Indian-American Ro Khanna elected co-chair of India caucus

Khanna, 46, a Democrat who represents California's 17th Congressional District, will co-chair the Caucus with Republican House colleague Mike Waltz. "The Indian-American diaspora can play such an important role in helping strengthen the US-India partnership. I think this is a historic moment for our community. I think we're really emerging and coming into our own as a strong voice," Khanna told NBC News.

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna will be the co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans in the 118th Congress.

Khanna, 46, a Democrat who represents California's 17th Congressional District, will co-chair the Caucus with Republican House colleague Mike Waltz.

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"The Indian-American diaspora can play such an important role in helping strengthen the US-India partnership. I think this is a historic moment for our community. I think we're really emerging and coming into our own as a strong voice," Khanna told NBC News.

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The India Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers that was established in 1993 to bolster New Delhi-Washington relations.

Prior to Khanna, Congressman Ami Bera was the first Indian-American to be elected as the co-chair of the Caucus in 2015-2016 during the 115th Congress.

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"I'm going to try to make it about not just us India, but also the Indian-American community and highlighting the contributions of that community," Khanna told NBC News.

Indian-Americans are the second-largest immigrant group in the US, with their population estimated to be around four million.

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As the profile of the community has grown, so too has its social, economic, and political influence.

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There are presently five Indian-Americans serving in the Congress, popularly known as the 'Samosa Caucus' -- Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar.

Khanna's appointment comes amidst reports that he may be looking at a potential presidential run in 2024.

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His recent moves have sparked speculation among Democrats in several key states that the Congressman has his eyes set on a higher office, according to Politico.

"If President Biden didn't seek re-election, his name would have to be on the list of top contenders," Stacey Walker, founder of the Iowa-based firm Sage Strategies, said.

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Khanna -- son of immigrant parents from Punjab -- is seen as one of the leaders of his party's progressive wing, and a relative newcomer on the scene who has broad appeal and formidable skills.

On US-India relations, he said last month that the relationship between the two democracies could define the 21st century.

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Khanna had said in November 2022 that the US needs a strong defence and strategic partnership with India, especially in the face of escalating aggression from China.

In September last year, he had introduced a standalone bill in the US House of Representatives seeking a waiver to India against the punitive CAATSA sanctions.

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