Washington, Dec 11 (NationPress) Two prominent Indian American legislators in the U.S. Congress, Rep. Ami Bera and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, made significant and impactful statements during the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia hearing regarding the US–India strategic partnership. They advocated for a more stable, values-oriented, and innovation-focused vision for this vital relationship.

Bera, a Democrat from California and one of the longest-serving Indian American Congress members, highlighted the robust bipartisan support for the alliance.

"We recently introduced a bipartisan resolution with 24 members, reflecting over three decades of strategy, from President Clinton through to President Biden," he informed the panel.

The message is unequivocal: both the United States and India aspire for an atmosphere of security, peace, and prosperity.

During his recent trip to India, Bera noted the evolving strategic alignment, sharing insights from discussions with Indian officials, business leaders, and military personnel. He concluded that "India is increasingly aware of their long-term interests."

Although New Delhi must "coexist with China," he emphasized that India increasingly perceives that "many of their long-term interests align with the West, particularly the United States and Europe." He also noted India's openness to foreign investments, enhancing its status as a reliable partner in secure supply chains.

On defense collaboration, Bera highlighted the increasing maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean and called for more extensive joint training exercises. His visit to the Western Naval Command underscored that "the maritime partnership between the United States and India is exceptionally strong right now," and both nations are eager to engage in "more joint training and exercises" to safeguard freedom of navigation in a vast and contested region.

Addressing sensitive issues, Bera spoke about visa restrictions and obstacles to scientific mobility. He criticized the administration's $100,000 H-1B fee, arguing it hampers American businesses and innovation. "We need this talent," he stated, urging Congress to create a new visa category facilitating travel for Indian scientists and U.S. professionals, which he deemed crucial for collaboration in AI, biotechnology, health security, and advanced manufacturing.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian American woman in Congress, offered a personal and pointed viewpoint, saying, "I'm immensely proud of my roots in India, my homeland." She emphasized that her immigrant experience—being the only Congress member to have held both a student and an H-1B visa—has made her aware of how restrictive immigration policies harm families, businesses, and the bilateral relationship.

She expressed concerns relayed by Indian American entrepreneurs regarding tariff increases that threaten their livelihoods. A fifth-generation company in her district remarked that the latest tariff hikes posed "the greatest threat to their business in over 120 years." She labeled the administration's strategy, including a 50% cumulative tariff burden on many Indian goods, as economically shortsighted and strategically damaging.

Jayapal also voiced worries about the rise of "anti-Indian hate" in the U.S., asserting that Indian Americans play a vital role in the economy, contributing significantly to Fortune 500 companies and pioneering research that saves lives.

On geopolitical matters, Jayapal pressed witnesses on whether punitive measures might drive India toward alternative blocs. Sameer Lalwani acknowledged that such tariff disparities "could push India closer" to BRICS and the SCO, an outcome she argued would compromise U.S. interests.

Together, Bera and Jayapal articulated a dual imperative: to strengthen defense and technological collaboration while safeguarding democratic values, scientific mobility, economic openness, and trust among people.

Their message is clear: a stable, future-oriented US–India partnership must be built not merely on shared strategic goals but also on the lived experiences and aspirations of millions of Indian Americans who constitute the "living bridge" between the two nations.