Shrewsbury MASSACHUSETTS — September 21, 2026 Indian American community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, physicians and civic advocates met with Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) at India Worcester Center in Shrewsbury, MA on September 19th for a discussion on immigration, healthcare, economic opportunity, civic participation and the U.S-India relationship.
The conversation highlighted the growing civic engagement of Indian Americans and the importance of maintaining direct, bipartisan dialogue with elected officials.
Participants reflected on the Indian American community’s role in building bipartisan support for the U.S–India Civil Nuclear Agreement, an important milestone in the bilateral relationship.
Ramesh Vishwanath Kapur, Founder and President of US India Security Council and a longtime Indian American community leader involved in advocacy surrounding the agreement, said:
“The Civil Nuclear Agreement showed what is possible when Republicans and Democrats come together around a shared strategic vision.”
Kapur noted that the experience demonstrated the value of Indian American engagement in strengthening U.S-India relations.
Immigration was a key topic of discussion, with community members raising concerns affecting students, families, healthcare professionals and other immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration system. Participants also discussed the importance of ensuring that the diverse Indian American community across faiths, generations and political perspectives has a meaningful voice in civic life.
Dr. Satya Mitra, community leader and Worcester City Council At Large, spoke about his longstanding relationship with Congressman McGovern and his accessibility to constituents.
“What has always stood out to me is his accessibility and commitment to public service.”
Mitra also emphasized the importance of community members participating actively in civic life and speaking up on issues affecting their communities. Dr. Sahdev Passey echoed Dr. Mitra’s sentiments and highlighted the important work of Congressman Jim McGovern in serving his constituents and strengthening engagement with the community. He commended McGovern’s longstanding commitment to public service and his efforts to remain accessible and responsive to the people he represents.
The meeting underscored the importance of continued engagement between Indian American communities and elected officials at the federal, state and local levels. Participants also reaffirmed the importance of the U.S-India relationship and the role that the Indian American community can play as a bridge between the two democracies. The community’s experience navigating both cultures, economies and institutions provides a unique platform for strengthening bilateral relationships in technology, trade, energy, healthcare, education, defense and innovation. The participants called for greater collaboration among Indian American organizations, elected officials, civic leaders, business leaders, students and younger generations. The objective is not simply to increase political participation, but to build a durable civic infrastructure capable of engaging policymakers from both parties and advocating for issues important to the community and the country.
The discussion concluded with a call for Indian Americans to remain engaged, informed and united around shared civic principles while maintaining room for legitimate political differences.
The community’s history demonstrates what can happen when people come together around a common purpose. The next generation now has an opportunity to build on that legacy.
Media Contact:
US India Security Council
