Who Is Suhag Shukla, The Indian-American Activist Who Fired Back At Shashi Tharoor?

Last Updated:October 07, 2025, 11:17 IST

Suhag Shukla said the diaspora is not a ‘proxy’ of the Indian government and that leaders like Shashi Tharoor shouldn’t expect automatic support

Suhag Shukla said that while their loyalty lies with the US, Indian-Americans continue to represent India positively abroad. (News18 Hindi)

Indian-American activist Suhag Shukla, who serves as the Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), has recently criticised Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP of Thiruvananthapuram.

Tharoor had questioned the Indian-American diaspora’s alleged “silence” on US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, H-1B visa fees, and the strained India-US relationship.

Tharoor’s comments drew a sharp response from Shukla, who accused him of misrepresenting the involvement of the Indian-American diaspora in India-US issues. She stated that Tharoor’s claims undermine the hard-earned credibility of the diaspora in the US.

Shukla emphasised, “The diaspora community has long been working to strengthen India-US relations within the bounds of US law.”

Who Is Suhag Shukla?

Suhag A. Shukla is an Indian-American Hindu activist and the co-founder and executive director of HAF. Born in India, she has settled in the United States and works to promote Hindu culture. Since its founding in 2004, HAF has been committed to protecting the rights of Hindu Americans. Shukla has focused on various issues including education, health, and religious freedom. She has been lauded for her efforts to ensure accurate teaching of Hindu history in schools, combat anti-Hindu discrimination, and highlight the contributions of Hindus. She is often referred to as a “Hindu rights warrior” for connecting Hindu identity with American values.

What Sparked The Debate?

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s remarks on the “silence” of Indian-American immigrants drew a sharp response from Suhag Shukla. Tharoor had questioned why Indian-origin leaders in the US don’t advocate for India on issues like H-1B visa fees, tariffs, and trade policies, calling their inaction “surprising.”

Responding in The Print, Shukla wrote, “We are not proxies of the Indian government.” She said leaders like Tharoor shouldn’t expect the diaspora to support India’s policies, noting that “India doesn’t consult us on oil policy or import tariffs.” Shukla added that while their loyalty lies with the US, Indian-Americans continue to represent India positively abroad.

Fighting For Hindu Rights

Shukla said the diaspora is already fighting for Hindu rights, but Tharoor’s remarks undermined their efforts. The controversy has sparked debate over the diaspora’s role in India-US relations. Her stance highlights that the community serves as an independent voice, promoting India’s interests while fulfilling its duties as American citizens. The issue has gained traction on social media, with growing support for Shukla’s statement.

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