House, we will push for economic and foreign policy populism," he said.

Congresswoman Jayapal, the only Indian-American woman lawmaker in the House of Representatives, defeated her Republican rival Craig Keller by a massive 66 percentage points.

"The American people voted to put the Democrats back in control of the US House of Representatives. Now, we are primed to restore the balance of power between the branches of government and push back even more strongly against the Trump administration's deeply destructive policies," Jayapal, 53, said in her victory speech in Seattle.

None of the more than half a dozen new Indian-Americans candidates, many of whom caught national attention by giving a tough fight to their opponents and outraising them in the fundraisers, could make it to the House of Representatives, which is equivalent to Lok Sabha in the Indian parliament.

However, Indian-Americans picked up more seats in the State Assemblies. The community sent its member Ram Villivalam for the first time to the Illinois Senate and also elected a Muslim Indian-American Mujtaba Mohammed to the North Carolina State Senate.

For the first time, more than 100 Indian-Americans had entered the race in this mid-term elections, of which over 50 were on the ballot on Tuesday.

Among them, 12, including four incumbents, were running for the House and one for the Senate - a record in itself.

Indian-American of Tibetan descent Aftab Pureval, 35, lost to Republican incumbent Steve Chabot.

Former state department diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni lost to his Republican incumbent Pete Olson from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas.

A five-time incumbent, Olson defeated his Indian-American Democratic challenger in the most heated 22nd Congressional District that the opposition had hoped to flip due to a large Asian-American population.

In the first Congressional District of Arkansas, Democratic Chintan Desai lost to Republican incumbent Rick Crawford, while Republican Harry Arora lost to incumbent Jim Himes in the Fourth Congressional District of Connecticut.

Successful entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai, who fought the Massachusetts Senate race as an independent, came a distant third. Democratic leader Elizabeth Warren registered a comprehensive win over her Republican rival Geoff Diehl to re-enter the US Senate.

Democratic Nima Kulkarni defeated Joshua Neubert from the GOP to make her maiden entry into the Kentucky Assembly from State District 40. A practising and recognised lawyer, she owns Indus Law Firm specialising in immigration, employment and business law.

Mujtaba Mohammed entered the North Carolina State Senate from the Senate District 38. A former staff attorney at the Council for Children's Rights and assistant public defender, Mohammed defeated Richard Rivette.

Republican Niraj Atani, 27, registered his third consecutive electoral victory from Ohio House 42nd District. He is the youngest Indian-American elected official in the US.&nbsp;

He is also the second Indian-American state elected official in Ohio history and the first Indian-American Republican.

Nationwide, the Democratic Party won more than the necessary 218 seats to reclaim control of the House, while the US Senate remains in Republican control.&nbsp;

The so-called 'Samosa Caucus' - an informal group of the Indian-Americans in the US Congress - has failed to bolster its strength, though its all four incumbent members got re-elected to the House of Representatives in the crucial midterm elections.

