04-12-2004, 08:49 AM
http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/20040419/...acy.shtml&SET=T
INDIA TODAY, APRIL 19, 2004
<b>diplomacy INDIA - ISRAEL LOBBY</b>
Canny Friends
Indian and Jewish lobbies at Capitol Hill are discovering the benefits of working together
Outsourcing, nuclear proliferation by Pakistan and terrorism, India's acquisition of the Arrow missile system, or even a greater Indian representation in the American legislative system-the political debut of Indians in the US has been eased by convergence of interests with the powerful Jewish lobby, and the cavernous corridors of Capitol Hill are now a collective stamping ground.
"Indian Americans and American Jews are natural friends and coalition partners on a range of issues," says Jason Isaacson of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), adding, "The Americans Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)-which is the pre-eminent pro-Israel lobby-is also involved in encouraging Indo-Israeli and Indo-US relations." The Indian-Jewish alignment holds promise and fires the imagination. Says Sanjay Puri, executive director of USINPAC (US-India Political Action Committee): "On issues that both communities care about we will pool our resources."
Joint lobbying has had signal successes recently, including an amendment in the Pakistan aid package requiring the White House to certify Pakistan's cooperation on terrorism. In a few weeks, the Congress will vote on the $3 billion aid to Pakistan. Working behind the scenes to influence the vote will be the Jewish and Indian lobby groups. Indian lobbyists also managed to get the Congress to include India in the list of countries that can access US funds of $15 billion to tackle HIV/AIDS.
The Jewish lobby is the most professionally organised, and with 37 Congress members of Jewish descent, it is a potent force. In contrast, there are only five state legislators and no members of the Congress who trace their ancestry to India. But this political deficit may change as Indian Americans emerge from the shadows.
Politically, the Indian community gains from the experiences and the power perception that accompanies the Jewish lobby. They have also been taught the ropes of political activism by the AJC. On the other hand, the Jewish lobby finds common ground in opposing Islamic extremism. With revelations abounding of Pakistan's nuclear proliferation, Israel fears such technology falling in the hands of enemy Arab countries. It is on top of the mind of the Indian lobby as well. The other issue occupying common mindspace is H1-B visas and outsourcing. Puri says USINPAC is working on Senate committees to dilute offending laws. Isaacson adds, "We will be lobbying to increase H1-B visas to Indians and Israelis."
Nevertheless, there are differences. The Indian perspective on Palestine is at odds with Israel. India's voting record in the UN is a matter of concern to Jews. But resonances are being felt in government circles as well. Indian Ambassador to the US Lalit Mansingh has hosted Hanukkah dinners, drawing surprised pleasure from Jewish movers and shakers. Israel's ambassador in Washington too has been wooing Indian Americans. In Delhi, the AJC and AIPAC find a warm welcome from sections of the Government and the US Embassy. Isaacson says the AJC is planning to open its next "interests" office in Delhi later this year. It is India Focus time in the US and the joint lobby is a diplomatic tool that is increasingly hard to ignore.
â By Indrani Bagchi
INDIA TODAY, APRIL 19, 2004
<b>diplomacy INDIA - ISRAEL LOBBY</b>
Canny Friends
Indian and Jewish lobbies at Capitol Hill are discovering the benefits of working together
Outsourcing, nuclear proliferation by Pakistan and terrorism, India's acquisition of the Arrow missile system, or even a greater Indian representation in the American legislative system-the political debut of Indians in the US has been eased by convergence of interests with the powerful Jewish lobby, and the cavernous corridors of Capitol Hill are now a collective stamping ground.
"Indian Americans and American Jews are natural friends and coalition partners on a range of issues," says Jason Isaacson of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), adding, "The Americans Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)-which is the pre-eminent pro-Israel lobby-is also involved in encouraging Indo-Israeli and Indo-US relations." The Indian-Jewish alignment holds promise and fires the imagination. Says Sanjay Puri, executive director of USINPAC (US-India Political Action Committee): "On issues that both communities care about we will pool our resources."
Joint lobbying has had signal successes recently, including an amendment in the Pakistan aid package requiring the White House to certify Pakistan's cooperation on terrorism. In a few weeks, the Congress will vote on the $3 billion aid to Pakistan. Working behind the scenes to influence the vote will be the Jewish and Indian lobby groups. Indian lobbyists also managed to get the Congress to include India in the list of countries that can access US funds of $15 billion to tackle HIV/AIDS.
The Jewish lobby is the most professionally organised, and with 37 Congress members of Jewish descent, it is a potent force. In contrast, there are only five state legislators and no members of the Congress who trace their ancestry to India. But this political deficit may change as Indian Americans emerge from the shadows.
Politically, the Indian community gains from the experiences and the power perception that accompanies the Jewish lobby. They have also been taught the ropes of political activism by the AJC. On the other hand, the Jewish lobby finds common ground in opposing Islamic extremism. With revelations abounding of Pakistan's nuclear proliferation, Israel fears such technology falling in the hands of enemy Arab countries. It is on top of the mind of the Indian lobby as well. The other issue occupying common mindspace is H1-B visas and outsourcing. Puri says USINPAC is working on Senate committees to dilute offending laws. Isaacson adds, "We will be lobbying to increase H1-B visas to Indians and Israelis."
Nevertheless, there are differences. The Indian perspective on Palestine is at odds with Israel. India's voting record in the UN is a matter of concern to Jews. But resonances are being felt in government circles as well. Indian Ambassador to the US Lalit Mansingh has hosted Hanukkah dinners, drawing surprised pleasure from Jewish movers and shakers. Israel's ambassador in Washington too has been wooing Indian Americans. In Delhi, the AJC and AIPAC find a warm welcome from sections of the Government and the US Embassy. Isaacson says the AJC is planning to open its next "interests" office in Delhi later this year. It is India Focus time in the US and the joint lobby is a diplomatic tool that is increasingly hard to ignore.
â By Indrani Bagchi