For more than a decade, Sanjay Puri as the Chairman of the U.S. India Political Action Committee (USINPAC), has worked with an objective to present a unified voice to the Congress and impact policies that affect the Indian American community in the United States. The USINPACE was founded in the year 2003 and is based in Washington D.C. It works intimately with other Indian-American organisations to uphold unprejudiced policies, and support Indian Americans in being a part of the political process. Sanjay Suri has been working on various important issues that are of significance to the Indian community in the US. He is also the Chairman of Optimos and the Founder and President of the Alliance for US India Business Alliance (AUSIB). AUSIB works towards strengthening economic ties between the US and India and Optimos is an IT solutions firm which is also among the top firms providing IT solutions to the Government agencies in the US. Sanjay is a passionate reader, entrepreneur and a representative of over 2.7 million Indian Americans. In an Interview with India Empire’s Assistant Editor
Misha Singh, Sanjay Puri talks about the vision and role of USINPAC
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What is the role of USINPAC in US politics?
Since the inception of USINPAC over 10 years ago it has played a great role in educating US members of congress, governors in various states and the US administration about the issues that are important to the Indian American community. The issue like US-India relations and immigration issues of concern to the community have always been put forward by USINPAC. We have also supported the community by educating them about why political engagement is important for the Indian American community. USINPAC also provides financial support and infrastructure to deserving Indian American candidates running for office at the federal, state and local level.
What kind of the congressional support does USINPAC have?
USINPAC has been instrumental in increasing the US House of Representatives India caucus to close to 200 members and the US senate to close to 40. Both of them are the largest caucus in the house and the senate.
USINPAC claims to represent 2.7 million Indians. How do you reach out to such large number of people? Do you have a newsletter, magazine or newspaper?
We have various touch points: we have chapters in several states that interface with local members and support events and activities in various states. We also have a newsletter and member alerts that go to the all the members of USINPAC and it covers the largest database of the Indian American community.
What is your vision and mission to better the India-US ties?
The relationship is at a level that it does not now matter what government is in power in the US and India. It has a trajectory of its own. It is based on shared values but also it should grow based on shared interests of trade and security. Energy, education and defense sectors will play a key role in bettering this relationship in the future.
Does USINPAC play a role in ensuring more of Indian participation in the US?
Yes, absolutely, we do play a key role by educating Indian Americans on why their involvement is important in the political process of US and also support them when they run for office. We also help the Indian Americans in getting in Capitol Hill as interns and in key positions in the administration.
Is USINPAC consulted in the Obama decisions on India?
We have provided our opinions whenever asked for by the legislative and executive branch on India-US relationship.
What kind of backgrounds do the USINPAC members come from?
There is no bar of backdrop for the members; they come from a wide variety of backgrounds like technology, medicine, education, business, professionals, students, homemakers and every other field.
Do you think the ties between India and US will be affected if Narendra Modi comes to power?
As I have mentioned earlier this is a relationship based on shared values but also will grow based on shared interests of trade and security. We believe that no matter who comes to power both US and India will realise the benefits of the relationship and work towards that.
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