Indian-Americans on Donald Trump’s committee

With little over a month to go before the general elections, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has appointed Indian-Americans into his Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee.

The committee consists of over 30 members including Indian-Americans — Puneet Ahluwalia from Virginia, K.V. Kumar from California and Shalabh Kumar from Illinois, the Trump Campaign announced on Sunday.

“We are on the cusp of history. It is a movement that I am witnessing this presidential election. I am confident that Trump would be the next President of the United States,” Shalabh Kumar, founder of the Republican Hindu Coalition said.

“Under Trump administration, India-US relationship would reach a new height,” he said.

Puneet Ahluwalia is a member of Virginia’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory Council, while K.V. Kumar has earlier worked with the World Bank.

“It is my great honour and a privilege to be part of Trump AAPI Advisory Committee. This is a pivotal election which impacts the future of our nation and its people,” Mr Ahluwalia said.

The Trump Campaign said the committee is elected, and grassroot leaders are appointed who will engage Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) on relevant issues to these important and vibrant communities.

Governors Eddie Calvo and Ralph Torres of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) respectively, will serve as the council’s co-chairs, it said.

The committee members will support and strengthen ties to each community and provide recommendations on to ensure AAPI voices are heard and included in the campaign.

“Furthermore, the committee’s formation represents Trump and governor Pence’s commitment to AAPI communities,” the campaign said.