What the U.S. election means for India

[hoshiarpurexpress]

For India, the Trump years have offered a mixture of spectacle and substance.
President Trump did what no U.S. leader had ever done before: share a stage with his Indian counterpart at rallies attended by tens of thousands of people. The events offered Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a chance to win political points domestically while cementing their bond as right-leaning nationalist leaders.

While the rallies held in Houston — billed as “Howdy, Modi” — and in Ahmedabad, which nearly filled India’s largest cricket stadium, formed the public face of the relationship, defense planners and diplomats have worked behind the scenes to deepen security cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies.

When it comes to the U.S. relationship with India, the Trump administration has largely continued the policies of its predecessors. The United States views India as a useful counterweight to China, together with traditional allies in the region such as Australia and Japan.

The Indian government has found plenty to like about the Trump administration, including its emphasis on fighting Islamist extremism and its tough stance on Pakistan, India’s archrival. Trump has also had little to say about Modi’s controversial moves over the past year, including a months-long crackdown in Kashmir and a significant change to India’s citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims.

Trump and India
Like Trump, Modi is a fervent nationalist who promises to restore lost greatness and sweep aside old elites. Both leaders also face criticism for their treatment of minorities and seeming authoritarian tendencies.

Trump and Modi established a rapport early in Trump’s presidency, despite various gaffes (Modi was reportedly shocked to realize that Trump did not know India shared a border with China, and Trump administration officials told The Washington Post that he imitated Modi’s accent with aides).

Indeed, Modi’s embrace of Trump has been so enthusiastic that it risks undermining the strong bipartisan consensus for better relations with India, some experts say. When Modi and Trump appeared together in Houston last year — even taking a victory lap together around the stadium, hands clasped — many saw an implicit endorsement of Trump’s reelection campaign.

“I have been worried that the large rallies appear to veer into overt partisanship,” said Alyssa Ayres, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who has provided outside advice to the campaign of Democratic presidential challenger Joe Biden. Trump and Modi established a rapport early in Trump’s presidency, despite various gaffes (Modi was reportedly shocked to realize that Trump did not know India shared a border with China, and Trump administration officials told The Washington Post that he imitated Modi’s accent with aides).

Indeed, Modi’s embrace of Trump has been so enthusiastic that it risks undermining the strong bipartisan consensus for better relations with India, some experts say. When Modi and Trump appeared together in Houston last year — even taking a victory lap together around the stadium, hands clasped — many saw an implicit endorsement of Trump’s reelection campaign.

“I have been worried that the large rallies appear to veer into overt partisanship,” said Alyssa Ayres, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who has provided outside advice to the campaign of Democratic presidential challenger Joe Biden. “It’s important to keep it bipartisan.”

The Trump campaign had hoped its embrace of Modi would help it make significant inroads with Indian American voters, a small but important constituency in certain states. Yet a recent poll showed that they remain solidly Democratic: Nearly 3 in 4 of those surveyed said they intended to support Joe Biden.

The top three issues for Indian American voters were the economy, health care and racial discrimination, Milan Vaishnav, one of the authors of the study, told NPR. “Foreign policy really didn’t rate very much,” he said.

The only area of significant friction between Modi and Trump has been on trade. India has not escaped Trump’s tirades on unfair trading practices, and the two countries have engaged in a low-grade trade war with no resolution in sight.

Biden and India
Biden has been an enthusiastic proponent of U.S.-India ties for years. “My dream is that in 2020 the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States,” he told an interviewer in 2006 when he was a U.S. senator. “If that occurs, the world will be safer.”

India and the United States have drawn closer through four successive presidents, Democratic and Republican alike, said Arvind Gupta, India’s former deputy national security adviser. In the wake of the deadliest clash between Indian and Chinese troops in more than 50 years in June, India has even more reason to “take that trajectory upward,” he said. This week, India and the United States concluded the last of four “foundational” agreements that will allow the two countries to deepen their military cooperation.

Under a Biden presidency, the focus on the defense partnership would continue, experts say, but other issues neglected under the Trump administration would probably get renewed attention. These include efforts to combat climate change, which have been largely absent from high-level bilateral discussions over the past four years.

