Indian-Americans’ Concerns Ahead of 2024 Elections
Although Indian-Americans have shifted politically ahead of the 2024 US election, many remain wary about future India-US relations under a potential second Trump administration. According to the 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS), Donald Trump’s protectionist economic policies and high import duties threaten to strain bilateral trade relations.
Impact of Trump’s Policies
Trump’s focus on “reciprocal taxes” has raised alarms as proposed tariffs on Indian exports could adversely affect key sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Furthermore, stricter immigration policies, particularly regarding H-1B visas, could further impact India’s tech workforce in the US.
Shifting Perspectives on US-India Relations
The IAAS reveals that Indian-Americans rate the Biden administration slightly better than Trump’s first term in handling India-US relations. While 34% believe Biden has performed better, 28% favor Trump’s previous efforts. Notably, 53% expressed confidence that US-India ties would strengthen under a hypothetical Kamala Harris administration compared to 40% for Trump.
Optimism About India’s Future
Contrastingly, Indian-Americans are increasingly optimistic about India’s trajectory. The IAAS reports that 47% believe India is headed in the right direction, marking a 10 percentage point increase from 2020. Approval of Prime Minister Modi’s performance stands at 47%, with a significant portion believing the recent election has made India more democratic.
Popularity of BJP and PM Modi
The BJP remains the preferred political party among Indian-Americans, with 28% identifying with it. PM Modi’s approval ratings, while slightly declining, still reflect a majority of support at 47%.
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