Indian Eminence in Post-Modern US Politics and Community: A Remarkable Journey
The prominence of Indians in post-modern American politics and society stands in stark contrast to the humble beginnings of the first known Indian to set foot on U.S. soil. A 1635 Virginia land record describes this individual as “an insignificant speck”—a far cry from the significant influence Indian Americans hold in today’s political landscape. This first Indian, referred to only as “Tony” (obviously not his ethnic name), is recorded as the first Indian to arrive in the then British Colony. While the details of his departure from India are unclear, some researchers suggest that he may have travelled with a group of around 20 Indians from London, as part of the indentured labour trade, a practice common at the time. This human trade tradition, although initially exploited, would later extend to Queen Victoria hiring an Indian servant, Mohammed Abdul Karim, in the 19th century.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the relationship between India and the United States has evolved significantly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for instance, was one of the first world leaders to extend his congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump in 2016, a gesture that demonstrated the growing diplomatic bond between the two countries. Modi’s enthusiastic tweet, “Heartiest congratulations, my friend Donald Trump, on your historic election victory,” was an emblem of the unique partnership forming between the two nations, underscoring a shared sense of pride, patriotism, and the global influence of Indian communities worldwide.
The Indian American influence in U.S. politics became even more evident during the 2024 elections. A diverse group of Indian American leaders from various political, business, and academic backgrounds played key roles in both the campaigns and in subsequent appointments to the Trump administration. These figures from the Indian diaspora have worked their way into influential positions, helping shape the political discourse and strategy on both sides of the aisle.
On the Democratic side, the most prominent Indian American figure is Vice President Kamala Harris. Raised by her Indian mother, who instilled a deep connection to their Hindu roots, Kamala Harris stands as a trailblazer in U.S. politics. Her mother’s influence and the family’s commitment to Hindu rituals were significant parts of Kamala’s upbringing. In a previous issue of The Australian Indian Times, we explored her Indian roots and Hindu faith journey, shedding light on how these cultural ties have shaped her approach to politics and governance. While Kamala Harris swore her inaugural oath as Vice President on a Christian Bible, her Hindu background remains an integral part of her identity and an inspiration for millions of Indian Americans. Harris’ ascent to the second-highest office in the United States is a testament to the growing influence of Indian Americans in shaping U.S. politics.
Another rising star in American politics is Usha Chilukuri Vance, born in 1986 to Indian immigrant parents. Usha, now the wife of Vice-President-elect James David Vance, is set to become the second lady of the United States. Throughout the election campaign, there were playful debates, fuelled by social media, about the differences between Telugu and Tamil heritage. Kamala Harris, with her Tamil Brahmin roots, and Usha Vance, with her Telugu heritage from Andhra Pradesh, both represent the rich diversity of India. Their involvement at the highest levels of U.S. political power serves as a proud moment for the Indian community, highlighting their growing presence and influence in American society.
Billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy also represents a key figure in this new Indian American political era. Originally a Republican Party Presidential aspirant in 2024, Ramaswamy later endorsed Donald Trump and played a crucial role in his campaign. A monotheistic Hindu and fluent Tamil speaker, Ramaswamy hails from a family of immigrants from Palakkad, Kerala. His rise to prominence, culminating in his appointment to the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, reflects the continued integration of Indian American leaders into key political positions. The department’s focus on reducing government spending is an example of the practical, business-savvy approach that many Indian American leaders bring to the U.S. political sphere. By advocating for cuts in federal spending, including slashing foreign aid and streamlining the Department of Education, Ramaswamy and his colleagues seek to make government more efficient and responsive to taxpayers.
One of the most notable nominations in the Trump administration is that of Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu to serve in the U.S. Congress. Although not of Indian descent, Gabbard’s use of the Bhagavad Gita during her congressional oath and her open embrace of Hindu values has made her a strong symbol of Indian influence in American politics. Gabbard’s name, Tulsi, derives from the sacred plant in Hindu tradition, and she is viewed as a representative of the spiritual and cultural bridge between India and the United States. Recently, questions about her past inclusion in the “Quiet Skies” program—an algorithm-based surveillance system designed to track and screen passengers—have sparked debate, but these challenges have not diminished her standing in the political landscape.
In this post-colonial era, the growing influence of Indian Americans in U.S. politics is undeniable. As the relationship between the two countries deepens, Prime Minister Modi, along with his American allies, will continue to play a critical role in fostering global diplomacy. The voices of Indian American leaders are now integral to the American political discourse, shaping policy and bringing a diverse range of perspectives to the table.
In the coming years, we can expect even greater representation and influence from Indian Americans in U.S. politics, a journey that has come a long way from the days when the first Indian, “Tony,” was considered an insignificant speck. Today, Indian American politicians and leaders are shaping the future of the United States, demonstrating the power of the global Indian diaspora and its significant role in modern American politics.
