Ro Khanna

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has endorsed Pakistani-American attorney Aisha Farooqi in the Democratic primary for Michigan's 11th Congressional District, saying, "Now you've got an Indian American endorsing a Pakistani American."

Farooqi, one of four Democratic candidates seeking the party's nomination for the US House of Representatives seat, shared a video of the endorsement on X. The clip was recorded during a campaign stop in Farmington Hills and featured the two discussing their shared South Asian heritage, Bollywood, food and sports.

"Grateful to have Congressman Ro Khanna join us on the campaign trail here in Michigan," Farooqi wrote while sharing the video.

'Only in America'

In the 58-second video, Farooqi pointed to what she said were the similarities between them.

"So you know, two things we have in common. Yeah. Three things, actually."

When Khanna asked, "Which is?", she replied, "We're both lawyers. Both Punjabis. Both South Asians."

Khanna then added, "And now you've got an Indian American endorsing a Pakistani American. Pakistani American."

Farooqi responded, "Look at that. Look at that. Only in America!"

Khanna replied, "That's what this country is about."

The conversation later shifted away from politics as the two discussed Bollywood, food and sports. Asked about actor Shah Rukh Khan, Khanna said, "My Name is Khan is one of my favorite movies."

The pair also compared their favourite snacks, with Farooqi choosing "Samosa", adding, "but during Ramadan, pakora." Khanna responded, "Paneer pakora."

When asked about drinks, Farooqi said, "I'm drinking mango lassi, but chai." Khanna replied, "I like chai too, but the mango lassi's not bad. Yeah, it's very good."

Both also said basketball was their favourite sport.

Who is Aisha Farooqi?

Farooqi is a Michigan-based attorney and one of four Democrats contesting the party's primary for Michigan's 11th Congressional District. The other candidates are State Senator Jeremy Moss, court administrator John Paul Torres and engineer Don Ufford.

The daughter of Pakistani immigrants, Farooqi has centred her campaign on protecting democratic institutions and addressing the rising cost of living under President Donald Trump.

Her campaign says her family's experience in "authoritarian" Pakistan shaped her political outlook.

"At the same time, working families are being crushed by the rising cost of groceries, healthcare, housing and prescription drugs, while billionaires and corporations rig the system to enrich themselves. Aisha has seen friends go bankrupt caring for aging parents. She's watched people suffer simply because they got sick. That's why she supports affordable and accessible healthcare, because in America, no one should have to choose between their health and their home," her campaign said.

Farooqi was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. She holds a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a psychology degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She also serves on the Michigan Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board.

Khanna's recent remarks on India-US ties

Khanna has represented California's 17th Congressional District since 2017 and is regarded as one of the Democratic Party's leading progressive voices. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee and has frequently advocated stronger India-US ties.

The endorsement comes days after Khanna said India-US relations were at their lowest point in nearly three decades. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington, he blamed President Donald Trump's policies for damaging bilateral ties.

Khanna has also criticised Trump's tariff policies and foreign policy, including the conflict involving Iran, arguing that they have weakened America's relationships with India, Europe and other strategic partners.