A Biden presidency would also offer something totally unique: Kamala D. Harris, who would be the first Indian American vice president. So far, the Indian government has made no official statements on Harris’s nomination, but politicians from various parties in India have welcomed it as a historic choice.

If Biden becomes president, India’s government would likely face more criticism of its Hindu nationalist agenda, which seeks to move the country away from its secular founding ideals. Biden has called on India to restore human rights in Kashmir and has registered his disappointment with policies that are inconsistent with India’s “long tradition of secularism and with sustaining a multiethnic and multireligious democracy.”

Raising sensitive issues is “what close friends and partners do,” said Richard Verma, the former U.S. ambassador to India, in a recent interview. “People should welcome that conversation.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/10/29/us-election-trump-biden-india/

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

its a series of articles in WaPo on what US election means for different regions.
did not find one for Pakistan will post once it is there.

 

[Slog]

Lol classic trump. He’s such a child. Imitates modi’s accent behind his back to Make fun of him and calls India ‘filthy’ on world stage.

 

[Slog]

On a more serious note; if you take out Modi and Trump’s massaging of each other’s egos, Trump has been an ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE President from India’s perspective and the reasons are as follows:

1) Trade tensions: Time and again he calls out India publicly for unfair trade practices. He stripped India of the special tariff status which surely must have had an impact on indian exports

2) Internationalizing the Kashmir issue: Trump TWICE brought up Kashmir as disputed territory (against India’s official line) and said he was asked to mediate which is against Indian policy of only bilateral discussion. Modi govt. and indian machinery had to do clean up act. Trump bringing it in the open was why kashmir was discussed in international forums such as UN for the first time in decades. People will say atleast Trump didn’t explicitly condemn India’s atrocities in Kashmir but I personally think that would have been the case regardless of who was president. Indian acitivies in Kashmir aren’t new or unheard of but I have never seen it receive global attention at this scale in the past 15 years I’ve been following politics.

3) Even for indians on a personal level, Trump wasn’t great. From what I’ve been able to gather and what I’ve seen; it is sort of a indian middle class dream to do engineering and then go got a job in the US. But Trump’s policies have made that very hard. More than 1/3rd the picked H-1B petitions get rejected and they are almost exclusively India’s. In the past rejection rate was less than 10%. He also hasn’t budged an inch in trying to speed up green card processes for Indians which can run upto several decades right now.

Trump was also not hard on pakistan at all and is actually good friends with Imran Khan on personal level. So if you look beyond Trump-Modi ego-massaging sessions and analyze the facts; Trump really wasn’t great at all for India in my opinion.

 

[JaDed]

[MENTION=138463]Slog[/MENTION] not sure if you know but due to his policies the IT salaries increased, also not sure if you are following but the EB3 gc line for Indians jumped from 2009 to 2015.. in last 6 months ,so many Indians applied EAD due to a massive jump, this was involuntary but his policies caused this..

So H1B issue is a give and take.. more Indians will become citizens in next 5 years now than anytime since 2000s I guess

 

[Slog]

[MENTION=138463]Slog[/MENTION] not sure if you know but due to his policies the IT salaries increased, also not sure if you are following but the EB3 gc line for Indians jumped from 2009 to 2015.. in last 6 months ,so many Indians applied EAD due to a massive jump, this was involuntary but his policies caused this..

So H1B issue is a give and take.. more Indians will become citizens in next 5 years now than anytime since 2000s I guess

But as a whole fewer Indians are coming in now. And many were left stranded. And recent rules regarding increased salary requirement will continue with this where Indian workers wouldn’t be as cheap to bring in.

So it’s a give and take as you say. For lot of lower or middle class Indians being able to come to the US on $50-60k jobs for shady IT consultancies was also a huge jump in their standard of living and there is less of that now.

 

[JaDed]

But as a whole fewer Indians are coming in now. And many were left stranded. And recent rules regarding increased salary requirement will continue with this where Indian workers wouldn’t be as cheap to bring in.

