WASHINGTON, Feb 14: Under President Donald Trump, India and Indian-Americans will have a strong relationship with the US as he would be their “best friend” in the White House, according to a top Indian-American with the administration.
Raj Shah, a 32-year-old who supports Trump’s communications team shape his media portrayal and narrative, said Trump as president and as presidential candidate went an extra mile to attract Indian-Americans to the Republican Party as a majority of them were supporters of the Democratic Party.
“(And) It worked,” Shah said.
“I think this president has had a pretty notable outreach to the Indian-American community, both during the campaign and afterwards,” he said.
Shah pointed out that Trump appointed Indian-American Nikki Haley as the US envoy to the United Nations – a Cabinet post – in a first for the community under any administration.
“One of his first international conversation was with the Prime Minister (of India). So I think, certainly there is a recognition on the president’s part on importance of the US-India relationship and the contribution that Indian-Americans have made to the United States,” he said.
Shah, whose parents migrated to the US in the 80s, was the Director of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee, before he moved to the White House.
With a team of researchers, Shah played a key role in digging up information on Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. He was the backbone of all anti-Clinton research during the presidential campaign and getting inside the White House at a young age is said to be a reward for the behind-the-scenes player.
He said Trump’s agenda would be great for Indian-Americans. “The economic vision he has, the emphasis on economic reforms, cutting up red tape, regulations, fixing our healthcare system, all these things are going to have huge impact for all Americans including Indian-Americans.”
In Trump, Shah said, both India and Indian-Americans, have their best friend inside the White House.
“I think that we have seen from his predecessor Obama a lot of words and lip service. I do not know if agenda always worked out for Indian-Americans and for all Americans. I think this is in part why this president was elected. I think his performance in the next few years is going to demonstrate that his words and promises coming true,” he said.
“I think there will be a strong relationship between India and the US under the Trump administration – one that is built on mutual respect,” he said but admitted he was not a policy advisor.
“There are a lot of areas of mutual benefit of mutual concerns whether it is counter-terrorism, trade, other issues, there is a lot that can be done and there is a lot that will be done. I am optimistic about this administration’s commitment to improving relationship with India,” Shah said.
Shah was born and raised in Connecticut along with his sister, a few years older to him. He studied at the Cornell University.
In 2005, he interned at the White House in the scheduling office doing research. After graduation Shah joined the Republican National Committee. “It all took it from there.”
When the going got tougher towards the end of the presidential campaign, Shah said, his parents motivated and encouraged him. “They are happy that I am working at the White House and particularly happy that I am working for this president.”
As he prepares to furnish his room, Shah has kept one wall empty. “When prime minister (Narendra Modi) comes here, I want to get a photo of him with the President. A jumbo,” Shah said.
Trump has invited Modi for a visit to the White House.
Dates of a possible trip by Modi is still being worked out. But Shah hopes his wish could be fulfilled soon. (PTI)
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