The so-called 'Samosa Caucus' - an informal group of the Indian-Americans in the US Congress - has failed to bolster its strength, though its all four incumbent members got re-elected to the House of Representatives in the crucial midterm elections. Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi all won in landslides, while Ami Bera, the longtime US representative in California's 7th Congressional District, won in a more closely-contested race. In the Eighth Congressional District of Illinois, 45-year-old Krishnamoorthi was re-elected for the second term by a comfortable margin of more than 30 percentage points. He defeated his Indian American Republican opponent J D Diganvker. Three-term lawmaker 53-year-old Bera was re-elected for a record fourth consecutive time from the Seventh Congressional District of California. Unlike the previous three elections, Bera did not have to wait for weeks for recounting of votes. He defeated Andrew Grant of the Republican party by a small five per cent margin. "It's been an honour serving the 7th Congressional District as your congressman and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve again," he said in a statement after responding to the news of his victory. Bera added that the election was about the values held by Americans. "If we are truly going to heal this country, we must start by rebuilding trust in government, working across party lines, and putting people before politics," he said, adding that "Whether it's protecting health care or improving Social Security and Medicare, the choices we make right now will directly impact future generations raised in Sacramento County. In the Silicon Valley, Khanna, 42, defeated Ron Cohen of the Republican party with a massive 44 percentage point in the 17th Congressional District of California. "Tonight was a great night for our campaign and for Democrats across the country. I'm grateful to the voters of #CA17 for giving me the opportunity to continue to represent you in Congress. This has been the honour of my life," Khanna said. "With Democrats in control of the House, we will push for economic and foreign policy populism," he said. Congresswoman Jayapal, the only Indian-American woman lawmaker in the House of Representatives, defeated her Republican rival Craig Keller by a massive 66 percentage points. "The American people voted to put the Democrats back in control of the US House of Representatives. Now, we are primed to restore the balance of power between the branches of government and push back even more strongly against the Trump administration's deeply destructive policies," Jayapal, 53, said in her victory speech in Seattle. None of the more than half a dozen new Indian-Americans candidates, many of whom caught national attention by giving a tough fight to their opponents and outraising them in the fundraisers, could make it to the House of Representatives, which is equivalent to Lok Sabha in the Indian parliament. However, Indian-Americans picked up more seats in the State Assemblies. The community sent its member Ram Villivalam for the first time to the Illinois Senate and also elected a Muslim Indian-American Mujtaba Mohammed to the North Carolina State Senate. For the first time, more than 100 Indian-Americans had entered the race in this mid-term elections, of which over 50 were on the ballot on Tuesday. Among them, 12, including four incumbents, were running for the House and one for the Senate - a record in itself. Indian-American of Tibetan descent Aftab Pureval, 35, lost to Republican incumbent Steve Chabot. Former state department diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni lost to his Republican incumbent Pete Olson from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas. A five-time incumbent, Olson defeated his Indian-American Democratic challenger in the most heated 22nd Congressional District that the opposition had hoped to flip due to a large Asian-American population. In the first Congressional District of Arkansas, Democratic Chintan Desai lost to Republican incumbent Rick Crawford, while Republican Harry Arora lost to incumbent Jim Himes in the Fourth Congressional District of Connecticut. Successful entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai, who fought the Massachusetts Senate race as an independent, came a distant third. Democratic leader Elizabeth Warren registered a comprehensive win over her Republican rival Geoff Diehl to re-enter the US Senate. Democratic Nima Kulkarni defeated Joshua Neubert from the GOP to make her maiden entry into the Kentucky Assembly from State District 40. A practising and recognised lawyer, she owns Indus Law Firm specialising in immigration, employment and business law. Mujtaba Mohammed entered the North Carolina State Senate from the Senate District 38. A former staff attorney at the Council for Children's Rights and assistant public defender, Mohammed defeated Richard Rivette. Republican Niraj Atani, 27, registered his third consecutive electoral victory from Ohio House 42nd District. He is the youngest Indian-American elected official in the US. He is also the second Indian-American state elected official in Ohio history and the first Indian-American Republican. Nationwide, the Democratic Party won more than the necessary 218 seats to reclaim control of the House, while the US Senate remains in Republican control.

Samosa Caucus, informal group of Indian-Americans fails to increase its strength in US Congress in midterm polls 

Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump&#39;s plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa.

Flying to the US capital from as far as California, Texas and Chicago and driving several hundred miles from places like Florida, New York and Massachusetts, these highly skilled Indians, living in the US for the past several years and in many cases for more than a decade, urged Trump to end the per country limit on legal permanent residency so as to eliminate the massive Green Card backlog of highly skilled Indians.

&quot;We are looking strictly for a merit-based immigration. That will bring prosperity and fast economic growth of the US,&quot; Krishna Bansal, national policy and political director of Republican Hindu Coalition, told the rally of highly skilled

Indians, who want to make the US now their permanent home.

&quot;We are with President Trump for taking initiative towards a merit-based immigration system,&quot; Bansal said, adding that his group is working with the White House and lawmakers towards a comprehensive immigration bill that should include all these things.

