Tulsi Gabbard honored with IAFC’s National Service Award

November 2, 2017

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (in middle, bottom row) at the IAFC meet in Washington, DC, on Oct. 31

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Tulsi Gabbard delivered a keynote address at the Indian American Friendship Council’s (IAFC) 20th Annual Legislative Conference, on Tuesday.

The Congresswoman, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Asia-Pacific Subcommittee and the Democratic Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, spoke about bipartisan support behind strengthening mutually beneficial economic ties, building upon the existing U.S.-India security framework and a shared fight against terrorism, and expanding educational opportunities between the U.S. and India.

Other speakers included the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Ed Royce, Democrat Ranking Member Elliot Engel, and fellow lawmakers.

Gabbard was recognized with IAFC’s National Service Award for her leadership in strengthening the U.S.-India partnership.

Most recently in Hawaiʻi, she has worked with state and local leaders to initiate a Sister-State relationship between Hawaiʻi and Goa, which will be formalized later this year.

“Over the years, the U.S. and India have made great strides in strengthening our important relationship, from cooperating in education to business to counterterrorism and so much more. As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans and through my work on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, I’m working to strengthen the friendship and bonds that our two nations already share, and to encourage new opportunities for growth,” she said at the meet.

Gabbard added: “The Indian American Friendship Council’s work to promote mutual exchange of knowledge and ideas, further understanding between elected leaders and those in the private sector, and provide a voice to the more than three million Indian Americans living in the United States has furthered this progress and expanded the U.S.-India relationship for the benefit of both countries and their citizens.”