The Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP-USA) held its three-day National Convention 2025 from June 13–15 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manassas, Virginia.

Approximately 170 delegates representing 22 chapters from across the United States participated in the convention. During the event, three additional chapters were launched, bringing the total to 25. The convention featured sessions focused on advocacy, community outreach, social media engagement, countering media narratives, chapter presentations, and open forums for delegates.

“The Convention was organized after a gap of eight years. It provided an opportunity to interact with volunteers in person, in addition to deliberate and brainstorm on fostering US-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Indian diaspora causes,” President of OFBJP-USA, Adapa Prasad told South Asian Herald. 

The inaugural session on June 14 began with a moment of silence to honor the victims of the recent Air India accident and the Pahalgam terror attack, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp. A special video message from BJP President JP Nadda was played for attendees. Senior BJP leaders from New Delhi, India, including Vijay Chauthaiwale, Head of the BJP Foreign Affairs Department, and members Ashwin Johar and Nakul Bhardwaj, were present and addressed the gathering.

Chauthaiwale told South Asian Herald, “OFBJP-USA is a community organization of supporters and well-wishers of BJP. We are a strong proponent of robust bilateral relations between India and US at all levels. And these volunteers will do whatever is required to dispel the doubts about India and foster strong relationship between the two countries.”

He said the national convention was aimed at outlining future strategies to promote a positive image of India, BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to further strengthen US-India relations.

He emphasized the influential role of the Indian diaspora, stating, “They are very prosperous, well-educated, and well respected among the American communities. Therefore, we consider the diaspora as our big asset. Prime Minister Modi actually calls Indian diaspora as India’s informal Ambassadors. We want to foster better relations between India and US by leveraging the strength of the diaspora.”

Johar told South Asian Herald, “Conventions like these serve the community both in India and the US,” adding that OFBJP-USA, as the official overseas arm of the world’s largest political party, works to unify the community and reinforce US-India ties. 

Johar added that OFBJP-USA is actively engaged in building consensus among lawmakers, policymakers, political entities, and the Indian American community by presenting an accurate perspective of the BJP’s mission and values.

Prominent Indian American Physician and community leader, Dr. Bharat Barai remarked that the convention served as a valuable platform for BJP volunteers to share their views and enhance their efforts. 

“BJP has done phenomenal work for the benefit of the people of India. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has made tremendous progress – it has become the fourth-largest economy and advanced across multiple sectors,” he told South Asian Herald.

“BJP is a nationalist party which stands for the benefit of all people. The logo that is used ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’ [with all, development for all, with everyone’s trust, and with everyone’s effort] is a testament to that,” Dr. Barai added. “So, it’s a party of the people, and we in the US are trying to inform that message to our colleagues, our friends, our family members, and fellow Americans.”

Commenting on the recent visit of the Indian All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, Dr. Barai noted, “I think they did a good job, and it was a good idea to include members of opposition parties.”

Padma Shri Awardee, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, reflecting on the organization’s origins, told South Asian Herald, “I have been affiliated with the OFBJP-USA since its inception. During late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s visits to the United Nations in New York, I, along with founders Dr. Mukund Modi, Mahesh Mehta, and others, organized community receptions to galvanize local support for BJP.”

Commending the Indian diaspora’s influence, Dr. Parikh added, “I think they have actually a big role to play in US-India relations.”

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