Giving green cards to thousands of highly skilled professionals from India would help them realise their full potential and boost country?s growth and prosperity, he said.

The participants, many of them software engineers, at the rally yesterday had banner and posters with slogans like &#39;Cut Green Card backlog&#39;, &#39;strictly merit-based point system&#39;, &#39;end country limit&#39;, &#39;we need to support legal dreamers&#39;, and &#39;We support Trump.&#39;

This was one of the rare pro-Trump immigration rallies at the White House.

President Trump last week used his first State of the Union address to push for the merit-based immigration system that admits skilled people, a proposal that could benefit technology professionals from countries like India. 
&quot;It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system -- one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country,&quot; Trump had said.

Akshita Ramesh, 13, a student of Ronald Regan Middle School in Virginia, said that green card backlogs have been taunting most high skilled immigrants who have come to this country for a better life.

&quot;The wait expectancy for a green card for a high skilled immigrant from India tends to be somewhat from 12 Years to 70+ Years, when most of the world can get their Green Card in less than 2 years,&quot; she said.

Thanjavur-born, Akshita was one and half year old when she moved to the US along with her father Ramesh Ranathan, who is in the IT profession and had a H-1B visa.

Describing herself as legal H-4 dreamer, Akshita said the current green card waiting period for Indians means that her parents are unlikely to get legal permanent residency for next few decades.

&quot;I have always known I was born in India, and that I was on H4 Visa with my dad having an approved petition to apply for Green Card, but I didn?t know about everything to the full extent. I didn?t know that being on a H4 could mean that it will be much harder for colleges to accept me, no matter how good my grades are,&quot; she said.

&quot;I didn&#39;t know that having a H4 until 21 would mean possibly getting pretty much &#39;kicked out&#39; of the US, the only home I?ve ever known, the land that I felt all the happiness of achievement, and the burning anger of disappointment,&quot; Akshita said in a passionate plea.

&quot;And all of this just because I was born in a different country that I barely even lived in? ?Don?t you think that?s unfair?&quot; she said, adding that she feels that her dreams would be shattered.

&quot;It sounds scary when I think the day I would turn 21, I would be made to feel a bit like an outcast, or a misfit in the country that I grew up in, how would you feel if you were the only one kid in an area who will be stamped as an alien, a foreigner when you turn 21, even though you?ve lived in the country your whole life?&quot; she asked.

&quot;I urge all lawmakers and the President to hear me and support us in every way you can to solve the backlogs ASAP, and guarantee that this problem is solved once and for all, and no single ambitious kid and parent will have to go through the same scenario as me,&quot; Akshita said.

According to Republican Hindu Coalition, there are nearly 200,000 children of legal immigrants-in-line from India, who have never broken the law, but who simply age out at 21 and have to go back, because their parents have a 60 year wait to get their green card after it is approved.

&quot;US Economy if it was to grow four per cent per year will need another 400,000 high-skilled workers added to the work force each year. Immigration reform needs to address this issue as well. The Hindu and Indian community has some anxiety related to Immigration issues,&quot; said Anil Sharma a member of the organizing team.

Souptik Mukherjee, another member, said that for the high skilled professional with advanced degrees the green card wait seems to be endless. &quot;Any initiative to move towards a merit- based immigration system is highly laudable.&quot;&nbsp;

Rally participants had banner and posters with slogans like 'Cut Green Card backlog', 'strictly merit-based point system', 'end country limit', 'we need to support legal dreamers', and 'We support Trump'

Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump's plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa. Flying to the US capital from as far as California, Texas and Chicago and driving several hundred miles from places like Florida, New York and Massachusetts, these highly skilled Indians, living in the US for the past several years and in many cases for more than a decade, urged Trump to end the per country limit on legal permanent residency so as to eliminate the massive Green Card backlog of highly skilled Indians. "We are looking strictly for a merit-based immigration. That will bring prosperity and fast economic growth of the US," Krishna Bansal, national policy and political director of Republican Hindu Coalition, told the rally of highly skilled Indians, who want to make the US now their permanent home. "We are with President Trump for taking initiative towards a merit-based immigration system," Bansal said, adding that his group is working with the White House and lawmakers towards a comprehensive immigration bill that should include all these things. Giving green cards to thousands of highly skilled professionals from India would help them realise their full potential and boost country?s growth and prosperity, he said. The participants, many of them software engineers, at the rally yesterday had banner and posters with slogans like 'Cut Green Card backlog', 'strictly merit-based point system', 'end country limit', 'we need to support legal dreamers', and 'We support Trump.' This was one of the rare pro-Trump immigration rallies at the White House. President Trump last week used his first State of the Union address to push for the merit-based immigration system that admits skilled people, a proposal that could benefit technology professionals from countries like India. "It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system -- one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country," Trump had said. Akshita Ramesh, 13, a student of Ronald Regan Middle School in Virginia, said that green card backlogs have been taunting most high skilled immigrants who have come to this country for a better life. "The wait expectancy for a green card for a high skilled immigrant from India tends to be somewhat from 12 Years to 70+ Years, when most of the world can get their Green Card in less than 2 years," she said. Thanjavur-born, Akshita was one and half year old when she moved to the US along with her father Ramesh Ranathan, who is in the IT profession and had a H-1B visa. Describing herself as legal H-4 dreamer, Akshita said the current green card waiting period for Indians means that her parents are unlikely to get legal permanent residency for next few decades. "I have always known I was born in India, and that I was on H4 Visa with my dad having an approved petition to apply for Green Card, but I didn?t know about everything to the full extent. I didn?t know that being on a H4 could mean that it will be much harder for colleges to accept me, no matter how good my grades are," she said. "I didn't know that having a H4 until 21 would mean possibly getting pretty much 'kicked out' of the US, the only home I?ve ever known, the land that I felt all the happiness of achievement, and the burning anger of disappointment," Akshita said in a passionate plea. "And all of this just because I was born in a different country that I barely even lived in? ?Don?t you think that?s unfair?" she said, adding that she feels that her dreams would be shattered. "It sounds scary when I think the day I would turn 21, I would be made to feel a bit like an outcast, or a misfit in the country that I grew up in, how would you feel if you were the only one kid in an area who will be stamped as an alien, a foreigner when you turn 21, even though you?ve lived in the country your whole life?" she asked. "I urge all lawmakers and the President to hear me and support us in every way you can to solve the backlogs ASAP, and guarantee that this problem is solved once and for all, and no single ambitious kid and parent will have to go through the same scenario as me," Akshita said. According to Republican Hindu Coalition, there are nearly 200,000 children of legal immigrants-in-line from India, who have never broken the law, but who simply age out at 21 and have to go back, because their parents have a 60 year wait to get their green card after it is approved. "US Economy if it was to grow four per cent per year will need another 400,000 high-skilled workers added to the work force each year. Immigration reform needs to address this issue as well. The Hindu and Indian community has some anxiety related to Immigration issues," said Anil Sharma a member of the organizing team. Souptik Mukherjee, another member, said that for the high skilled professional with advanced degrees the green card wait seems to be endless. "Any initiative to move towards a merit- based immigration system is highly laudable."

Indian-Americans stage rare pro-Trump immigration rally to support merit-based system

A group of Indian-Americans &amp; Balochs held a protest in Washington DC over reported misbehaviour meted out to Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s kin in Islamabad.&nbsp;

The group -- carrying placards with #ChappalChorPakistan written on them -- thronged outside the Pakistan embassy.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Washington DC: A group of Indian-Americans &amp; Balochs held a protest by the name &#39;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChappalChorPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChappalChorPakistan</a>&#39; outside Pakistan embassy over the misbehavior meted out to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a>&#39;s mother &amp; wife. <a href="https://t.co/iVssgetFZQ">pic.twitter.com/iVssgetFZQ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950197927279935489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistani officials allegedly asked Jadhav&#39;s wife to remove her shoes while the family visited Islamabad to meet Jadhav.

