In a landmark development, a high-profile United States delegation visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) annual Vikas Varg in Nagpur on June 5, marking the first-ever such engagement with the Sangh’s organisational training camp. The event was presided over by RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, with former Union Minister and tribal rights advocate Arvind Netam gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.
The visiting delegation comprised prominent figures from American political, strategic, and policy-making circles:
Congressman Bill Shuster, a respected former member of the US House of Representatives and former Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, known for his bipartisan efforts in infrastructure development.
Bob Shuster, Founding Partner of One+Strategies and a seasoned legal and government affairs expert with decades of experience advising on federal infrastructure and technology policy.
Bradford Ellison, public policy practitioner and Howard Law alumnus with deep involvement in US foreign affairs and congressional processes.
Walter Russell Mead, noted scholar, foreign policy strategist, and Wall Street Journal columnist, known for his work on religion, geopolitics, and US strategy.
Bill Drexel, fellow at Hudson Institute focusing on US-India relations, technology policy, and strategic affairs, with a body of work featured in leading global publications.
The delegation interacted with RSS functionaries and trainees, gaining insight into the Sangh’s grassroots developmental model, its role in nation-building, and its volunteer-driven social outreach. The engagement also touched upon shared values of democracy, self-reliance, and cultural identity.
Observers see this as a significant moment in Indo-US civil society engagement, signalling growing interest among American policymakers in understanding India’s indigenous institutions beyond government and corporate corridors.
This outreach especially comes after Operaiton Sindoor and at a time when strategic ties between India and the US are deepening across multiple sectors. The delegation’s visit to the RSS Vikas Varg reflects a willingness to explore civilisational dialogues and people-to-people diplomacy.
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