Washington, DC: Ro Khanna, an Indian American Democratic lawmaker, and Mike Waltz, his Republican House colleague, have been selected as co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans in the 118th Congress.
The India Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in the House of Representatives, is the largest country-specific group of its kind and is dedicated to enhancing the bond between the two largest democratic nations in the world.
Khanna, 46, is the second Indian American to hold the position of co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans since its inception in 1993. During the 115th Congress (2015-2016), Congressman Ami Bera served as co-chair, and at that time, he was the sole Indian American in Congress. Currently, the number of Indian Americans in Congress has risen to five, including DR Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar.
“I am honored to chair the India caucus and will look forward to involving the national Indian American diaspora in helping strengthen the US-India relationship,” Khanna was quoted as saying by the news agency, PTI.
Ro Khanna, an Indian American, represents California’s 17th Congressional District. He was recently elected for his fourth consecutive term in November.
“A strong relationship with India is critical for our economy and national security. It is an honor to serve alongside my colleague Rep. Waltz as co-chair of the India Caucus,” Khanna said.
“Serving in this role is especially meaningful to me as one of the first Indian Americans to lead the caucus as well as the only representative of an Asian American majority district in the continental United States,” he said.
Congressman Waltz said that India is the world’s largest democracy and an important strategic partner for the United States. “That’s why I’m honored to serve as the Co-Chair of the House India Caucus this Congress to ensure we continue this partnership, strengthen political, economic, and security ties between our two countries, and protect democracies in Asia and worldwide,” Congressman Waltz was quoted as saying by PTI