The officials suspected her shoes to contain some metal object and later sent them for forensic testing.&nbsp;

The move was widely condemned and criticised by Indian officials.

Union Minister for External Affairs also took stock of the situation and spoke blatantly on the issue.&nbsp;

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Washington DC: Indian-Americans &amp; Balochs at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChappalChorPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChappalChorPakistan</a> outside Pakistan Embassy donated used shoes to the embassy in protest against misbehavior of Pakistani authorities towards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a>&#39;s mother &amp; wife, say, &#39;protest is in solidarity with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jadhav</a>&#39;s family.&#39; <a href="https://t.co/Zka5nLDXkr">pic.twitter.com/Zka5nLDXkr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950208614693683205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Thank god they didn&#39;t say that there was a bomb in her shoes! If for security reasons she was made to take off shoes, they should have returned them when she was leaving but no, they had to commit some sort of cruelty,&quot; Swaraj said.&nbsp;

This is not the first time when the Baloch community have protested against the Islamabad government.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/world-baloch-organisation-campaigns-in-new-york-against-human-rights-abuses-in-balochistan-27693">The World Baloch Organisation (WBO)</a> has been staging protests and running the &quot;free Balochistan&quot; campaign across the globe in cities including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418">London</a>, Geneva and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taxis-with-free-balochistan-slogans-now-in-new-york-27425">New York</a>.

The group -- carrying placards with #ChappalChorPakistan written on them -- thronged outside Pakistan embassy

A group of Indian-Americans & Balochs held a protest in Washington DC over reported misbehaviour meted out to Kulbhushan Jadhav's kin in Islamabad. The group -- carrying placards with #ChappalChorPakistan written on them -- thronged outside the Pakistan embassy. Washington DC: A group of Indian-Americans & Balochs held a protest by the name '#ChappalChorPakistan' outside Pakistan embassy over the misbehavior meted out to #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife. pic.twitter.com/iVssgetFZQ — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018 × Pakistani officials allegedly asked Jadhav's wife to remove her shoes while the family visited Islamabad to meet Jadhav. The officials suspected her shoes to contain some metal object and later sent them for forensic testing. The move was widely condemned and criticised by Indian officials. Union Minister for External Affairs also took stock of the situation and spoke blatantly on the issue. Washington DC: Indian-Americans & Balochs at #ChappalChorPakistan outside Pakistan Embassy donated used shoes to the embassy in protest against misbehavior of Pakistani authorities towards #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife, say, 'protest is in solidarity with #Jadhav's family.' pic.twitter.com/Zka5nLDXkr — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018 × "Thank god they didn't say that there was a bomb in her shoes! If for security reasons she was made to take off shoes, they should have returned them when she was leaving but no, they had to commit some sort of cruelty," Swaraj said. This is not the first time when the Baloch community have protested against the Islamabad government. The World Baloch Organisation (WBO) has been staging protests and running the "free Balochistan" campaign across the globe in cities including London, Geneva and New York.

Jadhav row: Indian-Americans, Balochs protest outside Pakistan embassy in Washington

A 31-year-old Indian-American entrepreneur has entered the governor&#39;s race in New Jersey, the elections for which are scheduled for later this year.

Harsh Vardhan Singh, a Republican, entered the race with a promise to cut property taxes and make New Jersey a national technology leader. If elected in the November gubernatorial elections, Singh would succeed outgoing Governor Chris Christie.

However, he faces a tough Republican primary on June 6, 2017. There are at least four popular Republican candidates in the race -- Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, Lt Governor and Secretary of State Kim Guadagno, Nutley Commissioner of Public Affairs Steven Rogers and businessman Joseph Rudy Rullo.

New Jersey is predominately a Democratic State, but it currently has Republican Governor Chris Christie, who can&#39;t seek a third term because there is a term-limit.

