Armenians and Indians are an alliance of ancient civilizations aligned against modern day forces of hatred and intolerance.
We bring to this civilizational partnership a long and proud shared history:
- So very many Indian students are studying in Armenia – enriching Armenian society – bringing their blessings to my homeland.
- We heard today troubling reports that two Indian citizens were injured today by a cross-border Azerbaijani attack in Yerask. We pray for their speedy recovery.
- Many of you may know that the first Armenian periodical “Azdarar” was published in Madras (1794) – now Chennai.
- Many Armenian churches and schools operate to this day across India – some from the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The largest Eastern Oriental Orthodox denomination – the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church – has deep roots in India, and a close connection to our Armenian Apostolic faith.
- We share, of course, the pain of the Bangladesh Genocide, and seek its recognition because we know, from our own experience, that such crimes, committed and consolidated with impunity, only lead to new atrocities.
And – of course – we are witnessing the growth of strategic and security ties between India and Armenia.
My personal introduction to your community and cause was by my good friend Jay Kansara.
And we have developed dear friendships with so many – among them Mihir Meghani, Samir Kalra, Rajiv Pandit, Utsav Chakrabarti, and Anita Joshi – to name a few.
Neighbors in America, allies on the world stage.
We are a growing partnership.
Here in America – we are both deeply devoted to the safety and security of our respective homelands.
And committed to fighting lies and bias – individual and institutional – against our heritage, our faith, our identity.
Domestically we stand shoulder to shoulder in fighting discrimination.
Internationally, we are confronting two nations – once American allies, now enemies.
I speak of Pakistan and Turkey.
These two countries are allied today not with the United States, but with one another against the United States – and India and Armenia.
America’s policies toward both are in urgent need of updating – upgrading for new realities.
- Revoking Pakistan’s undeserved status as a Major Non-NATO ally
- Designating Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism
- Enacting Statutory prohibitions on U.S. military aid to Pakistan
- Enforcing Section 502B sanctions on Pakistan, and placing Islamabad on the Financial Action Task Force blacklist
On these issues and so many others, we stand with you as you elevate your community’s political influence to a level commensurate with your profound social, economic, and other contributions, with all the blessings that you bring to the American table.
The ANCA is proud to partner with the Hindu American Foundation, all our Hindu brothers and sisters, and Americans of Indian heritage – here in Washington, DC and in communities across America.
Thank you.