Gabbard was generously welcomed earlier by pro-Modi elements of the Hindu-American diaspora in the US, who have donated wholeheartedly for her election campaigns. They had referred the Hawaii Democrat as an “American Hindu” who “has fought against the anti-Modi resolution introduced recently by some members” of Congress. Gabbard had landed on the group’s radar as one of America’s few pro-Modi lawmakers. Hindu-Americans have backed Gabbard since the start of her political career and that support originates from Hindu nationalists, which has increased considerably since Modi’s election. In a November 2017 video message, Gabbard declared that she would be chairing the 2018 World Hindu Congress, a conference held once every four years organized by Hindu nationalist groups such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Source: The Express Tribune January 12, 2019 18:45 UTC