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Indian Americans Express Concern Over US-India Relations in Survey

The 2024 Indian-American Survey reveals that while Indian Americans remain optimistic about India, they have significant concerns regarding US-India relations under a potential second Trump administration. The survey highlights partisan divides, with Democrats favoring Biden and Republicans preferring Trump. Awareness of recent controversies, such as the alleged assassination plot, remains low, indicating selective engagement among the community.

Indian Americans are exhibiting optimism about the future of India, yet they express significant apprehensions regarding US-India relations should Donald Trump assume a second term. This sentiment is documented in the 2024 Indian-American Survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and YouGov. Conducted in October, the survey reveals the perspectives of Indian Americans on political relations under the Biden and Trump administrations, amidst a backdrop of recent electoral events in both India and the US.

The survey indicates that Indian Americans prefer Joe Biden’s administration over Trump’s first term regarding US-India relations. Notably, they believe a hypothetical administration led by Kamala Harris would foster better bilateral ties than a second Trump term. The survey highlights a divide along partisan lines, with 66% of Indian-American Republicans favoring Trump over Biden.

Although a notable incident involving allegations against the Indian government regarding a murder plot on US soil has gained little traction among Indian Americans—only half are aware of it—the sentiment remains that India should not justify such actions in a similar situation. This incident involved serious accusations against an Indian intelligence officer and points to potentially growing tensions in US-India relations.

Republican-leaning Indian Americans tend to side with pro-Israel sentiment, while Democrats show more empathy towards Palestinians. The division sparked by the recent conflict highlights political rifts within the community, with 40% of respondents criticizing President Biden’s perceived pro-Israel stance in the matter.

The mood among Indian Americans reflects hope regarding India’s trajectory; 47% believe the country is moving positively, coinciding with approval for Prime Minister Modi’s performance. This optimistic viewpoint exists alongside indifferent awareness of critical issues such as the assassination controversy.

Milan Vaishnav, a co-author of the study, shared insights on the importance of selective engagement among Indian Americans regarding information on major political events in India. While many report a lack of awareness of specifics like the murder plot, they still maintain a favorable view of leaders like Modi. This suggests that broader national sentiment may overshadow individual incidents that could otherwise provoke concern.

Political affiliations among Indian Americans appear fluid, with a slight decrease in identification with the Democratic Party. Furthermore, it raises questions regarding their depth of understanding of political developments across both nations, demonstrating that media consumption may influence their perspectives significantly. While online platforms dominate their news sources, direct engagement with India remains limited.

The survey paints a nuanced picture of the Indian American community characterized by selective engagement and shifting allegiances influenced by personal experiences and prevailing political trends. The findings suggest that the political landscape is both diverse and complex as Indian Americans navigate dual national identities.

In summary, the 2024 Indian-American Survey highlights the growing optimism among Indian Americans regarding India’s future, juxtaposed with their concerns about US-India relations, particularly under a prospective Trump administration. Despite partisan divisions, a majority express approval for Biden’s approach while remaining supportive of Prime Minister Modi. The community’s complexity is amplified by selective engagement and varying levels of awareness of pressing geopolitical issues, ultimately fostering a rich tapestry of views shaped by diverse experiences.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk

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