In light of bipartisan support for closer relationships with the South Eastern society in response to an assertive China, authorities said that the Indian connections of some US national vote contenders likely mean much more benefit to ties.
Political Vice President Kamala Harris and Usha Chilukuri Vance, the woman of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s running mate, have often traveled to the origin of either of their parents, despite Indians take pride in their achievements.
” Either approach, from India’s view, whether it is Republican or Democrat, that marriage enjoys bipartisan aid and should not be affected”, said Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a former American ambassador to the United States.
” It can only benefit”, he said of the India links, adding, “( It ) cannot be affected adversely”.
Since ties with New Delhi are viewed warmly by both parties in Washington, there will be much effect on relations, regardless of which group wins, or the president’s American roots, an American state official said on condition of anonymity.
Both President Joe Biden and Trump, his predecessor in office, aimed to win India over in order to challenge China in the region and free New Delhi from a longstanding dependence on Russian weapons.
Role model
Both Harris and Usha Vance, the wife of Republican vice presidential candidate, J. D. Vance have links to southern India. Vance belongs to a family of renowned academics.
Harris, who has garnered the backing of enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination, is viewed as role model in her mother’s ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram.
She has “proven how young women, previously confined to their homes, can reach such heights, becoming a public figure in the world’s No. 1 country”, said J Sudhakar, a resident of the village where Harris ‘ maternal grandfather was born.
” How big an achievement is that”?
Harris, who visited the village as a five-year-old, has recalled walks with her grandfather on the beach of the city of Chennai where the family later lived, about 320 km ( 200 miles ) from the village of roughly 2, 000 people.
Since taking over as US vice president, she has n’t returned.
” Residents expected a visit, a statement or at least a mention of the village, but that did n’t happen”, said shopkeeper G. Manikandan.
However, he continued,” We will invite her when she wins and organize a grand celebration and welcome for her.”
