The US Presidential Election always garners global attention and has numerous international repercussions. The President of the United States is not only the key decision maker within the country’s borders but as the head of a global hegemon, he has significant geopolitical powers and impacts decisions, events and relations millions of miles away. Indeed, foreign policy is an important component of the presidential campaign of any candidate and attracts worldwide attention.
In less than three months, the US is set to go to polls to elect its 47th President, and the world is glued to the White House race. From the assassination attempt on Trump to Biden’s withdrawal, the race is now getting increasingly intense between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.
India, like all other countries, is comprehending the impact of these elections on its bilateral relations with the US, which is now a key geopolitical partner for New Delhi. The Indo-US ties are closer than ever and two of the most powerful countries in the Indo Pacific have more converging interest than ever. The relation has its hiccups but remains on a steady path. Geopolitical analysts across the country are debating what would be better for India’s prospects – a second term for the Democrats, this time with Indian-origin Kamala Harris at the helm or a return of Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.
India’s External Affairs minister, infamous for his witty and sharp remarks, is the country’s leading voice on all such matters and he was asked on this matter recently.
Minister Jaishankar was attending an event for the launch of the ‘Indiaspora BCG Impact Report’ in the national capital. When asked, he was optimistic and assured people that irrespective of the outcome, India and the US are expected to maintain strong ties. He said that he wasn’t saying so because of formality but based on his understanding of the last 20 years or more, he was confident that India will be able to work with whoever is elected the President of the United States by the people and occupies the Oval Office.
The minister was also cautious while commenting on the internal matters of another country. As a prelude, he made it clear that India does not comment on other people’s elections, as we would not like others doing it to us. He also lauded India’s democratic credentials and people’s support of the democratic process. He called our elections “real” and a true test of the candidates, public, and the system, and stated that India is passing all these tests.
The minister’s comments come at a crucial time and send an important message to Washington DC – that India is non-partisan and hopes for strong, steady and reliable ties, irrespective of any domestic or international change.
