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U.S.-India Insight Summary

Core Content

This document, titled U.S.-India Insight, published in September 2012, explores the evolving role of the Indian-American diaspora in shaping U.S.-India relations. It highlights the community's growing influence in both domestic and international politics, as well as its contributions to various sectors of the U.S.-India relationship. The piece also reflects on the broader implications of the relationship's transformation and the potential for further collaboration.

Main Points

The Indian-American Diaspora: Ties that Bind

• The Indian-American community, numbering around 3 million in the U.S., is increasingly involved in U.S. politics, both local and national.
• Politicians and government officials often recognize the community as a key partner in advancing U.S.-India relations.
• The Obama administration referred to the U.S.-India relationship as a "defining partnership of the 21st century."
• The community has a strong presence in political offices, including governors and high-level appointments in the administration.
• Indian-Americans are more politically active than any other ethnic group outside of white, African-Americans, and Latinos.

Bilateral Concerns

• The community has historically focused on specific issues like nuclear cooperation, trade, and visa policies.
• The 2005 U.S.-India civilian nuclear agreement was a significant achievement, requiring three years of effort and political capital.
• The community is concerned about the lack of innovation in U.S. visa policies for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.
• There is a shift from single-issue advocacy to broader interests such as trade, people-to-people exchanges, and philanthropy.
• The maturation of the diaspora reflects the deepening of the U.S.-India relationship.

Growing the Relationship

• The diaspora is contributing to U.S.-India projects in various fields, including medical research, clean energy, higher education, and space cooperation.
• There is a growing interest in expanding trade relations at the SME (small and medium enterprise) level.
• Initiatives like the Virginia-India Business Roundtable are examples of how the diaspora is helping to build economic linkages.
• The diaspora also seeks to engage with India's healthcare sector, offering expertise and resources to improve services.
• There is a need for better collaboration with Indian authorities to overcome bureaucratic resistance.

Educational and Cultural Exchanges

• Educational and service exchanges are seen as crucial for building long-term partnerships.
• Young Indian-Americans participate in programs like the William J. Clinton Fellowship and Indicorps to work in India.
• U.S. universities are increasingly interested in creating study-abroad and joint-degree programs with Indian institutions.
• There is a noticeable imbalance in the flow of students between the U.S. and India, with more movement from India to the U.S.
• Programs like Passport to India and Connect to India should be promoted more to increase U.S. student participation.

Key Information

• Pew Research Center Survey: Shows strong Indian public support for the U.S., especially in urban areas.
  • 58% of urban Indians have a favorable view of the U.S.
  • 60% of Indians have confidence in President Obama.
  • 69% admire U.S. scientific and technological advances.
  • 56% of urban Indians admire American business practices.
• Cultural Concerns: Some Indians express concerns about the spread of American culture, with 55% disliking American music, movies, and TV.
• Strategic Autonomy: The document emphasizes the importance of respecting India's strategic autonomy, suggesting that the U.S. should also respect its cultural autonomy.
• CSIS Wadhwani Chair: The article is produced by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and highlights the role of the Wadhwani Chair in promoting U.S.-India policy studies.

Conclusion

The Indian-American diaspora is playing an increasingly important role in strengthening U.S.-India ties. While they have historically focused on specific policy issues, their engagement is now more diverse and strategic. The document encourages both governments to work closely with the diaspora to unlock the full potential of the U.S.-India relationship, particularly through trade, education, and cultural exchanges.