Indian-Americans in Donald Trump's AAPI advisory committee

Committee to address voices of Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities in the US

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 yesterday.

"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," Ahluwalia said.

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

Governors Eddie Calvo and Ralph Torres of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands, 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 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.

Trump and his vice-presidential running mate Mike Pence will meet the members and AAPI leaders to discuss the growing concerns over educational opportunities, employment and the economy, which are of paramount concern to the AAPI families across the United States.

"Trump understands the critical role Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders play in the growing and providing for an energetic economic base which has been lacking over the past eight years of Obama/Clinton policies," the campaign said.

"Trump's Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Committee is a great addition to the vibrancy of his campaign," Ron Falconi, Mayor of Brunswick, Ohio, said.

"His ability to connect with everyday Americans is a testament of his character, and what he wants to do to bring America forward from the past eight years," he said.