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Ro Khanna distances self from RSS event in Washington DC
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna said he did not participate in an event featuring RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and indicated he does not support RSS. He appeared via a recorded video at a Hudson Institute–hosted conference in Washington, with other Indian political figures and U.S. officials in attendance. Khanna has previously distanced himself from Hindutva politics.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights sensitivities around Hindutva politics in U.S. political circles and underscores Khanna's stance on pluralism and opposition to Hindutva.
Timeline
3 Events
April 26, 2026: Khanna distances himself from RSS event
April 26, 2026
Khanna stated on X that he did not participate in the event and had provided a 1-minute video at Hudson Institute's request. He said he was unaware of the guest list and that he does not support RSS in any way.
April 2026: The New India Conference hosted by Hudson Institute
April 2026
The New India Conference, hosted by the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, occurred earlier in the week and featured RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, BJP foreign affairs in-charge Vijay Chauthaiwale, and former national general secretary Ram Madhav. U.S. officials including Bethany Morrison (current deputy assistant secretary of state for South Asia) and Kurt Campbell (former deputy secretary of state) also participated.
2019: Khanna questions Hindutva ties and advocates pluralism
2019
In 2019, Khanna publicly questioned Tulsi Gabbard's ties to the BJP and Hindutva-linked groups, saying that American Hindu politicians should stand for pluralism and equal rights for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and Christians and reject Hindutva.