Indian American lawmakers Shri Thanedar and Raja Krishnamoorthi have pledged to challenge anti-India and anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States while urging members of the Indian American community to become more active in politics and consider running for elected office.
The lawmakers made the comments at an event in Washington, where they highlighted the importance of greater political participation by the Indian American community as concerns over anti-India and anti-immigrant sentiment continue to draw attention.
Thanedar, a Democrat who represents Michigan in the U.S. House, and Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing Illinois, encouraged members of the diaspora to seek public office at different levels of government. They said stronger representation would help ensure that the community’s concerns are heard in policy discussions and public life.
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The appeal comes as Indian Americans have become an increasingly visible part of the U.S. political landscape, with members of the community serving in elected positions at the federal, state and local levels.
Krishnamoorthi has previously spoken about concerns over anti-Hindu, anti-Indian and anti-Desi hate and urged Indian Americans to participate more actively in civic life. He has called on members of the community to raise their voices, participate in elections and consider seeking elected office, regardless of political affiliation.
The lawmakers’ message also reflects a broader push within the Indian American community for greater political engagement. Advocates have argued that participation in local and national politics is important not only for representation but also for ensuring that issues affecting immigrant communities, including immigration policy, civil rights and religious freedom, receive greater attention.
The call for political involvement comes at a time when debates over immigration and the treatment of immigrant communities have become increasingly prominent in U.S. politics. Indian Americans, who have traditionally been active in professional and civic life, have also become more visible in electoral politics in recent years.
Thanedar and Krishnamoorthi’s remarks were framed as an appeal for the community to move beyond simply participating as voters and to consider taking a direct role in government.
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For Indian American voters, the message could encourage greater participation at the grassroots level, from local school boards and city councils to state legislatures and Congress.
The lawmakers also stressed their commitment to standing against anti-India sentiment and supporting the community amid concerns over hate and discrimination.
Their message was direct: Indian Americans should see themselves as a permanent and active part of the American political system and use their growing presence to shape the country’s future.
The appeal for greater political participation comes as the Indian American community continues to expand its influence across the United States. Lawmakers argue that stronger representation can help address concerns about hate while giving the diaspora a greater voice in shaping public policy.