Six Indian-Americans were for the first time sworn-in as the members of the US House of Representatives on Saturday (Jan 4). These six Indian Americans won in the recently held&nbsp; elections for the United States House of Representatives.&nbsp;
This becomes a historic moment for the Indian American community, as it reflects their growth and increasing involvement in US politics.
<h2>Ami Bera</h2>
Bera is the most senior of them, who has been sworn in for the seventh consecutive term as the representative of the seventh Congressional District of California.&nbsp;
&ldquo;When I was first sworn in twelve years ago, I was the sole Indian American Member of Congress and only the third in US history. Now, our coalition is six-strong! I am excited to welcome even more Indian Americans to the halls of Congress in the years to come!&rdquo; Congressman Dr Ami Bera said in a post on X.
Bera also posted a picture of all six Indian-Americans from the floor of the House.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samosa-caucus-expands-six-indian-americans-elected-to-us-house-of-representatives-774053" rel="dofollow"> 'Samosa Caucus' expands: Six Indian Americans elected to US House of Representatives</a>
<h2>Suhash Subramaniam</h2>
Suhash Subramaniam is the newest Indian American to join the US House of Representatives. He represents the 10th Congressional District of Virginia.&nbsp;
"First day of work! Honoured to be sworn into the #119th Congress, and excited to get to work to deliver results for VA10," Subramaniam said in a post on X, along with a picture of him with his family and House Speaker Mike Johnson.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-kamala-harris-talks-about-rise-of-samosa-caucus-at-us-congress-607571" rel="dofollow">PM Modi lauds VP Kamala Harris, talks about 'Samosa Caucus' flavour of US Congress</a>
<h2>Pramila Jayapal</h2>
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal represents the seventh Congressional District of Washington state and is the first-ever Indian American woman to be elected to the House of Representatives.&nbsp;
Jayapal is the leader of a highly powerful progressive group of lawmakers.&nbsp;
<h2>Shri Thanedar</h2>
Further, Congressman Shri Thanedar, who represents the 13th Congressional District of Michigan posted his selfie from the House Floor on X, saying, "Ready to serve".&nbsp;
All six Indian American lawmakers are from the Democratic Party and voted for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the election for House Speakership.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samosa-caucus-fails-to-increase-its-strength-in-us-congress-in-midterm-polls-176201" rel="dofollow">Samosa Caucus, informal group of Indian-Americans fails to increase its strength in US Congress in midterm polls</a>
<h2>Ro Khanna&nbsp;</h2>
Congressman Ro Khanna represents the 17th Congressional District of California and is known for his influential role in various House committees.&nbsp;
<h2>Raja Krishnamoorthi&nbsp;</h2>
Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the eighth Congressional District of Illinois. Krishnamoorthi is also a Ranking Member of the powerful China Committee and a member of the House Intelligence Committee.
Notably, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, and Jayapal took oath for a fifth consecutive term.&nbsp;
All these six Indian-Americans constitute an informal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=samosa+caucus" rel="dofollow">Samosa Caucus</a>. The term 'Samosa Caucus' was coined by Raja Krishnamoorthi.
The &lsquo;Samosa Caucus&rsquo;, a group of Indian-origin members in Congress, has now expanded to six representatives in the House. Before this, the caucus comprised of five Indian American members: Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Jeremy Cooney, and Shri Thanedar.
Bera, when sworn in for the first term in 2012, wished to have 10 Indian Americans in the US House of Representatives.&nbsp;
Notably, Dalip Singh Saund was the first Indian American to be elected to the House of Representatives in 1957. Moreover, he was also the first Sikh to be elected for the position.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Trending: This becomes a historic moment for the Indian American community, as it reflects their growth and increasing involvement of Indian Americans in US politics.