So it’s a give and take as you say. For lot of lower or middle class Indians being able to come to the US on $50-60k jobs for shady IT consultancies was also a huge jump in their standard of living and there is less of that now.

There is no job for 50-60k .. that would be rejected even in Obama era for non F1 visa..
Min is 65-69k.. also location dependent...
most salaries increased a lot under Trump..

to give you an idea:

Line got moved from 2009-2015 now whenever Democrats come it will change again allowing higher entry but maintaining the somewhat similar salary levels so I think its a good give and take situation for Indian influence in USA as such as so
many will become permanent.. also I think covid has dented more plans than Trump.. GRE preparation is still in big flow for next year..I know couple preparing for the same..

Other points on trade are valid but this is mixed bag for India.. esp coz the GC jump not sure if you get the massive jump that has happened is unprecedented..2009 to directly including everyone till 2015 and people in EB 2 are also porting to EB 3 now.. which would include them as well lol

Also not sure which lower class Indians werr
coming to states for IT jobs.. IT makes them go middle class in India.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Screw Trump. I am voting Biden.

 

[Bigboii]

For India

Biden is way better than Trump

Biden can actually do something against China, Trump is just talk

 

[JaDed]

For India

Biden is way better than Trump

Biden can actually do something against China, Trump is just talk

Lol naw bro, US has least trade deficit with China since 2011.. not necessarily a good thing though as Silicon Valley designs and China manufactures.. for around the world.

Biden will be good for Indian economy thats true..

 

[Slog]

There is no job for 50-60k .. that would be rejected even in Obama era for non F1 visa..
Min is 65-69k.. also location dependent...
most salaries increased a lot under Trump..

I met several Indians from Hyderabad in 2014-15 who were on 50-70k salaries. They were third party IT consultancies. In Obama era rejection rate was less the 10%; now it’s over 30%

 

[Bigboii]

Lol naw bro, US has least trade deficit with China since 2011.. not necessarily a good thing though as Silicon Valley designs and China manufactures.. for around the world.

Biden will be good for Indian economy thats true..

Was talking about pressure on China

Laato Kay bhoot bato set na manay

Trump is losing us alliances faster than a 60 year old man losing hair from male pattern boldness

Biden can get those alliances back together to put pressure on China

That's where India comes in, millitarically with Biden I think they'll be part of a stronger quad maybe even similar to NATO this can keep China at bay

 

[Savak]

Lol not being called a filthy country

 

[CanadianG00se]

Biden will be bad for India, really really bad. His is Chinese puppet like one we have in Ottawa. Trump maybe clown but he has improved American economy.

 

[Syed1]

Lol not being called a filthy country

Reality wont change based on who is President

 

[JaDed]

I met several Indians from Hyderabad in 2014-15 who were on 50-70k salaries. They were third party IT consultancies. In Obama era rejection rate was less the 10%; now it’s over 30%

Could be on F1... but on H1b petition you can't have that low salary it would get rejected.. Trump is planning to increase that even more- the base salary.

As I said already Obama time the salaries were very low esp for Masters students that didn't make it into top 500 companies.

Rejection rate for many situations was valid I'm sure you already knew, and check the number of applications as well...

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/data/I129_Quarterly_Request_for_Evidence_FY2015_FY2020_Q3.pdf

 

[JaDed]

Was talking about pressure on China

Laato Kay bhoot bato set na manay

Trump is losing us alliances faster than a 60 year old man losing hair from male pattern boldness

Biden can get those alliances back together to put pressure on China

That's where India comes in, millitarically with Biden I think they'll be part of a stronger quad maybe even similar to NATO this can keep China at bay

Hmm not too sure how he will when Tech would force him to concede to China, what pressure will he put on China?


https://www.thestreet.com/mishtalk/economics/3500-corporations-so-fed-up-with-trumps-tariffs-they-sue-the-us

 

[jnaveen1980]

Biden will be bad for India, really really bad. His is Chinese puppet like one we have in Ottawa. Trump maybe clown but he has improved American economy.

