American politicians descend on Houston in Texas every election season to raise funds, and an Indian American businessman has turned this into an opportunity to build a network among influential senior politicians. Jiten Agarwal, an IIT-Delhi alumnus, has hosted at least 18 leaders from around the country during the current election cycle, among them Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Paul Ryan. The campaign for the November Congressional election is underway in the U.S.
Mr. Agarwal’s company Expedien, a business and data analytics firm with offices in US and India, employs 600 people. His foray into political networking grew from his desire to involve in larger American social life, he said. “Indian Americans tend to confine to their own social circles, but I strongly believe that we need to be active in the political and social life of this country which is now home,” he said. Mr. Agarwal started with charity initiatives and soon expanded into political fundraising. This year’s events have raised anything between $100000 to two million dollars. “But fund-raising is only incidental, I must say. The fact is that American politicians increasingly acknowledge India as a rising power and Indian Americans as an influential community,” he said. Nikki Haley, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, attended an event hosted by him, though she cannot raise funds.
Soft-spoken and self-effacing, Mr. Agarwal is unsure of his own political ambitions. He counts among his guests politicians from both parties but considers himself a Republican. “Contrary to the public perception, most Indian American business people support the Republicans and their policies,” he said. But he hosted events for Democrats such as Tulsi Gabbard also this year. “The idea is to stay connected with all. And I am also doing this to support the growth of India-US relations to ever higher levels,” he said. “And these leaders that we host are mostly right of the centre.”
Mr. Agarwal shot to limelight when he raised money and bought a house for Ian Grillot, a 24-year old white American who took a bullet to protect two Indians who were targets of racist violence on February 22, 2017. Srinivas Kuchibotla was killed in the attack and Mr. Grillot was severely injured. “Integrating the Indian American community with mainstream America is our task and therefore we work with veterans, schools and churches at the local level,” he said. Mr. Agarwal runs a program to help veterans who want to run for public offices. “It includes mentorship and initial support needed to run for the office,” he said. This network of veterans turned out to be formidable during the 2017 Hurricane Harvey, in relief and rescue.
After IIT Delhi, Mr. Agarwal went to Kellogg School of Management and started as an employee before setting up his own business. Houston being the hub of American petroleum and gas industry, is a booming centre of economic activity and hence a lucrative stop for all American politicians looking to raise funds. Among other leaders that he has hosted this year include Senator John Cornyn, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Republican candidate for Colorado governor Walker Stapleton, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Republican candidate for South Dakota governor Krist Noem, Congressmen and Senators from across USA such as Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise, Mimi Walters, and Pete Olson. He has also supported several fresh faces during the current cycle. “Both Indians and non-Indians contribute and support these candidates depending on who believe in whom and the particular candidate’s profile and platform. Almost all of these candidates are very knowledgeable on policy issues and other current issues both locally, nationally and internationally,” said Mr. Agarwal.
“All these leaders have been great friends of the Indian American community and respond to their needs almost immediately. We have been able to talk to law makers, educate them on issues in South and South East Asia, and cross-border terrorism,” Mr. Agarwal said, recalling the continuous support these leaders offer for strong India-US ties.