Six Indian-Americans were for the first time sworn-in as the members of the US House of Representatives on Saturday (Jan 4). These six Indian Americans won in the recently held elections for the United States House of Representatives. This becomes a historic moment for the Indian American community, as it reflects their growth and increasing involvement in US politics. Ami Bera Bera is the most senior of them, who has been sworn in for the seventh consecutive term as the representative of the seventh Congressional District of California. “When I was first sworn in twelve years ago, I was the sole Indian American Member of Congress and only the third in US history. Now, our coalition is six-strong! I am excited to welcome even more Indian Americans to the halls of Congress in the years to come!” Congressman Dr Ami Bera said in a post on X. Bera also posted a picture of all six Indian-Americans from the floor of the House. Also read: 'Samosa Caucus' expands: Six Indian Americans elected to US House of Representatives Suhash Subramaniam Suhash Subramaniam is the newest Indian American to join the US House of Representatives. He represents the 10th Congressional District of Virginia. "First day of work! Honoured to be sworn into the #119th Congress, and excited to get to work to deliver results for VA10," Subramaniam said in a post on X, along with a picture of him with his family and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Also read: PM Modi lauds VP Kamala Harris, talks about 'Samosa Caucus' flavour of US Congress Pramila Jayapal Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal represents the seventh Congressional District of Washington state and is the first-ever Indian American woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. Jayapal is the leader of a highly powerful progressive group of lawmakers. Shri Thanedar Further, Congressman Shri Thanedar, who represents the 13th Congressional District of Michigan posted his selfie from the House Floor on X, saying, "Ready to serve". All six Indian American lawmakers are from the Democratic Party and voted for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the election for House Speakership. Also read: Samosa Caucus, informal group of Indian-Americans fails to increase its strength in US Congress in midterm polls Ro Khanna Congressman Ro Khanna represents the 17th Congressional District of California and is known for his influential role in various House committees. Raja Krishnamoorthi Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the eighth Congressional District of Illinois. Krishnamoorthi is also a Ranking Member of the powerful China Committee and a member of the House Intelligence Committee. Notably, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, and Jayapal took oath for a fifth consecutive term. All these six Indian-Americans constitute an informal Samosa Caucus. The term 'Samosa Caucus' was coined by Raja Krishnamoorthi. The ‘Samosa Caucus’, a group of Indian-origin members in Congress, has now expanded to six representatives in the House. Before this, the caucus comprised of five Indian American members: Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Jeremy Cooney, and Shri Thanedar. Bera, when sworn in for the first term in 2012, wished to have 10 Indian Americans in the US House of Representatives. Notably, Dalip Singh Saund was the first Indian American to be elected to the House of Representatives in 1957. Moreover, he was also the first Sikh to be elected for the position. (With inputs from agencies)

Samosa Caucus swears in: Six Indian Americans take oath as members of House of Representatives

Six Indian Americans have won in the recent elections for the United States House of Representatives. As a result, the informal ‘Samosa Caucus’, a group of Indian-origin members in Congress, has now expanded to six representatives in the House.

Six Indian Americans have won in the recent elections for the United States House of Representatives. As a result, the informal ‘Samosa Caucus’, a group of Indian-origin members in Congress, has now expanded to six representatives in the House. Before this, the caucus comprised of five Indian American members: Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Jeremy Cooney, and Shri Thanedar. Suhas Subramanyam Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam won against Republican Mike Clancy. Subramanyam, who once served as a White House adviser under President Barack Obama, shared his gratitude, stating, "I am honoured and humbled that the people of Virginia's 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our community faces are personal to our family. It is an honour to continue serving this district in Washington." Also read: India's Modi joins world leaders to congratulate Trump on his win in US polls Shri Thanedar Congressman Shri Thanedar retained his seat in Michigan's 13th Congressional District, winning against Republican Martell Bivings with a lead of more than 35 percentage points. Thanedar, now serving his second term, attributed his success to his commitment to constituent services, advocacy for working families, and support for unions and reproductive rights. Ro Khanna Democratic Representative Ro Khanna retained his seat in California’s 17th Congressional District, overcoming Republican challenger Anita Chen. Khanna, first elected in 2016, represents a firmly Democratic district in Silicon Valley. Pramila Jayapal Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal was re-elected to serve Washington's 7th Congressional District, marking her fifth term. Jayapal, originally elected in 2016, has represented this area, which includes Seattle and surrounding regions, for nearly a decade. A former state senator, she made history as the first South Asian American woman in the U.S. House and is currently the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Ami Bera Congressman Ami Bera won his election in California’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Sacramento County. Serving since 2013, Bera, a first-generation American and doctor, has prioritised affordable healthcare. He is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific within the House Foreign Affairs Committee and serves on the House Intelligence Committee. Raja Krishnamoorthi Raja Krishnamoorthi was re-elected to represent Illinois’ 8th District for a fifth term. First elected in 2016, Krishnamoorthi is a senior Democratic member on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. A Harvard-trained lawyer, Krishnamoorthi has previously held state roles, including deputy state treasurer. Jeremy Cooney Democrat Jeremy Cooney won re-election in New York’s 56th State Senate District. The Associated Press confirmed his victory on Tuesday evening. Cooney, first elected in 2020, has chaired the Transportation Committee since 2024 and is a key member of the Monroe County Democratic Committee. (With inputs from agencies)