Improved economy? He inherited a great economy and plummeted it this year. Everything was already set on track for 10 years by the Obama administration. Even a rock as a president it would still have been on track. Trump is a clown. a dangerous sociopath. Biden's steady leadership need of the hour. Majority of the Indians that lived here long enough know the con man that Trump is. Besides, why would anyone vote for a clown that completely denied science, attacked doctors, scientists for political reasons. The result is Covid is never going away from here. He personally infected 30 to 40 people. Trump's ignorance about geopolitics is definitely not a reason to vote for him. He already threw India under the bus twice lol. His idea of friendship is purely baesd on how much you "flatter" him. I am voting BIDEN so are all my friends. Hope we see the corrupt drumpf in prison.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

It would not be much of a difference who gets elected and article points that out as well. Kudos to Indian diplomats who work in the background.
Since 2000 the trajectory of relations has always improved and no matter who comes India is a counter weight to China.
CCPs frustration is quiet clear with verbal attacks through there mouthpiece.
Trump has more or less followed the same path in terms of relations with India as Obama and Biden back in 2006 and now as well holds a good view of India as important partner. This is called balancing rather some countries whom just blow one side of the relation to completely change their masters overnight depending on who throws the maximum dollars.

 

[Bigboii]

Hmm not too sure how he will when Tech would force him to concede to China, what pressure will he put on China?


https://www.thestreet.com/mishtalk/economics/3500-corporations-so-fed-up-with-trumps-tariffs-they-sue-the-us

Before putting pressure we need our allies that we have lost in Asia
and Trump is not going to do that and Biden will do that (what he said in his debates)

So first let's get the gang back together before doing a drive by on China ��

No pressure without our allies that's the first step in creating pressure on China and that's what Biden would do

 

[MenInG]

Supporters of US President Donald Trump in India are leaving no stones unturned to ensure that he wins the Presidential elections this time too. Nearly two dozen members of a group known as Hindu Sena (Hindu Army) joined a priest wearing saffron robes to conduct fire rituals and chant verses for Trump's victory.

They held up pictures of the leader with one of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi resting to the side.

The group that claims to have the support of 5 million Hindus says it wants Trump to be re-elected in order to keep India's main rivals - Pakistan and China - in check.

"India can fight terrorism only if Trump is around, and both China and Pakistan will stay restrained as long as he is the president," the group's founder, Vishnu Gupta, said by 'phone.

"We wish Harris well because of her Indian ancestry, but vice presidents are not as powerful."

The fringe group has always been pretty vocal about rallying behind the US President. During the latter's India visit back in February, had hailed him and even released a song in his honour and asked all Indian-Americans in the US to vote for him when the time comes.

The group had then organised a 'yagna' at Delhi's iconic Jantar Mantar ahead of talks between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We performed the rituals to seek God's blessings for PM Narendra Modi and Trump and to pray that they can work together to eradicate terrorism," the group's chief Vishnu Gupta had said then.

Elsewhere, supporters of vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris held prayers near her ancestral village in India.

RR Kalidas Vandayar, a businessman and the head of a cricket association in the nearest town, plans to offer food to more than 150 people to seek their blessings for Harris, who is running alongside Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

"She is from here and we are proud of her," said Vandayar's brother RR Jayakumar Vandayar.

(With inputs from Reuters and PTI)

https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/hi...-to-keep-china-pakistan-in-check-3038054.html

 

[globalcitizen]

I just feel with China challenging Usa economy, the next few years will be huge influx of investment in other Asian countries including India. And Trump has been authoritative against China and their communist regime in last few months. I doubt Biden will be same with China

If vaccine is developed in next few months , india could benefit as manufacturing hub. But again any president it might be same

In the end I just hope America chooses the best president and does good for their own people and everything else is immaterial

 

[Abdullah719]

Zee News spews communal venom over US elections!

In a deeply communal tweet, Zee News has projected the electoral battle between Donald Trump and Joe Biden as one between ‘nationalism’ and the ‘Muslim card’. The tweet promoting a show tracking election results asked viewers, “Will ‘nationalism’ win or the ‘Muslim card’?”