Announcing early this month his run for the top elected position in the state, Singh urged people of New Jersey to give fresh ideas a chance. &quot;We&#39;ve tried bankers from Goldman Sachs before and we&#39;ve tried lawyers. Now if you give me the support I bring my engineering background as a problem solver,&quot; he said.

Born in Atlantic City, Singh earned engineering degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

&quot;It&#39;s time to scale back government interference in our lives and get back to our motto of &#39;Liberty and Prosperity&#39;,&quot; he said. If elected, Singh would be the third Indian-American ever elected as a governor of a state.

Bobby Jindal was the first Indian American elected as the Governor of Louisiana followed by Nikki Haley of South Carolina. Neil Kashkari had an unsuccessful bid at the top position in California.

Local news-papers, as of now, do not give much chance to Singh. New Jersey has one of the highest concentration of Indian Americans in the State.

As per 2010 census, New Jersey had the third-largest concentration of Indian Americans after California (528,176) and New York (313,629).

New Jersey&#39;s 292,256 Indian Americans, as per 2010 census accounted for 3.32 per cent of the State&#39;s population. The State experienced an increase of 72 per cent increase in Indian American population since 2000.

&quot;I was making a lot more money in the private sector. I was doing a very good job. The idea is to help our people and improve the state,&quot; Singh said in a recent interview to SNJ Today.

In his speech, to announce his gubernatorial run, Singh said the problems faced by New Jersey are a result of a flawed philosophy of government held by State leaders. He asserted that the solution has always been right in front in the state motto: Liberty and Prosperity.

&quot;Through liberty we attain prosperity,&quot; he said.

(PTI)

If elected in the November gubernatorial elections, the Republican Harsh Vardhan Singh would succeed outgoing Governor Chris Christie

A 31-year-old Indian-American entrepreneur has entered the governor's race in New Jersey, the elections for which are scheduled for later this year. Harsh Vardhan Singh, a Republican, entered the race with a promise to cut property taxes and make New Jersey a national technology leader. If elected in the November gubernatorial elections, Singh would succeed outgoing Governor Chris Christie. However, he faces a tough Republican primary on June 6, 2017. There are at least four popular Republican candidates in the race -- Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, Lt Governor and Secretary of State Kim Guadagno, Nutley Commissioner of Public Affairs Steven Rogers and businessman Joseph Rudy Rullo. New Jersey is predominately a Democratic State, but it currently has Republican Governor Chris Christie, who can't seek a third term because there is a term-limit. Announcing early this month his run for the top elected position in the state, Singh urged people of New Jersey to give fresh ideas a chance. "We've tried bankers from Goldman Sachs before and we've tried lawyers. Now if you give me the support I bring my engineering background as a problem solver," he said. Born in Atlantic City, Singh earned engineering degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. "It's time to scale back government interference in our lives and get back to our motto of 'Liberty and Prosperity'," he said. If elected, Singh would be the third Indian-American ever elected as a governor of a state. Bobby Jindal was the first Indian American elected as the Governor of Louisiana followed by Nikki Haley of South Carolina. Neil Kashkari had an unsuccessful bid at the top position in California. Local news-papers, as of now, do not give much chance to Singh. New Jersey has one of the highest concentration of Indian Americans in the State. As per 2010 census, New Jersey had the third-largest concentration of Indian Americans after California (528,176) and New York (313,629). New Jersey's 292,256 Indian Americans, as per 2010 census accounted for 3.32 per cent of the State's population. The State experienced an increase of 72 per cent increase in Indian American population since 2000. "I was making a lot more money in the private sector. I was doing a very good job. The idea is to help our people and improve the state," Singh said in a recent interview to SNJ Today. In his speech, to announce his gubernatorial run, Singh said the problems faced by New Jersey are a result of a flawed philosophy of government held by State leaders. He asserted that the solution has always been right in front in the state motto: Liberty and Prosperity. "Through liberty we attain prosperity," he said. (PTI)

Indian-American enters governor's race in New Jersey

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