Indo-Americans hail Trump for picking Haley as US envoy to UN

Cutting across party-lines, Indian-Americans in the US have hailed President-elect Donald Trump for nominating Nikki Haley as US envoy to the United Nations.

If confirmed, Haley, 44, would be the first ever Cabinet-level official to ever serve in any US presidential administration.

This would not only bring the Indian-American community closer to the Republican party, but further strengthen India-US relationship, said Sampat Shivangi, an old-time Republican leader, who holds the distinction of attending the last four Republican National Convention.

"This is a masterstroke. Now India has a friend at the highest world body. May be in securing India's rightful place at the UN Security Council and other important matters. One thing to admire about Haley she has not forgotten her roots or heritage," Shivangi said.

Haley is a great choice for the UN Ambassador post, said M Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley-based Indian-American entrepreneur.

"She has had prior experience in South Carolina with foreign companies and governments. Nikki has been to India and has a good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

 "The Indian-American community is excited that we now have someone at the cabinet level in the US government for the very first time!" he added.

"It's a proud moment for all Indian-Americans on President-elect Trump's choice of Governor Nikki Haley as US ambassador to the United Nations," said Puneet Ahluwalia, who was advisor to the Trump Campaign on Asia Pacific Islanders committee.

"Haley's appointment -- her Indian and Sikh heritage -- is a clear indication of inclusivity for the incoming administration. The President-elect is uniting the party and getting competent leaders with proven track record to serve in his administration," Ahluwalia said.

"Trump's nomination of Nikki Haley to be our ambassador to the UN and to sit at the Horse Shoe table of the Security Council, a cabinet level position, has taken my breath away as I celebrate the highest milestone for the Indian-American community and the inherent trust that America has in her citizens' love of America and our cherished Constitution," said Ravi Batra, a top Indian-American attorney in New York.

Welcoming the appointment of Haley, Ashok Mago from Texas said this is just the beginning.