'Samosa Caucus' expands: Six Indian Americans elected to US House of Representatives

Indian-American US Congressmen have called on New Delhi to actively investigate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s alleged murder plot or be ready for the severing of the India-US ties.

In a joint statement, Amy Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar — all Democrats who serve in the House of Representatives—have warned that the inaction from the Indian government can cause “significant damage” to the “very consequential” partnership between the two nations.

They have also demanded India never repeat such incidents on American soil.

<h2>Received special briefing from US govt</h2>

All five Indian-American members of the Congress, informally hailed as the ‘Samosa Caucus’, were briefed by the US administration about the indictment of an Indian national, named Nikhil Gupta, in connection with the alleged murder plot.

In November, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) had unsealed an indictment that implicated a serving Indian government official for orchestrating the plot and seeking to assassinate Pannun in June this year through Gupta.

Watch:&nbsp;Senior US officials visit India amid Indian probe into SFJ Chief Pannun murder plot

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According to US documents, Gupta then hired a hitman to get the job done, but he turned out to be a US law enforcement agent.

<h2>Joint statement by Indian-American lawmakers</h2>

The members noted that the allegations levelled against India in the indictment were “deeply concerning.”

“As members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning,” the statement said.

“It is critical that India fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again,” it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pannun-murder-plot-family-claims-nikhil-gupta-forced-to-eat-pork-and-beef-670023">Also read:&nbsp;Pannun murder plot: Family claims Nikhil Gupta forced to eat `pork and beef`</a>

However, the members welcomed India’s move to constitute a committee of enquiry to investigate the alleged murder plot.

The five members said that the impact of the US-India ties was such that it can help make the lives of people of both nations better. “But we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership,” they added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American US Congressmen have called on New Delhi to actively investigate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s alleged murder plot or be ready for the severing of the India-US ties.

Indian-American US Congressmen have called on New Delhi to actively investigate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s alleged murder plot or be ready for the severing of the India-US ties. In a joint statement, Amy Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar — all Democrats who serve in the House of Representatives—have warned that the inaction from the Indian government can cause “significant damage” to the “very consequential” partnership between the two nations. They have also demanded India never repeat such incidents on American soil. Received special briefing from US govt All five Indian-American members of the Congress, informally hailed as the ‘Samosa Caucus’, were briefed by the US administration about the indictment of an Indian national, named Nikhil Gupta, in connection with the alleged murder plot. In November, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) had unsealed an indictment that implicated a serving Indian government official for orchestrating the plot and seeking to assassinate Pannun in June this year through Gupta. Watch: Senior US officials visit India amid Indian probe into SFJ Chief Pannun murder plot × According to US documents, Gupta then hired a hitman to get the job done, but he turned out to be a US law enforcement agent. Joint statement by Indian-American lawmakers The members noted that the allegations levelled against India in the indictment were “deeply concerning.” “As members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning,” the statement said. “It is critical that India fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again,” it added. Also read: Pannun murder plot: Family claims Nikhil Gupta forced to eat `pork and beef` However, the members welcomed India’s move to constitute a committee of enquiry to investigate the alleged murder plot. The five members said that the impact of the US-India ties was such that it can help make the lives of people of both nations better. “But we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership,” they added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Investigate Pannun plot or…’, USA's 'Samosa Caucas' issues warning to India

In his speech to a combined session of the US Congress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the considerable number of people residing in the United States with ancestral connections to India. The room burst into an applause&nbsp;when PM Modi specifically highlighted the momentous accomplishment of Kamala Harris, who was elected as the Vice President of the United States.

“There are millions in the US who have roots in India and some of them sit in this chamber. One of them is siiting behind, who has made history (pointing to Kamala Harris). I am told that Samosa Caucus is now the flavour of the House. I hope it grows and brings full diversity of Indian cuisine here,” PM Modi said. 
 
