Kamala Harris Poised to Strengthen India-US Ties Amid Presidential Race

With the US presidential elections nearing, University of Florida's Sharon D Wright Austin predicts enhanced US-India ties under Kamala Harris. Running against Donald Trump, Harris is focusing on reproductive rights and leveraging her Indian heritage. Her campaign contrasts Hillary Clinton's 2016 bid by minimizing race and gender issues.

As the United States readies for its upcoming presidential elections, expectations are mounting for improved India-US relations under Kamala Harris's potential presidency, according to Sharon D Wright Austin, a political science professor at the University of Florida.

Harris, the current Vice President and Democratic Party candidate, is contesting against Republican rival and former President Donald Trump. Austin noted that Harris's campaign is strategically focusing on reproductive rights, drawing significant support from female voters, particularly women of color, by not over-emphasizing race or gender.

Austin contrasted Harris's campaign tactics with Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, emphasizing that Harris avoids highlighting her race and gender, a lesson possibly learned from Clinton's experience. Harris has stated her position on reproductive rights, promising to restore Roe v Wade's protections if elected.

The discussion extends to Harris's potential impact on India-US relations, given her Indian descent. Despite her unique candidacy, Austin emphasized that Indian-American voters remain a small but active segment of the electorate, influencing both Democratic and Republican platforms.

Touching upon foreign policy, Austin underscored its significance due to its impact on domestic issues such as gas prices and national security. Amidst political polarization and assassination attempts, Austin highlighted the necessity for stricter gun control laws to ensure public safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)