Kamala Harris's ascent to the political forefront has undeniably sparked enthusiasm among many Indian Americans. Should she win the upcoming presidential election, she would not only become the first woman president but also the first South Asian American to occupy the office. It's a momentous occasion, echoing the dreams of those like Rajesh Agrawal, who has lived through the American dream since arriving from Uttar Pradesh, India, back in 1963. Agrawal dreams of seeing someone from her homeland lead not just as Vice President but as President. "I always dreamed of one day having an Indian president, and it’s happening now!" she exclaimed catchingly.
While Indian Americans, numbering around 4.4 million, have shown overwhelming support for Harris, particularly among those participating actively in the political sphere, the underlying sentiments reveal something more than just pride. Harris's support stems from her policies and vision rather than her heritage alone. For many, identifying with Harris goes beyond her being the daughter of Indian immigrant Shyamala Gopalan Harris. It reflects shared values across the spectrum, trending more toward progressive alignment than ethnic pride.
At the heart of this support is the youthful energy inspiring the next generation. Take Karan Virmani, for example. Having witnessed his 15-year-old daughter step up to advocate for making Diwali—a major Hindu festival—a school holiday, he observed how Harris's candidacy shapes political aspirations for many young South Asians. "She didn’t think she could affect changes in politics; now she believes she can!" Virmani shared, conveying the transformational potential of representation.
Of course, emotions run high among the community—but policy discussions remain center stage. The consensus is partly represented by pediatrician Nina Agrawal, who remarked, “I really just want the best person for the job. But I think it’s cool she is both Black and Indian. It’s a sign of the country changing.” There’s recognition among Indian Americans of the need for judgment based on merit over ethnicity.
Polling data backs this. According to September figures from NORC, only 23% of Indian Americans regarded Harris’s Indian identity as "extremely" significant, whereas 41% placed importance on her being a woman. This, alongside metrics indicating Harris leading Trump among Indian Americans by 69% to 25%, shines on the underlying political dynamics. Nevertheless, there are signs of her support waning compared to President Biden's popularity, with Harris projected to secure only 60% of the South Asian American vote compared to Biden's 68%.
The demographic’s allegiance shifts also reflect differing priorities across political affiliations. Vin Gopal, the first Indian American state senator, emphasizes issues such as educational opportunities and the preservation of democratic institutions as core reasons for the Indian American lean toward the Democratic party.
This sentiment finds common ground at grassroots events, like the canvass kickoff organized by South Asians for Harris. Participants voiced hope for progressive legislation on health care, gun control, and reproductive rights, echoing their broader aspirations. Neha Saraiya, one participant, highlighted the philosophy, “When we all fight, we win – so we all win together, instead of creating deep divides.”
Contrasting this enthusiasm is the conservative faction within the Indian American community. For many Republicans, shared ethnic ties to Kamala Harris don’t necessarily translate to political support. Many conservative Indian Americans persist with their party loyalties, reflecting how political beliefs can transcend shared heritage. Priti Pandya-Patel, who chairs the New Jersey GOP’s South Asian Coalition, cited her perchance for lower taxes and less regulation as core motivators for aligning with Republican values.
The broader electoral spectrum shows the complexity of identity politics at play. Programs like the Samosa Caucus, which comprises South Asian American Democrats at Congress, highlight how shared identity has yet to unify the voting bloc. This nuance is even echoed among younger generations, such as high school student Hartaj Singh, who expressed frustration with political assumptions based on ethnicity, remarking how his peers often dismiss Harris's Indian American status through misguided lenses.
Meanwhile, as the election looms, Harris's relationship to India and her Indian heritage do not go unnoticed internationally. Observers worldwide are closely watching the race, with different perspectives on how her presidency could influence U.S.-India relations. Harris's stance on pivotal issues remains nuanced, offering praise for COVID vaccine initiatives by the Indian government and engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yet, she’s also critiqued India’s political decisions, such as addressing the revocation of Article 370, which diminished Jammu and Kashmir's autonomy.
On international platforms, Harris’s presidency could mean significant shifts. Some experts suggest her more assertive stance against China could align the U.S. more closely with Indian interests and security objectives, particularly against increasing Chinese influence.
"The Biden-led U.S. has strengthened the QUAD alliance, enhancing its defense ties with India," said one foreign policy analyst. Kamala Harris’s consistent critiques of China’s regional tactics have gained traction, implying she would persist with this approach if elected, assisting India to navigate the challenges posed by its neighbor.
Yet the question remains: What does it truly mean for India? According to Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, the relationship between the U.S. and India will only grow stronger as it encompasses more areas of cooperation. He highlighted Harris's history of cultural connections to India, having visited frequently due to her mother’s roots—values instilled from early on become cornerstones of diplomacy.
This confluence of heritage and policy signifies the broader narrative of changing America. Are Indian American voters ready to prioritize progressive politics over mere identity? With votes cast soon, the answer echoes through community dialogues, representing unyielding change within the diverse fabric of American society.
With the election results looming, it remains to be seen how this dynamic will reshape both domestic and international landscapes. Kamala Harris’s unique position as both the daughter of immigrants and as a leading candidate sheds light on the diverse experiences shaping American narratives.