Samosa Caucus, named after the popular snack, refers to a group of elected members of the US Congress having&nbsp;Indian ancestry.

<h2>What's the 'Samosa Caucus'?</h2>

Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, the representative for Illinois's 8th Congressional district in the United States, had popularised the term 'Samosa Caucus' to describe the growing community of Indian-American lawmakers, commonly referred to as "desi."

This caucus includes notable individuals such as Ro Khanna, Pramila Jaipal, Shri Thanedar, and Ami Bera, all of whom belong to the Democratic Party. While the 'Samosa Caucus' is not an official caucus, the shared cultural identity fosters closer ties and facilitates engagement with the US Congress.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-at-us-congress-momentous-developments-in-another-al-america-and-india-607562">PM Modi at US Congress: 'Momentous developments' in another Al - America and India</a>

Ro Khanna emphasised the importance of representation in serving Indian-American communities and working to strengthen the defence and strategic partnership between the United States and India. Similarly, Krishnamoorthi pledged to address crucial issues affecting the community, such as high-skilled immigration reform and reinforcing the US-India partnership.

Currently composed entirely of Democrats, the 'Samosa Caucus' aligns with the presidency of Joe Biden.

The 'Samosa Caucus' is just beginning its journey within the Indian-American community's political landscape.

<h2>Modi on democracy and free speech</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced inquiries during a press conference regarding the topics of free speech and religious freedom in India. A reporter from the United States specifically questioned the prime minister about instances of discrimination against minority communities and inquired about the government's efforts to enhance the rights of these marginalized groups within the country.

Also watch |&nbsp;First lady Jill Biden plans the state dinner menu with guest chef Nina Curtis

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PM Modi in his reply said that both India and America have "democracy in their DNA".&nbsp;

"We are a democracy...India and America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit and we live it and it's written in our Constitution," he said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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In his speech to a combined session of the US Congress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the considerable number of people residing in the United States with ancestral connections to India.

In his speech to a combined session of the US Congress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the considerable number of people residing in the United States with ancestral connections to India. The room burst into an applause when PM Modi specifically highlighted the momentous accomplishment of Kamala Harris, who was elected as the Vice President of the United States. “There are millions in the US who have roots in India and some of them sit in this chamber. One of them is siiting behind, who has made history (pointing to Kamala Harris). I am told that Samosa Caucus is now the flavour of the House. I hope it grows and brings full diversity of Indian cuisine here,” PM Modi said. Samosa Caucus, named after the popular snack, refers to a group of elected members of the US Congress having Indian ancestry. What's the 'Samosa Caucus'? Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, the representative for Illinois's 8th Congressional district in the United States, had popularised the term 'Samosa Caucus' to describe the growing community of Indian-American lawmakers, commonly referred to as "desi." This caucus includes notable individuals such as Ro Khanna, Pramila Jaipal, Shri Thanedar, and Ami Bera, all of whom belong to the Democratic Party. While the 'Samosa Caucus' is not an official caucus, the shared cultural identity fosters closer ties and facilitates engagement with the US Congress. Also read | PM Modi at US Congress: 'Momentous developments' in another Al - America and India Ro Khanna emphasised the importance of representation in serving Indian-American communities and working to strengthen the defence and strategic partnership between the United States and India. Similarly, Krishnamoorthi pledged to address crucial issues affecting the community, such as high-skilled immigration reform and reinforcing the US-India partnership. Currently composed entirely of Democrats, the 'Samosa Caucus' aligns with the presidency of Joe Biden. The 'Samosa Caucus' is just beginning its journey within the Indian-American community's political landscape. Modi on democracy and free speech Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced inquiries during a press conference regarding the topics of free speech and religious freedom in India. A reporter from the United States specifically questioned the prime minister about instances of discrimination against minority communities and inquired about the government's efforts to enhance the rights of these marginalized groups within the country. Also watch | First lady Jill Biden plans the state dinner menu with guest chef Nina Curtis PM Modi in his reply said that both India and America have "democracy in their DNA". "We are a democracy...India and America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit and we live it and it's written in our Constitution," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

PM Modi lauds VP Kamala Harris, talks about 'Samosa Caucus' flavour of US Congress

In the first-ever interview after the first India-Australia virtual summit, Australia's envoy to India Barry O'Farrell speaking exclusively to WION said while the countries are separated by the Indian Ocean both Delhi and Canberra are joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Australian envoy said, "both share a view around multilateral issues to resolve issues" and "Quad is important to share perspective on COVID-19".

