As the race for the US presidential election gets closer and closer and D-Day is fast approaching, the intensity of anticipation is being felt not just in the United States but all over the world.
Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is running against former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump in the race. Kamala has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, while Trump is joined on the ticket by JD Vance, the US Senator from Ohio since 2023.
The Election Day is set for November 5, though early voting has already begun in several states. According to the University of Florida’s Election Lab, which tracks early voting, over 41 million votes have already been cast, including more than 2.7 million in the key battleground state of Georgia.
By securing the Democratic nomination, Kamala made history as the first Indian American and Black woman to lead a major party. If elected, she would become the first female president of the United States.
On the possibility of a ceasefire in the war between Ukraine and Russia, Kamala and Trump present voters with two starkly different foreign policy visions, each with significant implications for the global order. Kamala's presidency would largely follow the Biden administration’s approach, signalling continued US support and defence for Ukraine. If Kamala wins, it would reinforce America’s commitment to Ukraine and its current foreign policy stance.
India-US relations at the crossroads
India's commitment to strategic autonomy, its balanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and active role in BRICS add complexity to shared India-US interests. As both nations address China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, these dynamics underscore the nuanced stakes in their evolving partnership.
Kamala's administration could shape the US-India relations through her Indian heritage and continued Biden-era foreign policy priorities. Expected to maintain Biden’s focus on economic resilience, domestic manufacturing, and reduced reliance on global supply chains, Kamala may differ from Trump on tariffs. While Trump’s tariffs were extended under Biden, Kamala is not expected to rely on them to curb global dependence; instead, she has advocated for taxing the wealthy and offering middle-class tax breaks, experts say.
The administration would likely support India on regional security, particularly in countering China, while promoting a stable Indo-Pacific. Kamala is expected to prioritise partnerships in technology, focusing on AI, cyber security, and digital infrastructure. With shared concerns over climate change, a Kamala presidency could enhance US-India collaboration on sustainable development and renewable energy initiatives.
However, some analysts anticipate slight deviations from President Biden’s more ‘accommodating’ approach toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. As a senator, Kamala was critical of Modi’s revocation of Article 370, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019, suggesting potential challenges in fully aligning with Biden's stance on India.
One phenomenon that stands out in US presidential elections is the significant impact of celebrity endorsements. Stars like Beyoncé, Jennifer Aniston, and Taylor Swift are rallying behind Kamala, while Trump has the support of figures like Elon Musk and Kanye West. These endorsements can sway public opinion and potentially alter the course of the election. As we contemplate whether Trump can secure another stunning victory or if America will finally elect its first female president, one thing remains certain: the outcome will ultimately reflect the will of the people.
