Biden has 130 Indian-Americans in US administration

Story by  ATV | Posted by  Aasha Khosa • 1 Years ago
India-Americans and President Joe Biden
India-Americans and President Joe Biden

 

New Delhi


Indians have a huge footprint across America not only in terms of the social and economic sphere but also in bureaucracy and diplomacy. The dominance of Indian-Americans has surprised everyone as in the administration of US President Joe Biden, more than 130 Indian-Americans have been appointed to key positions so far.


Indians’ achievements are remarkable given the fact they just form one percent of the USA’s population. Biden fulfilled his promise to the community during his campaign for presidential elections in 2020. This is way beyond the seemingly pro-Indian Donald Trump administration appointing around 80 Indian-Americans.

 

Barack Obama had appointed more than 60 Indian-Americans to key positions during his eight-year presidency. This time, 40 Indian-Americans have been elected to various Legislative bodies a the State and federal levels, including four to the US House of Representatives.

 

Biden has appointed Indian-Americans to almost all departments and agencies in his administration.

 

Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, and venture capitalist MR Rangaswamy said that Indian-Americans share a spirit of seva (service) and this is reflected in their eagerness to work in public service positions rather than the private sector.

“Theis is the far largest group the Biden administration has ever appointed or nominated, and needless to say, we are proud of their accomplishments for our people and the United States of America,” he said.

 

Rangaswamy is the founder and chairman of Indiaspora, a US-based global organization that monitors leaders of Indian origin. Joe Biden, who has maintained close ties to the Indian-American community since his senatorial days, often jokes about his Indian ties. He made history by choosing Indian-origin Kamala Harris as his Vice-Presidential candidate.

 

A list of Indian-Americans in the White House compiled by the Indian community reflects that there will be few meetings inside the White House or in Biden's Oval Office that do not have an Indian-American presence. Biden's speech writer is Vinay Reddy, while his key advisor on Corona is Dr. Ashish Jha, his adviser on environmental policy is Sonia Aggarwal, special assistant on criminal justice is Chirag Bains. Kiran Ahuja is the head of the Office of Personnel Management, Neera Tanden is President’s senior advisor, and Rahul Gupta is his director of drug policy.

 

When Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sindhu hosted an Independence Day reception at India House, his administration's Indian-Americans represented almost every major branch of the American government. The young Vedant Patel is now the Deputy Spokesperson at the State Department, while Grima Verma is the Digital Director in the Office of the First Lady. Joe Biden has also nominated several Indian-Americans to key ambassadorial posts.

 

Data reveals that the Biden administration is the most diverse government in American history.

 

In Sudan, President Biden and Vice President Harris assembled a group of nearly 1,500 diverse and highly qualified individuals to serve in the Cabinet and other positions in the executive branch. These public servants) represent minority groups across the United States that have previously been underrepresented in the highest government positions. To serve in the presidential cabinet, top officials must receive Senate confirmation by a majority vote.