Both India and Australia had the first virtual summit on Thursday with both countries elevating the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

WION: What has been the key outcome of the first&nbsp;India-Australia summit?&nbsp;

Barry O'Farrell: In recent months and years, India and Australia have worked closely together on a number of shared goals, for instance,&nbsp;contributing to more secure and open and prosperous Indo Pacific region, strengthening of economies and making them more resilient and strengthening international institutions so that they can better meet the needs of our citizens and what came from those interactions was that it has become more important than ever for like-minded democracies like Australia and India to cooperate in shaping the region and indeed the world we want to live in.

So this what drove, what I believe is the historical high point in the relationship as demonstrated by comprehensive strategic partnership agreement at the virtual summit and the elements of the partnership are essentially defence and maritime security, cybersecurity and technology, science and research and critical supply chains across the eight&nbsp;agreement. two&nbsp;new areas stand out for me, in particular, critical mineral supply chain and cyber-enabled critical technology and the fact we are expanding cooperation in these areas reflect the emerging challenges we face as like-minded democracies in this region.

WION: How will the logistics pact increase the collaboration between Indian and Australian forces?

Barry O'Farrell: The mutual logistics support agreement and the corollary defence science and technology implementation arrangement which was also agreed out are important stepping stones to take our defence relationship to an even greater level.

Already our defence cooperation is at historic levels. Defence activity has quadrupled in the past six years, the AUSINDEX naval exercises last year was Australia's largest-ever defence deployment to India and our most complex involving submarine-to-submarine and maritime patrols across the Bay of Bengal.

And with this agreement, it makes easier for us to do more of these and more complex joint activities and realise the shared goal of free, open, inclusive and secure Indo Pacific.

WION: Was China discussed during the summit? The Chinese combativeness in the region. In terms of Indo-Pacific how, we saw the vision statement, from the South China Sea to Ladakh...

Barry O'Farrell:&nbsp;The leaders focused on broad regional dynamics. As PM Modi said&nbsp;Australia and India should focus on how the relationship can focus on what he called as a factor of stability in our region and in the world.

We have elevated our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and expand our work together in new areas such as critical minerals, cyber-enabled critical technology.

We have also elevated foreign and defence 2+2 meeting to ministerial level to ensure ministerial oversight to deliver our leader's vision as India does with other countries like the US, Japan.

We are both maritime powers, we are separated by the Indian Ocean but joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security for not just us but for all the countries.&nbsp;

WION: How do both countries plan to increase collaboration with like-minded countries under various formats like quad?

Barry O'Farrell: Both India and Australia share a commitment to internationalism, both share a view around multilateralism, bilateralism and using international institutions to resolve issues.

Now, Quad remains as important as ever, it is proving itself as a very useful venue for countries like India and Australia to coordinate our approaches to critical issues like maritime and cybersecurity and counter-terrorism and those issues haven't gone away and they will never go away completely regrettably.

Quad has been useful for sharing perspective, also on our individual efforts on COVID-19.

We do similar with ASEAN as a dialogue partner and ASEAN has been discussing the COVID-19 approach&nbsp;and our foreign secretaries&nbsp;have been having regular calls with colleagues from South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, US, South Korea and Vietnam.

Talking about COVID-19 yes, talking about supply chains, it is one of the ways we managed to strengthen the relationship across the region. More familiarly you have, better you get to know people and less likely you will be in misunderstandings.&nbsp;

WION: Virtual diplomacy has changed the world....is this the future?

Barry O'Farrell: PM Modi's use of technology to reach out to world leaders throughout the crisis as India has assisted more than 150 countries to get access to its pharma is a bit like what TATA and Infosys have done for business work.

They have used technology for the best possible outcome and PM Modi has translated it to the art of diplomacy. Secondly, I can say I thought yesterday's meeting was might have been, bit flat but what I think yesterday also demonstrated usefully for the future of ICT technology is that you can still get that level of warmth between leaders notwithstanding they are separated by continents, by distance, you saw that in the opening section of the meeting and I saw it as I observed the whole meeting.

