Diaspora Leader Rejects Tharoor’s Critique
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has responded forcefully to remarks by Shashi Tharoor, who criticized the Indian-American community for its alleged silence on U.S.–India policy issues. HAF’s executive director, Suhag A. Shukla, said the diaspora should not be seen as “proxies” of the Indian government and defended their measured approach to advocacy.
Claim by Tharoor
In recent comments, Tharoor questioned why few Indian-Americans had contacted U.S. lawmakers on issues like tariffs or visa policies, citing one American Congress member’s claim that she had not received a single call. He pushed the view that the diaspora should take a more active role.
HAF’s Rebuttal
Shukla said Tharoor’s statement was based on a narrow view of diaspora engagement, ignoring background, constraints, and methods of influence. She argued that Indian-Americans operate within U.S. legal frameworks and can’t be expected to serve as agents for Indian sovereign policy.
She also criticized expectations that diaspora groups should automatically lobby for Indian government policies, noting it undermines their credibility and autonomy. She reminded critics that Indian-Americans maintain a dual identity and remain committed citizens in their country of residence.
Implications and Debate
This exchange highlights tensions around how public figures perceive diaspora roles in foreign policy discourse. While some expect diaspora communities to amplify their homeland’s interests abroad, the HAF insists on a boundary between cultural affinity and political instrumentality.
The debate is likely to continue as both the diaspora and Indian leadership reassess expectations, responsibilities, and the space for independent engagement.
