Despite entering a strained phase, the U.S.\u2013India relationship remains deeply interconnected, with experts saying immigration, trade, and technology continue to anchor ties between the world\u2019s two largest democracies.<\/p>\n
Scholars, policymakers, and political leaders discussed challenges and opportunities in bilateral relations during a panel on U.S.\u2013India ties hosted by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) in Milpitas, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.<\/p>\n
Khanderao Kand, president and chief of policy and strategy at FIIDS, expressed optimism about the long-term future of the relationship, particularly in the area of immigration.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the issues that are there now will get resolved within a few months,\u201d Kand said. \u201cAbout immigration, especially of the Indians who now live in the U.S., this country needs the immigrants as much as the immigrants need the opportunities available here.\u201d He described the situation as a \u201cwin-win,\u201d noting that Indian professionals\u2014especially in the technology sector\u2014help fill critical talent gaps in the U.S. economy.<\/p>\n
FIIDS is a U.S.-based nonprofit think tank focused on engaging the Indian and South Asian diaspora to strengthen collaboration in international affairs, education, science and technology, geopolitics, trade, and counterterrorism.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe facilitate dialogues between experts from various fields so they can exchange views,\u201d Kand said, adding that the organization\u2019s work centers on the broader interests of the Indian American diaspora, including the U.S.\u2013India partnership, the Indo-Pacific region, and diaspora-related issues.<\/p>\n
Kand acknowledged concerns over the Trump administration\u2019s tariff policies and immigration stance but said FIIDS has prioritized advocacy over litigation. He pointed to a significant decline in international student enrollment at U.S. universities\u2014about 30 percent\u2014as one of the negative consequences of recent policy decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is a major loss for universities and for research-driven innovation that fuels U.S. businesses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Kand also warned of wider economic repercussions linked to immigration restrictions, noting that immigrants create positive ripple effects across the economy. He emphasized that many Indian immigrants arrive well educated at no cost to U.S. taxpayers and go on to make substantial economic contributions. He said pressure from U.S. industry played a role in lawsuits filed by 20 states challenging steep increases in H-1B visa fees.<\/p>\n
While FIIDS does not engage directly in legal action, Kand said the organization focuses on awareness and outreach, maintaining dialogue with lawmakers, administration officials, and federal agencies to ensure policymaking reflects its broader societal and economic impact.<\/p>\n
Panelists were also asked to identify areas where U.S.\u2013India cooperation could strengthen by 2026. Dinsha Mistree, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and Stanford University affiliate, highlighted trade and energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully this trade deal between the U.S. and India will soon get done,\u201d Mistree said, cautioning that expectations for a comprehensive agreement were unrealistic and that any deal would likely need revisions within five years.<\/p>\n
Mistree identified energy, technology, and defense as areas of strong potential cooperation, citing nuclear energy, natural gas, and oil as sectors aligned with India\u2019s growing needs and U.S. policy priorities. He also noted the significance of private-sector technology investment and pointed out that more than one million Americans live in India, underscoring the two-way nature of diaspora ties.<\/p>\n
Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, who oversees foreign affairs for India\u2019s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and coordinates with the Indian diaspora, echoed these views. He said that beyond trade disputes, emerging technologies\u2014including defense technologies\u2014and energy cooperation would likely become central priorities.<\/p>\n
Mistree added that security cooperation, including counterterrorism, remains relevant even if it attracts less public attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d also like to see counterterrorism as a focus, but who knows if that will be on the agenda,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Another panelist, Vinita Gupta, highlighted India\u2019s government-led approach to technology as a model the U.S. could learn from, particularly as artificial intelligence advances. She cited India\u2019s use of digital platforms such as UPI and Aadhaar to reduce friction and broaden public access.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndia did a great job of using technology to mobilize the masses and remove friction from the system,\u201d Gupta said, contrasting it with the more limited government\u2013private sector collaboration in the U.S. She argued that stronger partnerships, combined with timely regulation, could help avoid challenges seen in areas like social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndia has done a better job of balancing innovation and governance,\u201d Gupta said, adding that this approach could benefit the United States.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Despite entering a strained phase, the U.S.\u2013India relationship remains deeply interconnected, with experts saying immigration, trade, and technology continue to anchor ties between the world\u2019s two largest democracies. Scholars, policymakers, and political leaders discussed challenges and opportunities in bilateral relations during a panel on U.S.\u2013India ties hosted by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":50620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,28,26],"tags":[81],"class_list":["post-50619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-india","category-opinion","category-south-asia","tag-headline"],"yoast_head":"\n