As the U.S. gears up for the 2024 presidential election, the question of which candidate—Kamala Harris or Donald Trump—would be better for India arises. Both politicians have distinct views on foreign policy, economics, and international relations, all of which can shape the future of India-U.S. relations. Let’s examine their stances and what their leadership might mean for India.
Kamala Harris: A Connection to India
Kamala Harris, the current U.S. Vice President, has a unique connection to India. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in Chennai, and Harris has frequently mentioned her Indian heritage, which may help her understand the cultural and political dynamics of India better than her predecessors.
In terms of policy, the Biden-Harris administration has emphasized a multilateral approach to global issues, including climate change, economic cooperation, and the Indo-Pacific region’s security. The administration has also sought to strengthen ties with India, positioning it as a key partner in countering China’s growing influence in Asia. This aligns with India’s strategic interests, particularly concerning border tensions with China.
Harris’s administration has supported India’s efforts to produce COVID-19 vaccines and provided humanitarian aid during India’s second wave of the pandemic. Her focus on climate change and renewable energy also resonates with India’s own goals in these areas. However, Harris has been critical of certain domestic policies in India, particularly concerning human rights and democratic governance, which could create tension between the two nations on issues such as Kashmir and minority rights.
Donald Trump: A Focus on Trade and Security
On the other hand, Donald Trump has a well-documented relationship with India, particularly during his tenure as president from 2017 to 2021. Trump focused heavily on trade relations, although his administration’s trade policies were marked by protectionism and tariff disputes. Despite this, Trump viewed India as a vital ally in the fight against terrorism and in curbing China’s influence.
During his time in office, Trump worked closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcasing a strong personal rapport between the two leaders. Events like the “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Houston and “Namaste Trump” in Ahmedabad highlighted the camaraderie between the two countries during his administration. Trump’s pro-business stance was also seen as favorable for Indian companies, especially in the technology and manufacturing sectors.
However, Trump’s America First policy sometimes led to friction with India’s trade and immigration concerns. For example, the tightening of H-1B visa regulations under his administration negatively impacted Indian IT professionals. While Trump favored bilateral deals over multilateral engagements, his emphasis on countering China aligned with India’s security interests, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Comparisons: Policy Impact on India
- Trade Relations:
- Trump’s focus on reducing trade deficits and negotiating new trade deals could benefit India in sectors like defense and technology but may also create friction in other areas due to his protectionist stance.
- Harris, aligning with Biden’s multilateralism, may focus on improving trade ties within a broader international framework, potentially benefiting India’s exports but involving more complex negotiations.
- Immigration:
- Trump’s restrictive immigration policies, especially concerning H-1B visas, were seen as a significant obstacle for India’s tech sector.
- Harris, with her immigrant background, is expected to have a more lenient stance on immigration policies, likely easing visa restrictions and benefiting Indian professionals working in the U.S.
- Security and Defense:
- Both Harris and Trump share a commitment to countering China’s influence, which aligns with India’s strategic interests. Trump’s administration made significant strides in defense cooperation with India, including signing defense deals and participating in joint military exercises.
- Harris would likely continue this focus on security, emphasizing partnerships through the Quad (India, U.S., Japan, and Australia) to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Human Rights and Democracy:
- Harris has been vocal about her concerns over human rights and democratic freedoms globally, which could lead to criticisms of India’s policies in Kashmir and minority rights. This could create diplomatic friction but also encourage reforms.
- Trump, by contrast, avoided commenting on India’s internal affairs, preferring to focus on strategic and economic partnerships.
Conclusion: Who’s Better for India?
Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer advantages and challenges for India. Harris brings a deep understanding of India’s cultural and political landscape, along with a multilateral approach that could strengthen India-U.S. ties in trade, climate, and security. However, her focus on human rights could lead to diplomatic strains on sensitive issues within India.
Trump, on the other hand, has a proven track record of strong personal rapport with India’s leadership and a focus on security and counterterrorism that aligns with India’s regional concerns. However, his protectionist trade policies and restrictive immigration stance could hinder economic cooperation.
Ultimately, the choice between Harris and Trump depends on what India values more in its relationship with the U.S.—a broader multilateral engagement with a focus on democratic values under Harris or a more straightforward security and economic partnership under Trump.