Thirdly, there will be always a challenge which can be fixed, in relation to security. Like in a face-to-face meeting, you can have quite a conversation about issues you may not normally want to communicate particularly using audiovisual equipment.

There are few wrinkles, but one of the opportunity out of COVID-19 is the opportunity to use to keep in touch in the way PM Modi has done so successfully at a period when countries have been in lockdown.&nbsp;

WION: Was Australian participation for Malabar discussed?&nbsp;

Barry O'Farrell: It has and the answer is exactly the same which is that is a matter for partners of Malabar to exercise and Australia is interested and will welcome the chance&nbsp;to participate in Malabar but as I have said, I don't believe if Malabar proceeds or not should get in the way of fact our defence relationship has depended and strengthen particularly over the last six years and the foundation stone for this historic outcome was achieved yesterday with the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.&nbsp;

WION: &nbsp;Well, thank you so much for speaking to WION, hope to see more samosa and virtual diplomacy in future.&nbsp;

Barry O'Farrell: My PM is a good cook and he might go through all 29 states and seven&nbsp;territories for cuisines.

In the first-ever interview after the first India-Australia virtual summit, Australia's envoy to India Barry O'Farrell speaking exclusively to WION said while the countries are separated by the Indian Ocean both Delhi and Canberra are joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security.

In the first-ever interview after the first India-Australia virtual summit, Australia's envoy to India Barry O'Farrell speaking exclusively to WION said while the countries are separated by the Indian Ocean both Delhi and Canberra are joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Australian envoy said, "both share a view around multilateral issues to resolve issues" and "Quad is important to share perspective on COVID-19". Both India and Australia had the first virtual summit on Thursday with both countries elevating the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. WION: What has been the key outcome of the first India-Australia summit? Barry O'Farrell: In recent months and years, India and Australia have worked closely together on a number of shared goals, for instance, contributing to more secure and open and prosperous Indo Pacific region, strengthening of economies and making them more resilient and strengthening international institutions so that they can better meet the needs of our citizens and what came from those interactions was that it has become more important than ever for like-minded democracies like Australia and India to cooperate in shaping the region and indeed the world we want to live in. So this what drove, what I believe is the historical high point in the relationship as demonstrated by comprehensive strategic partnership agreement at the virtual summit and the elements of the partnership are essentially defence and maritime security, cybersecurity and technology, science and research and critical supply chains across the eight agreement. two new areas stand out for me, in particular, critical mineral supply chain and cyber-enabled critical technology and the fact we are expanding cooperation in these areas reflect the emerging challenges we face as like-minded democracies in this region. WION: How will the logistics pact increase the collaboration between Indian and Australian forces? Barry O'Farrell: The mutual logistics support agreement and the corollary defence science and technology implementation arrangement which was also agreed out are important stepping stones to take our defence relationship to an even greater level. Already our defence cooperation is at historic levels. Defence activity has quadrupled in the past six years, the AUSINDEX naval exercises last year was Australia's largest-ever defence deployment to India and our most complex involving submarine-to-submarine and maritime patrols across the Bay of Bengal. And with this agreement, it makes easier for us to do more of these and more complex joint activities and realise the shared goal of free, open, inclusive and secure Indo Pacific. WION: Was China discussed during the summit? The Chinese combativeness in the region. In terms of Indo-Pacific how, we saw the vision statement, from the South China Sea to Ladakh... Barry O'Farrell: The leaders focused on broad regional dynamics. As PM Modi said Australia and India should focus on how the relationship can focus on what he called as a factor of stability in our region and in the world. We have elevated our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and expand our work together in new areas such as critical minerals, cyber-enabled critical technology. We have also elevated foreign and defence 2+2 meeting to ministerial level to ensure ministerial oversight to deliver our leader's vision as India does with other countries like the US, Japan. We are both maritime powers, we are separated by the Indian Ocean but joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security for not just us but for all the countries. WION: How do both countries plan to increase collaboration with like-minded countries under various formats like quad? Barry O'Farrell: Both India and Australia share a commitment to internationalism, both share a view around multilateralism, bilateralism and using international institutions to resolve issues. Now, Quad remains as important as ever, it is proving itself as a very useful venue for countries like India and Australia to coordinate our approaches to critical issues like maritime and cybersecurity and counter-terrorism and those issues haven't gone away and they will never go away completely regrettably. Quad has been useful for sharing perspective, also on our individual efforts on COVID-19. We do similar with ASEAN as a dialogue partner and ASEAN has been discussing the COVID-19 approach and our foreign secretaries have been having regular calls with colleagues from South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, US, South Korea and Vietnam. Talking about COVID-19 yes, talking about supply chains, it is one of the ways we managed to strengthen the relationship across the region. More familiarly you have, better you get to know people and less likely you will be in misunderstandings. WION: Virtual diplomacy has changed the world....is this the future? Barry O'Farrell: PM Modi's use of technology to reach out to world leaders throughout the crisis as India has assisted more than 150 countries to get access to its pharma is a bit like what TATA and Infosys have done for business work. They have used technology for the best possible outcome and PM Modi has translated it to the art of diplomacy. Secondly, I can say I thought yesterday's meeting was might have been, bit flat but what I think yesterday also demonstrated usefully for the future of ICT technology is that you can still get that level of warmth between leaders notwithstanding they are separated by continents, by distance, you saw that in the opening section of the meeting and I saw it as I observed the whole meeting. Thirdly, there will be always a challenge which can be fixed, in relation to security. Like in a face-to-face meeting, you can have quite a conversation about issues you may not normally want to communicate particularly using audiovisual equipment. There are few wrinkles, but one of the opportunity out of COVID-19 is the opportunity to use to keep in touch in the way PM Modi has done so successfully at a period when countries have been in lockdown. WION: Was Australian participation for Malabar discussed? Barry O'Farrell: It has and the answer is exactly the same which is that is a matter for partners of Malabar to exercise and Australia is interested and will welcome the chance to participate in Malabar but as I have said, I don't believe if Malabar proceeds or not should get in the way of fact our defence relationship has depended and strengthen particularly over the last six years and the foundation stone for this historic outcome was achieved yesterday with the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. WION: Well, thank you so much for speaking to WION, hope to see more samosa and virtual diplomacy in future. Barry O'Farrell: My PM is a good cook and he might go through all 29 states and seven territories for cuisines.

