A majority of Indian-Americans believe U.S.-India relations would improve under a Kamala Harris administration, according to a Carnegie Endowment survey. While opinions reflect optimism about India’s direction, varying views on significant issues highlight the complex dynamics within the diaspora. The survey indicates a stable support for Prime Minister Modi, although younger Indian-Americans exhibit growing favor, diverging from other demographic groups.

A recent survey from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace reveals that 53% of Indian-Americans believe U.S.-India relations would strengthen under a Kamala Harris administration, contrasting with 40% who support this view regarding the Donald Trump administration. Despite this sentiment, respondents rated the Biden administration’s handling of relations with India slightly better than Trump’s first term. Approximately one-third believe bilateral ties would remain unchanged regardless of who is in office.

The study, part of the Indian-American Attitudes Survey 2024, also explores diaspora perspectives on pivotal foreign policy issues impacting the community during the election cycle. One focal point is the U.S. Department of Justice’s indictment related to a purported plot to kill Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. While this news circulated in both nations prior to the elections, only around half of the respondents were aware of it, with a slim majority opposing the justification for such actions by India.

On the contentious issue of Israel and Palestine, Indian-Americans displayed divided opinions, attributed in part to political affiliations, with Democrats generally leaning more towards the Palestinian cause. The survey assessed attitudes concerning the Biden administration’s balance of values versus interests with India, achieving no clear consensus.

Indicating no significant partisan divide, only 31% felt the Biden administration effectively balanced these aspects in its dealings with India, while responses varied widely as others expressed differing views. Notably, 34% believed President Biden managed U.S.-India relations better than President Trump,

Overall, respondents showed a preference for the Democratic Party in managing U.S.-India relations (41% versus 24% for the Republican Party). An increasing number of Indian-Americans, with regards to India’s direction, indicated optimism; approval rose from 36% in 2020 to 47% in 2024. U.S.-born individuals expressed more favorable views compared to their foreign-born counterparts regarding India’s trajectory.

Support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains relatively stable, with 46% of the surveyed individuals expressing support for his government’s policies. Notably, a significant majority (70%) acknowledged an April 2024 speech by Modi as a demonstration of threats towards minorities, despite variances across religious demographics.

The survey’s findings, which analyzed data from 1,206 Indian-American adults surveyed nationwide, indicated nuanced shifts in support for Modi. While overall approval rate among the diaspora has not evolved significantly, variations emerged across different socio-economic and demographic groups, particularly among younger voters. Notably, support also differed based on income and scaled downward among certain religious cohorts, while non-U.S. citizens exhibited a notable decrease in support for Modi since 2020.

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace survey highlights Indian-Americans’ complex perspectives on U.S.-India relations and the effectiveness of U.S. administrations therein. As sentiments evolve, particularly concerning Prime Minister Modi’s policies and broader international issues, it becomes evident that demographic and political nuances shape these opinions. The perception of Indian-Americans toward U.S. foreign policy reflects deeper values concerning democracy, international relations, and community interests, evidencing both support and critical views that may influence future political dynamics.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com

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