Indian-Origin Women Reshaping Global Politics

According to the New York Times, in 2013 the United States House of Representatives had a single Indian American member. These numbers have changed drastically, with at least 50 Indian-origin representatives in the American state legislature as of 2023. Welcoming these Indian-origin women, who are making significant contributions to politics across the globe, reflecting the increasing diversity and inclusivity in political representation.

Usha Chilukuri Vance

In July 2024, anti-immigration presidential candidate Donald J. Trump chose Ohio Senator JD Vance as his Vice President. Notably, Vance’s Indian-origin wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, adds an unprecedented element to the ticket. Usha, daughter of Telugu-speaking immigrants, holds impressive degrees from Yale University and the University of Cambridge. A former litigator who clerked for Supreme Court Justices, Usha has been instrumental in her husband’s political success.

 

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris, the first woman, first black American, and the first South Asian person elected Vice President of the United States, has a significant political career. Raised by a Jamaican father and an Indian-born mother, Harris has served as San Francisco’s district attorney and California’s attorney general. She announced her presidential bid in 2019 but eventually endorsed Joe Biden, with whom she secured the vice presidency in January 2021.

 

Shivani Raja

Shivani Raja, a 29-year-old of Indian descent, made history by becoming the first Tory MP to win the Leicester East seat in the UK Parliament in 37 years. She swore her allegiance to the UK Parliament on the Bhagavad Gita. Born to Indian parents from Gujarat, Shivani holds a degree in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science from De Montfort University. Her victory, with 14,526 votes, was significant as the constituency hadn’t seen a Tory elected in nearly four decades.

Nikki Haley

Nimrata Kaur Randhawa, known as Nikki Haley, was born to Indian immigrant parents from Punjab, India. She became the first woman and the first person of an ethnic minority to hold the governorship of South Carolina under the Republican banner. As Trump’s UN Ambassador, she later launched a challenge against him in the 2024 Republican presidential race but faced defeat, ending her campaign with ‘no regrets.’

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

New Zealand’s first-ever Indian-origin minister, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, has a background that spans India, Singapore, and New Zealand. Joining the Labour Party in 2006, she became an MP under Jacinda Ardern’s leadership. Priyanca served as the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector from 2020 to 2023 and is currently a List MP based in Maungakiekie.

Anita Indira Anand

Anita Indira Anand, born to Indian parents from Tamil Nadu and Punjab, is a Canadian lawyer and politician serving as the President of the Canadian Treasury Board since July 2023. With four degrees, including a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto, Anand has held academic positions at prestigious universities. In 2021, she became Canada’s Minister of National Defence, the second woman and the only Indian-origin woman to hold this position.

Nadia Whittome

Nadia Whittome of the Labour Party has secured the Nottingham East constituency, a seat she was first elected to in 2019 at the age of 23, making her the youngest serving MP. Her Punjabi Sikh father migrated to the UK in his twenties, while her Anglo-Indian mother worked as a solicitor and was an active Party member. As one of the few queer MPs in the House of Commons, Nadia was recognized as Pink News’ Politician of the Year in 2020.