Indian Diaspora's Crucial Role in US Presidential Elections

The Indian diaspora, with 5 million members in the US, is poised to influence the upcoming presidential elections. Their potential to swing votes in key battleground states makes them a significant voting bloc, with immigration and economic policies being primary concerns.

The Indian diaspora is set to play a pivotal role in the 2024 US presidential elections. With an estimated 5 million people of Indian descent living in the country, they could swing votes in critical battleground states.

"The Indian diaspora is a growing and influential community in the US, particularly in swing states like Texas, Georgia, and Pennsylvania," said Avinash Gupta, President of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), to ANI. Gupta emphasized that their voting preferences could influence the closely contested elections scheduled for November 5, 2024.

Immigration policies remain a top issue for the Indian community. Gupta highlighted concerns around family reunification, green card backlogs, and H1-B visa reforms. He also criticized illegal immigration for its perceived economic and safety impacts.

Healthcare is another critical issue, with many Indian Americans working in the sector. Gupta pointed out the challenges they face, including rising overhead costs and lower reimbursements. "Republicans advocate for lower taxes, which appeals to many in our community," he noted.

Economic policies supporting growth and entrepreneurship also resonate with the diaspora, many of whom own small businesses. Gupta mentioned that inflation, exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, is a significant concern.

Strong US-India relations are crucial for personal and professional reasons, Gupta added. While younger Indian Americans lean more liberal, older generations often support conservative family values typically associated with the Republican party.

Both Democrats and Republicans are vying for the Indian-American vote, recognizing their growing influence and significant financial contributions. The diaspora's impact is evident in states like Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, all crucial in determining election outcomes.

Reflecting on the 2020 election, Gupta noted that about 74% of Indian Americans voted for President Joe Biden, largely due to disapproval of Trump's stance on immigration and racial issues. However, Trump supporters remain, especially among conservatives and business-oriented individuals, due to his strong ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tough stance on China.

The community is divided between supporting Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Gupta questioned Harris's effectiveness, while expressing optimism that a Trump presidency would end wars, ease inflation, and improve the economy.

Jagdish Sewhani, President of the American India Public Affairs Committee, highlighted that the Indian-American vote could be decisive in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, and Michigan.

Alok Kumar, Chairman of the Bihar Foundation USA (East Coast), remarked that Harris's potential to become the first female president representing Black and Indian-American communities is significant. Kumar and others noted the community's challenge in balancing cultural identity, political values, and future aspirations for US-India relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)