Because the U.S. presidential election approaches, U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has expressed optimism for Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy, emphasizing how her Indian heritage may deepen ties between america and India.
In a latest interview with ANI, the Illinois Congressman acknowledged {that a} ‘Desi President’ in Harris may have a novel affect on bilateral relations resulting from her private and cultural reference to India.
“Kamala Harris, as the primary ‘Desi’ President of america, would assist to strengthen these bonds,” Krishnamoorthi famous, mentioning her familiarity with Indian tradition from household visits and values instilled by her mom.
#WATCH | Illinois, US: On Indian American voters, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi says, “It’s solely pure that for a group as massive as Indian Individuals, greater than 5 million individuals in America, that there’s going to be a variety of opinions about who they help. That’s… pic.twitter.com/qX92Il6XKL
— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2024
In a decent race, Krishnamoorthi anticipates Harris will “prevail” regardless of anticipated delays in counting votes in some pivotal states. Whereas he expressed hope in her strategic strategy to international coverage, he additionally contrasted her potential presidency with Donald Trump’s. In keeping with Krishnamoorthi, a Trump presidency would seemingly pursue a “transactional” international coverage, significantly impacting commerce and market negotiations, whereas Harris is predicted to prioritize “strategic convergences.” Like President Joe Biden, Harris sees India as a important accomplice, particularly concerning safety issues associated to China.
Whereas Harris’ Indian heritage may symbolically join her to many Indian Individuals, latest surveys present a dip in her reputation throughout the group in comparison with 2020. A examine by the Carnegie Endowment for Worldwide Peace reveals that solely 61% of Indian American respondents help Harris, down from the 65% who supported Biden within the final election. Moreover, fewer establish as Democrats, dropping from 56% in 2020 to 47%, whereas help for the Republican Occasion, represented by Trump, has seen a slight rise.
No matter election outcomes, Krishnamoorthi careworn that the U.S.-India relationship continues to develop on many fronts, from commerce to expertise and protection. He summarized, “About India, no matter who’s elected because the president, the connection with India is rising stronger. It’s protecting extra topics, it’s rising deeper.”
A meme circulating on social media captures the hopeful sentiment round Harris. Enjoying on the twin meanings of “Kamala”—a lotus in Sanskrit and a attainable future “POTUS” in America—this symbolism displays the optimism of some Indian Individuals who see her heritage as an asset for India-US relations. Nonetheless, the latest polling information signifies that Harris might face challenges in mobilizing Indian American help, significantly in an surroundings the place political affiliations throughout the group are shifting.