While the ‘nationalism’ reference ties Donald Trump neatly with the purported agenda of the Indian regime thereby projecting him as a more desirable candidate, it was the tethering of Biden, and by extension Democrats and all liberals, to the so called ‘Muslim card’.

It is well known that Donald Trump had instituted a ‘Muslim ban’ preventing people from seven predominantly Islamic nations from flying into the United States in January 2017. Democrats remained staunch and vocal critics of the move that was also contested tooth and nail in the courts. Several civil liberties groups, most notable the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) were at the forefront of the campaign against Trump’s Islamophobic Executive Order.

https://sabrangindia.in/article/zee-news-spews-communal-venom-over-us-elections

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="et" dir="ltr">Abki baar.... Palti maar. &#55357;&#56904; <a href="https://t.co/qefAO6PxVn">pic.twitter.com/qefAO6PxVn</a></p>— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) <a href="https://twitter.com/zoo_bear/status/1324754287285559297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Very confusing

 

[GenericBrand]

Improved economy? He inherited a great economy and plummeted it this year. Everything was already set on track for 10 years by the Obama administration. Even a rock as a president it would still have been on track. Trump is a clown. a dangerous sociopath. Biden's steady leadership need of the hour. Majority of the Indians that lived here long enough know the con man that Trump is. Besides, why would anyone vote for a clown that completely denied science, attacked doctors, scientists for political reasons. The result is Covid is never going away from here. He personally infected 30 to 40 people. Trump's ignorance about geopolitics is definitely not a reason to vote for him. He already threw India under the bus twice lol. His idea of friendship is purely baesd on how much you "flatter" him. I am voting BIDEN so are all my friends. Hope we see the corrupt drumpf in prison.

Canadian Trump supporters have some weird obsession with how the US economy is doing 'well' as if they are relevant.

 

[Romali_rotti]

Biden can actually do something against China, Trump is just talk

This is the worry. Biden is a war monger, you don't want to see any major conflicts occurring in the sub continent region..

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

US view of India is as a giant market which it can penetrate from many directions. Intellectually, physically and ideologically. Can India claim counterwise? This is the crux of the matter.

.

 

[MenInG]

How will President Joe Biden deal with India?

Seems that Trump was the preferred Whitehouse Rep for India but how will a Joe Biden presidency change anything for India US Relations?

 

[Robbie]

He'll be a better president as far as India -US relations are concerned. With Kamala Harris as his Deputy who is of Indian descent herself and during their campaign both were promising better relations between the countries to the Indian voters..
I see no reasons why the realtions won't be bigger and better between the oldest and largest democracy

 

[Varun]

Does it really matter to India whether the President is Republican or Democrat? I don't think so.

 

[Bewal Express]

The Hindutuva loved Trump for his anti Muslim utterances and grabbed him like Koala grabbing its mother. Lets hope Biden calls out the Fascist Modi, but this is politics and I am not expecting too much.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">11.25am Eastern.<br><br>The age old battle against racism, right wing populism has being driven back into the sea. <br><br>Now Brazil, India, Hungary, UK, Australia and others with their dangerous right wing populism will be brought to heel by the only global superpower.<br><br>&#55356;&#56826;&#55356;&#56824;</p>— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) <a href="https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/1325112775874637825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Varun]

The Hindutuva loved Trump for his anti Muslim utterances and grabbed him like Koala grabbing its mother. Lets hope Biden calls out the Fascist Modi, but this is politics and I am not expecting too much.

Hopefully Trump getting dismissed is actually a sign of things to come, and we can throw Mr. -23.9% in the trash can too come 2024.

 

[JaDed]

Prefer Biden for Indian inc.. only BJP supporters prefer Trump due to his non interference in geo politics.

BJP is just the party in power Indian inc is the one that will carry India forward.

Biden ll also be a relief for big tech considering Kamala is their stooge.

 

[Markhor]

Hopefully Trump getting dismissed is actually a sign of things to come, and we can throw Mr. -23.9% in the trash can too come 2024.

Yep, cut off the head of the snake theory.

Boris, Netanyahu, Bolsanaro and Modi in that order I think is most realistic.