Delhi, Canberra have shared goal to maintain security in Indian Ocean, says Australian envoy to India

The so-called Samosa Caucus - informal group of the Indian Americans in the US Congress - failed to increase its strength, even as its all four incumbent members were most likely to be re-elected to the House of Representative in the highly polarised midterm elections held Tuesday.

None of the more than half a dozen new Indian Americans candidates, many of whom caught national attention by giving tough fight to their opponents and outraising them in the fund raisers, 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.

Chicago-born Villivalam, elected unopposed, also became the first Asian-American State Senator and the first South Asian-American member of Illinois General Assembly ever. 
 
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.&nbsp; Among them 12, including four incumbents, were running for the House and one for the Senate: a record in itself.

In the eighth Congressional District of Illinois Raja Krishnamoorthi defeated his Republican Indian-American rival Jitender Diganvker. Krishnamoorthi would serve second term in the US House of Representatives.

Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian American to be elected to the House of Representative in 2016, registered her second consecutive win from the seventh Congressional District of Washington State. In little less than two years, she has emerged nationally as the champion of immigrants, workers and human rights.

Ro Khanna was expected to easily sailed through the race for the House of Representatives from the 17th Congressional District of California as he took an impressive lead over his GOP rival Ron Cohen. He was elected for the first time in 2016.

Three-term Congressman Ami Bera, the senior-most among lawmakers in the Samosa caucus, had taken a lead of about 2,500 votes over his Republican rival Andrew Grant, with over 96 per cent of the votes being counted in the seventh Congressional District of California.&nbsp;

Notably, his previous three electoral victories came only after recounting of votes which took several weeks before the results were finally declared.

Indian-American of Tibetan descent Aftab Pureval, 35, lost to GOP incumbent Steve Chabot. He was the first Democrat to get elected as the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in more than 100 years.&nbsp;

Indian-American woman Anita Malik lost to her Republican incumbent in the sixth District of Arizona, while Hiral Tipirneni was trailing behind GOP rival Debbie Lesko in the early tabulations.

Former State Department diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni lost to his GOP incumbent Pete Olson from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas.

A five-time incumbent, Rep 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.

