Two Indian Americans launch Global Desi Republican Caucus

Seeks to amplify South Asian Voices in US politics to shape policies aligning with fiscal responsibility and family values

By Arun Kumar

Two Indian Americans have launched the Global Desi Republican Caucus to amplify South Asian voices in US politics and actively shape policies that align with fiscal responsibility and family values.

“This pioneering platform aims to empower the South Asian (Desi) diaspora in the US and overseas by aligning their values with the Republican Party’s vision of fiscal responsibility, family unity, and an ‘America First’ policy,” said founder Dr Tausif Malik, announcing the launch of GDRC.

READ: Caste narratives in DEI create bias against Hindus: Report (December 7th, 2024) 

Malik, former founder & 1st global chair of Muslim Democrats Abroad, former treasurer – Democrats Abroad India, said the GDRC is committed to tackling pressing concerns that resonate deeply with South Asians.

These include:

Elimination of Double Taxation: Advocating for tax reforms that benefit non-resident Americans.

Affordable Healthcare: Proposing innovative solutions to reduce healthcare costs while improving access.

Economic Empowerment: Supporting entrepreneurship and reducing government overreach.

Affordable Education: Championing reforms to make education accessible and reduce student debt.

Family Values: Strengthening policies that promote unity and community welfare.

With an estimated 5.4 million South Asians residing in the US, the Caucus aims to provide a robust platform to amplify their voices and influence US policies, according to a media release.

“South Asians have contributed immensely to America’s social, economic, and cultural fabric,” said Malik. “It’s time we channel our collective influence toshape policies that resonate with our community’s core values:Family, affordability, education, opportunity, and unity. The Republican Party’s emphasis on reducing government overreach and fostering entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Desi Americans.”

Joining Dr. Malik as co-founder of GDRC is Dr. Shabana Parvez, a Hyderabad-born board-certified emergency physician, and the President of Arlington Integrative Medical Center (AIMC).

“As a board certified ER physician, I have firsthand experience of the gaps in our healthcare system and the lack of access to primary care that lead to our emergency departments being overcrowded and hospital staff being overworked,” she stated.

“Meanwhile my relatives in India have easy access to cheap primary and specialty care while the ERs are mostly empty,” Parvez said. The sad reality is that Americans have one of the worst healthcare status while spending more than any country in the world. There has to be a more efficient use of government dollars allocated to healthcare “

Malik, who was born and raised in Pune, India, said the GDRC was born out of his disillusionment with the Democratic Party’s handling of key issues such as the Middle East crisis, student debt reform, and affordable healthcare.

Inspired by President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to reducing government costs and policies favoring non-resident Americans, Malik envisions the GDRC as a catalyst for change, according to the release.

Inviting the South Asian community to join the movement, Malik said, “Together, we can build a future that honors our values, embraces innovation, and strengthens America’s promise of prosperity for all.”

“As South Asians, we bring a rich tapestry of values, culture, and innovation to every aspect of life in the United States,” said Parvez, “Together, we can create a future where our voices are heard, our concerns are addressed, and our community thrives. This is our moment to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact.”