Need competent opposition in all those countries though.

 

[Rajdeep]

Yep, cut off the head of the snake theory.

Boris, Netanyahu, Bolsanaro and Modi in that order I think is most realistic.

Need competent opposition in all those countries though.

I know its a popular thing to do these days and exactly why world need leaders like Modi, Putin or Trump.

If I were you...I would worry about Imran more. Let Indians decide on Modi.

 

[Rajdeep]

India liberals rejoicing

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hello India, this feeling when you kick a fascist out..Let's do this. Inshallah</p>— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanaAyyub/status/1325131703996674048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Technics 1210]

The Hindutuva loved Trump for his anti Muslim utterances and grabbed him like Koala grabbing its mother. Lets hope Biden calls out the Fascist Modi, but this is politics and I am not expecting too much.

He won't speak out, his VP is of Indian origin who already has Hindu fans in India. Biden won't call Modi out, he's gonna stroke him.

 

[Markhor]

I know its a popular thing to do these days and exactly why world need leaders like Modi, Putin or Trump.

If I were you...I would worry about Imran more. Let Indians decide on Modi.

God heard their prayers...and gave them a tight slap

 

[Rajdeep]

View attachment 104375

God heard their prayers...and gave them a tight slap

Just like the slap that was given by American people on 2016 or 23rd May 2019 in India

Bhai...calm down. There are lots of factors due to which Trump lost and staged BLM movement was one of such thing. I doubt if 78 year old Biden is capable of leading world's strongest country. I will be surprised if he lasts 5 years anyway.

But Trump's defeat has no impact on Modi except it will give few liberal trolls in internet to rejoice.

 

[Varun]

But Trump's defeat has no impact on Modi except it will give few liberal trolls in internet to rejoice.

Modi is gonna lose another state in a few days - Bihar.

Not that he had it properly in the first place.

 

[Bewal Express]

He won't speak out, his VP is of Indian origin who already has Hindu fans in India. Biden won't call Modi out, he's gonna stroke him.

You are right. Its just that I hated Trump so much for his cynical badniyaati, that today it doesn't matter today.

 

[Bewal Express]

Hopefully Trump getting dismissed is actually a sign of things to come, and we can throw Mr. -23.9% in the trash can too come 2024.

Not going to happen for you guys. Modi has scared he crap out of the opposition in Ind and civil society and his supporters make Trumpsters look like rank amateurs. Even America got lucky this time as far as Democracy is concerned but if those attitudes persist, someone clever and sharper than Trump will make them pay.

 

[Bewal Express]

Modi is gonna lose another state in a few days - Bihar.

Not that he had it properly in the first place.

Who is in line to be Modis replacement when he does eventually go?

 

[Varun]

Who is in line to be Modis replacement when he does eventually go?

We're not at that stage yet. Maybe Rahul Gandhi lol.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Biden & Kamala Harris have strong views on Kashmir, Article 370 and CAA/NRC....as it should be.

How much they will call out Modi is yet to be seen but right wingers ruling the roost and getting away with everything won't happen as easily now.

Time will tell.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Who is in line to be Modis replacement when he does eventually go?

Opposition is getting better (not ready yet).

PM candidate is not yet ready.

Will probably see an educated outsider come in.

Priyanka could pop in out of nowhere (imho). Right now, she's busy working in UP silently.

Next couple of years will be interesting.

 

[Varun]

Opposition is getting better (not ready yet).

PM candidate is not yet ready.

Will probably see an educated outsider come in.

Priyanka could pop in out of nowhere (imho). Right now, she's busy working in UP silently.

Next couple of years will be interesting.

West Bengal 2021 and Uttar Pradesh 2022 are key elections looking ahead to 2024.

The BJP-JDU is already going to lose Bihar on November 10 by the looks of it. Their last proper victory was back in Gujarat 2017.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

West Bengal 2021 and Uttar Pradesh 2022 are key elections looking ahead to 2024.

The BJP-JDU is already going to lose Bihar on November 10 by the looks of it. Their last proper victory was back in Gujarat 2017.

Indeed.

