The Impact of US Election Contenders’ Connections to India on US-India Relations
New Delhi/Chennai:
The Indian connections of some US presidential election contenders likely provide minimal additional advantage for relations, experts stated, amidst the context of bipartisan backing for closer ties with New Delhi to counter an assertive China.
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Usha Chilukuri Vance, the spouse of Republican Donald Trump’s running-mate, have infrequently visited the birthplace of one or both of their parents, despite Indians taking pride in their achievements.
Given that relations with New Delhi are regarded favorably by both factions in Washington, there will be minimal repercussions on ties, irrespective of the winning party or the candidate’s Indian origins, a government official shared on condition of anonymity.
Both President Joe Biden and Trump, his predecessor in office, endeavored to court India, not only to confront China in the region, but also to detach New Delhi from a traditional reliance on Russian armaments.
ROLE MODEL
Both Harris and Usha Vance, the wife of Republican vice presidential candidate, JD Vance have ties to southern India. Vance is part of a family of distinguished scholars.
Harris, who has secured the support of adequate delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination, is perceived as a role model in her maternal grandmother’s hometown of Thulasendrapuram.
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