Tharoor Rebukes Indian Diaspora for Silence on Strains in India-US Ties

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has expressed dissatisfaction with the Indian-American diaspora, accusing it of failing to speak up during a period of challenges in India’s relations with the United States. His remarks came at an interaction with a five-member U.S. Congressional delegation visiting New Delhi.

According to Tharoor, one of the visiting lawmakers noted that she had not received a single call from Indian-American constituents urging her to support India on policy matters. “Not one phone call has come,” Tharoor stressed, calling the diaspora’s inaction “surprising” given its influence in U.S. politics.

The Thiruvananthapuram MP urged overseas Indians to take a more active role in defending India’s interests abroad. “If you truly care about your motherland, you must speak for it, fight for it and press your political representatives to stand with India,” he told reporters.

The U.S. delegation, led by Congressman Ami Bera and comprising Democrats, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties despite present differences. Tharoor said the group showed “tremendous interest in India” and reassured that bipartisan support for the partnership remains intact.

His comments come against the backdrop of recent setbacks, including Washington’s decision to levy a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, a 50% hike in tariffs on key Indian exports such as gems and textiles, and sanctions related to India’s involvement in Iran’s Chabahar Port project.

Tharoor warned that the diaspora’s silence during such developments risks diminishing India’s leverage in critical moments. While acknowledging the goodwill of the visiting U.S. legislators, he underlined that stronger advocacy from Indian-Americans could ensure that India’s concerns are heard more clearly in Washington.