The 40-year-old relied heavily on his ability to connect with the district's diverse population to give Democrats hope that he could pull off an upset in the district.&nbsp;

About 20 per cent of the population here is of Asian heritage - more than any other district in Texas.

Sanjay Patel, who runs a successful consulting business, lost to Republican Congressman Bill Posey, who has been winning the eighth Congressional District of Florida continuously since 2009.&nbsp;

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 practicing and recognized lawyer, she owns Indus Law Firm specializing 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.

Incumbent Jay Chaudhuri, an accomplished entrepreneur, was re-elected to North Carolina Senate from the State Senate District 15.

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 also is the second Indian-American state elected official in Ohio history, and the first Indian-American Republican.

"Representing the community in which I was born and raised is an incredible honour. I work hard every day to make it achievable for all Ohioans to have the opportunity to make their American Dream a reality," Atani said in a statement.

In Washington State, Manka Dhingra and Vandana Slatter were re-elected for the State Senate. Among others re-elected at the State level are Sabi Kumar in Tennessee and Ash Kalra (California).&nbsp;

The so-called Samosa Caucus - informal group of the Indian Americans in the US Congress - failed to increase its strength, even as its all four incumbent members were most likely to be re-elected to the House of Representative in the highly polarised midterm elections held Tuesday.

The so-called Samosa Caucus - informal group of the Indian Americans in the US Congress - failed to increase its strength, even as its all four incumbent members were most likely to be re-elected to the House of Representative in the highly polarised midterm elections held Tuesday. None of the more than half a dozen new Indian Americans candidates, many of whom caught national attention by giving tough fight to their opponents and outraising them in the fund raisers, 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. Chicago-born Villivalam, elected unopposed, also became the first Asian-American State Senator and the first South Asian-American member of Illinois General Assembly ever. 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. In the eighth Congressional District of Illinois Raja Krishnamoorthi defeated his Republican Indian-American rival Jitender Diganvker. Krishnamoorthi would serve second term in the US House of Representatives. Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian American to be elected to the House of Representative in 2016, registered her second consecutive win from the seventh Congressional District of Washington State. In little less than two years, she has emerged nationally as the champion of immigrants, workers and human rights. Ro Khanna was expected to easily sailed through the race for the House of Representatives from the 17th Congressional District of California as he took an impressive lead over his GOP rival Ron Cohen. He was elected for the first time in 2016. Three-term Congressman Ami Bera, the senior-most among lawmakers in the Samosa caucus, had taken a lead of about 2,500 votes over his Republican rival Andrew Grant, with over 96 per cent of the votes being counted in the seventh Congressional District of California. Notably, his previous three electoral victories came only after recounting of votes which took several weeks before the results were finally declared. Indian-American of Tibetan descent Aftab Pureval, 35, lost to GOP incumbent Steve Chabot. He was the first Democrat to get elected as the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in more than 100 years. Indian-American woman Anita Malik lost to her Republican incumbent in the sixth District of Arizona, while Hiral Tipirneni was trailing behind GOP rival Debbie Lesko in the early tabulations. Former State Department diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni lost to his GOP incumbent Pete Olson from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas. A five-time incumbent, Rep 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. The 40-year-old relied heavily on his ability to connect with the district's diverse population to give Democrats hope that he could pull off an upset in the district. About 20 per cent of the population here is of Asian heritage - more than any other district in Texas. Sanjay Patel, who runs a successful consulting business, lost to Republican Congressman Bill Posey, who has been winning the eighth Congressional District of Florida continuously since 2009. 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 practicing and recognized lawyer, she owns Indus Law Firm specializing 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. Incumbent Jay Chaudhuri, an accomplished entrepreneur, was re-elected to North Carolina Senate from the State Senate District 15. 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 also is the second Indian-American state elected official in Ohio history, and the first Indian-American Republican. "Representing the community in which I was born and raised is an incredible honour. I work hard every day to make it achievable for all Ohioans to have the opportunity to make their American Dream a reality," Atani said in a statement. In Washington State, Manka Dhingra and Vandana Slatter were re-elected for the State Senate. Among others re-elected at the State level are Sabi Kumar in Tennessee and Ash Kalra (California).

Informal group of Indian-Americans, 'Samosa Caucus', fails to increase its strength in US midterm

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