Embassy Archives What's New/Press Releases

Press Release Welcoming Congressional Letter Urging Sikh Community's inclusion in U.S. Military

Press Release Welcoming Congressional Letter Urging Sikh Community's inclusion in U.S. Military

Washington, DC
March 17, 2014

Ambassador of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar welcomed the bipartisan Congressional letter issued on March 10, 2014 to the U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel urging the Department of Defense to promote inclusion of Sikh community members in the U.S. Armed Forces by modernizing appearance regulations that allow them to wear turbans and maintain beards. The letter is authored by Congressmen Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), and signed by over a hundred Members of Congress.

In a statement following the letter's release, Ambassador Jaishankar said, "The Congressional initiative is an important step towards upholding the cultural and religious rights of the Sikh community in the United States. The large number of signatories to this letter testifies to the important role played by the Sikh community in the United States and its various walks of life. The Sikh community's success in the United States is a source of pride for India and a pillar of the India-U.S. partnership."

Speaking of the contributions of the Sikh community in India, Ambassador Jaishankar noted, "India takes pride in being the cradle of Sikhism. The Sikh community is an intrinsic part of India's multi-religious and pluralistic fabric. Sikhs have made India proud with their sacrifices, achievements and leadership. India's Sikh sons and daughters have held the highest offices in the land and have served at the highest ranks including at Four Star ranks in the Indian military. The tremendous progress and prosperity they have achieved, and their enormous contribution to their motherland, speak volumes about their indefatigable spirit of enterprise and diligence."