A delegation of leaders from the Indian American Christian community recently met with Congressman Tom Suozzi to exchange views on issues affecting the community in the U.S. and India, according to their statement.
George Abraham from the delegation welcomed the Congressman, and praised him or his principled and independent approach to public service. “The Indian American community has long admired your thoughtful and balanced approach to governance,” Abraham said. “Your willingness to address difficult issues with candor, common sense, and a spirit of bipartisanship has earned you the respect of many Americans, including members of the Indian American community. At a time when political discourse has become increasingly polarized, your emphasis on practical solutions and cooperation across party lines is particularly valued.”
“We are mindful of your enduring friendship with the Indian American community and your commitment to the success of its members,” Abraham added. “Indian Americans have made substantial contributions to the economic, cultural, scientific, and civic life of this nation, and we are grateful for your continued engagement and support over the years.”
Participants also expressed concern over what they called the declining state of democratic institutions and the erosion of religious freedom in India. Members of the delegation emphasized that India and the United States, as strategic partners and vibrant democracies, share a responsibility to uphold and promote the universal values of democracy, human rights, pluralism, and religious liberty.
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They emphasized on the importance of safeguarding these principles and stressed that strong bilateral relations between the two countries should be rooted not only in economic and strategic cooperation but also in a shared commitment to fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
Among those participating in the discussions were Bishop Johncy Itty, Rev. Fr. John Thomas, Rev. Itty Abraham, Rev. Wilson Jose, Rev. Sabu Varghese, Mr. George Koshy, and Rev. Jacob George, Rev. Sunny Philip and Mr. George Abraham.
They commended Congressman Suozzi, calling him “a pragmatic, middle-of-the-road leader who consistently seeks bipartisan and commonsense solutions to the challenges facing the nation. They expressed appreciation for his willingness to listen to diverse viewpoints and engage constructively with community leaders on issues of mutual concern.”
Suozzi, a Democrat representing New York’s District 3, has participated in outreach to South Asian communities in his district, including discussions on immigration, economic issues, and bilateral ties between the United States and India.
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The meeting concluded by reaffirming the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between elected officials and community leaders in addressing concerns affecting Indian Americans.
Indian American Christians represent a small but diverse segment of the broader Indian American community, with roots in traditions such as the St. Thomas Christian communities of Kerala as well as Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Pentecostal denominations. While Christians make up a minority of India’s population, Indian American Christians are part of the wider South Asian diaspora in the United States, which has grown significantly since changes in U.S. immigration law in 1965.
Some community organizations representing Indian American Christians engage in advocacy on issues such as immigration policy, religious freedom, and U.S.-India relations, often alongside broader Indian American civic groups. In regions such as New York’s Long Island, where there is a sizable South Asian population, elected officials frequently meet with a range of Indian American religious and civic organizations.