Prominent Indian American community leaders have urged stronger political participation, unified advocacy, and sustained civic engagement, stressing that the community’s economic success must translate into meaningful political influence in the United States.

Speaking at the inaugural India Abroad Dialogue in Detroit, panelists from business, politics, and community leadership backgrounds said Indian Americans remain underrepresented in politics despite being one of the country’s most educated and economically successful immigrant groups.

Sunny Reddy, recently elected Vice Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party — the highest-ranking Indian American in the state GOP’s leadership — emphasized that political leadership is no longer optional. “Indian Americans are among the richest in this country. We contribute a lot to taxes. We are law-abiding citizens,” Reddy said, urging younger members of the community to step forward. “Leadership is not an option. We can achieve. We can be there.”

Several speakers noted that while Indian Americans have excelled in business, technology, medicine, and entrepreneurship, civic participation has lagged. Avinash Rajmal, Chairman and CEO of Lakeshore Global Corporation, described Reddy’s electoral victory as a milestone, highlighting the scale and competitiveness of the race.

Rajmal also reflected on his own immigrant journey after arriving in the U.S. as a student in the early 1990s. He spoke about the lack of guidance and resources that led Indian American entrepreneurs to create collective support systems, including chambers of commerce and business associations.

Immigration policy emerged as a central theme throughout the discussion. Panelists raised concerns about prolonged green card backlogs, uncertainty surrounding H-1B visas, and country-based quotas, describing both their economic and human costs.

Anu Gopalakrishnan, founder of MintDfuel, argued that high-skilled legal immigration should be viewed as a strategic advantage. “Skilled immigration is not charity, it’s a competitive advantage,” she said, adding that states like Michigan depend on global talent to remain competitive.

Community leader Ashok Baddi stressed the need for unity and collective advocacy, urging Indian Americans to speak with one voice. He also announced plans to pursue state-level elected office, saying the time had come for greater representation.

Hema Rachmale highlighted the stress and health challenges faced by visa holders, describing community efforts to assist families during immigration emergencies. Dr. Ajith Kadakol framed immigration policy in moral and ethical terms, calling for laws that benefit the country while remaining fair and transparent.

Despite differing political affiliations, panelists agreed on the urgency of civic engagement. One remark summed up the discussion: “You are either sitting at the table, or you become the menu.”

Organizers said the India Abroad Dialogue series aims to foster newsroom-style conversations on policy, politics, and diaspora issues, with similar events planned across major U.S. cities.