Who Is Better For India, Kamala Harris Or Donald Trump? Experts Weigh In | US Elections 2024

Summary

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the potential impacts of either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris on U.S.-India relations are explored. Trump may continue his America First agenda, focusing on trade and defense, while pushing India to align against China. In contrast, Harris could prioritize democracy and human rights, raising sensitive issues yet supporting strong ties in technology and climate. Both candidates are likely to emphasize the Quad alliance to counter China’s influence. Regardless of the outcome, the foundational bilateral relationship is expected to strengthen, continuing a trend observed since 2000.

Takeaways

• 🇮🇳 The 2024 US presidential election could significantly impact US-India relations, depending on whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins.
• 🔄 Trump's potential return may lead to a continuation of his America First agenda, focusing on transactional relations with India.
• 🛡️ Trump is likely to encourage India to purchase more American goods and weapons while taking a tough stance against China.
• 🤔 Kamala Harris's approach may focus more on democracy and human rights issues, potentially complicating trade discussions.
• 🌏 Both candidates would likely prioritize the Quad alliance (US, India, Japan, Australia) to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• 📈 Despite potential personality differences, the US-India bilateral relationship has grown stronger since 2000, regardless of the party in power.
• ⚔️ The US is now one of India's largest defense suppliers, and this trend is expected to continue under either administration.
• 🌐 The relationship with Russia remains a critical aspect for India, with a history of strong ties despite US sanctions.
• ⏳ Both candidates recognize India's importance as a partner in emerging technologies, including semiconductors and green energy.
• 🔍 The ongoing tensions with China will remain a focal point for both US-India relations, influencing military cooperation and strategic ties.

Q & A

What implications could the 2024 US presidential election have on US-India relations?

The election outcome, whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins, could significantly reshape diplomatic ties, impacting India's role in global geopolitics, especially concerning relations with China and Russia.

How has Donald Trump's previous term influenced US-India relations?

During his previous term, Trump generally maintained a positive stance towards India, focusing on deepening trade and defense partnerships while pushing for India to buy more American goods.

What challenges might arise for India under a Trump administration?

Trump's unpredictable foreign policy could complicate India's balancing act between the US and Russia, especially with ongoing tensions surrounding Ukraine and expectations to counter China.

In what ways could Kamala Harris's approach to US-India relations differ from Trump's?

Kamala Harris may emphasize human rights and democracy in her foreign policy, potentially raising sensitive issues like religious freedom in India while supporting stronger ties in technology and climate cooperation.

What is the Quad, and how might it be affected by the policies of either Trump or Harris?

The Quad is a strategic alliance between the US, India, Japan, and Australia aimed at countering China's influence. Both Trump and Harris would likely prioritize this alliance, pushing India to play a larger role.

How do both candidates view the relationship between the US and China?

Both Trump and Harris view China as a significant strategic threat. The focus on countering Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific is a shared concern that could unify their foreign policy approaches.

What historical context shapes India's relationship with Russia?

India has a long-standing relationship with Russia, which has been characterized by mutual trust, particularly in defense. This relationship is viewed differently compared to India's ties with the US.

How might India's energy needs influence its relationship with Russia?

India's dependency on oil imports, especially discounted Russian oil, could lead to continued cooperation with Russia, despite pressures from the US to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine.

What areas of technological cooperation are expected to grow between India and the US?

Key areas for expanded cooperation include semiconductors, AI, biotech, pharmaceuticals, green energy, and quantum computing, which are anticipated to progress irrespective of who wins the presidency.

What overall trend is expected in US-India relations regardless of the presidential outcome?

Bilateral ties are expected to continue on an upward trajectory, with increasing cooperation in trade, defense, and technology, as seen since the early 2000s.