How important are Indians in this election?

Elections in the world's most powerful country have a huge bearing on global economies. In previous US general elections, India was never a subject of much influence and did not fall into political focus for campaigners. This time around though, with the US general election being only a whisker away, India seems to be a major theme that is being looked at with interest.

The biggest talking point for India in the US general elections seems to be about Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris who is half-Indian. She may go on to become the first Indian American vice president in the history of the United States if Joe Biden wins. Biden even spoke about standing with India in confronting the emerging regional and border threats.

In terms of electoral and geopolitical influence, Indian Americans and India have become important over the last decade. Indian-origin population in American grew by 38 per cent to 44,02,363 between 2010 and 2017, according to a demographic report by South Asian Americans Leading Together.


Republicans may point at the relation-building between Modi and Trump over the past few years. Both India and the US have seen huge fanfare around events like ‘Howdy Modi’ and ‘Namaste Trump’, where big deals between the nations were agreed upon. The evolving border tussle with China and escalating tensions with Pakistan may also come into play.

The presidential and vice-presidential debates, where the candidates face off, may shine more light on the importance of India and American Indians in the upcoming general elections.