Gujarat 2023 is the MOST crucial state election of them all.

It almost fell last time. It will likely fall this time.

Once Gujarat falls and Centre is captured, then the game begins.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Joe Biden is new adopted daddy of sickulars, as was trump for hindutvas.

 

[Varun]

Indeed.

Gujarat 2023 is the MOST crucial state election of them all.

It almost fell last time. It will likely fall this time.

Once Gujarat falls and Centre is captured, then the game begins.

Gujarat is in 2022 as well.

Last time was a perfect storm - Anandiben Patel wasn't very popular and there were those Hardik Patel types scurrying around. By all accounts, Rupani isn't facing corruption charges and what happens in the next 18 months remains to be seen.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Gujarat is in 2022 as well.

Last time was a perfect storm - Anandiben Patel wasn't very popular and there were those Hardik Patel types scurrying around. By all accounts, Rupani isn't facing corruption charges and what happens in the next 18 months remains to be seen.

Oh sorry 2022.

Yes, interesting times ahead.

If only those Congis could get their house in order lol.

 

[ahmedzee]

Biden would be great for India. Last time when he was in the US govt, India/US relations were at its peak. Bonus for India would be that Biden is quite anti-Pakistan, just as we saw during the Obama era. Biden would send more troops to Afghanistan, cancelling the peace deal, ans this would eventually help India in their proxy against Pakistan in Afghanistan. This would enable India to restart the terrorist activities in Pakistan, through Afghanistan. So eventually he is going to a great for India.

 

[Bewal Express]

Oh sorry 2022.

Yes, interesting times ahead.

If only those Congis could get their house in order lol.

Is the Gandhi dynasty def over, or is Rahul like Billo, a guy that is around but without a presence or a narrative bar I am the son of

 

[Bewal Express]

Biden would be great for India. Last time when he was in the US govt, India/US relations were at its peak. Bonus for India would be that Biden is quite anti-Pakistan, just as we saw during the Obama era. Biden would send more troops to Afghanistan, cancelling the peace deal, ans this would eventually help India in their proxy against Pakistan in Afghanistan. This would enable India to restart the terrorist activities in Pakistan, through Afghanistan. So eventually he is going to a great for India.

Times have changed and if Biden looks to have an activist and aggressive Foreign policy, Trump will use one of his few achievements to make mince meat out of him.

 

[Pakpak]

We're not at that stage yet. Maybe Rahul Gandhi lol.

Amit Shah is far more dangerous than Modi if he gets to power. I don't think Modi is leaving anytime soon, he's bent the judiciary his way, the press worships him out of fear and anyone who thinks otherwise is told to go to Pakistan or journos get gunned down

US institutions are far stronger so at the end nutters like Trump won't go beyond a term.

Maybe I have it wrong seeing as I don't live in India like you but this is my observation.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Is the Gandhi dynasty def over, or is Rahul like Billo, a guy that is around but without a presence or a narrative bar I am the son of

It's not over and won't be over anytime soon.

The answer to the second question depends on who you ask.

One side would like you to believe Rahul is an idiot while the ruling govt are filled with geniuses.

Personally, I don't think he is an idiot at all.

Was horrible back in 2014...a lot better now.

Has his heart in the right place.

He is not an ideal leader but in chaos, he can atleast bind the party together as there's a seniors vs juniors battle going on in Congress right now.

I don't think it's safe to project him as PM candidate and likely won't be.

 

[Bigboii]

It's good and bad

Dems don't like human rights problems that's why their relations with Pakistan were bad compared to rep (before Pakistanis get too excited...)

so this can also hurt India because of Modi (this is a real possibility but don't expect solid actions or something, India is still a democracy and the US respect most democracies because it's a bit harder to defend actions against democratically elected countries)
but I 150% expect him to pay lip service down the line against Hindu nationalism in India

but I think he should improve the relationship with India because India is becoming more and more important in the grand scheme of things for the US to counter China (with the help of other allies because we saw what happened just a couple of months ago when India was all alone)

Now the most important thing the US/Biden should do with India is to end their neutrality b* they want to enjoy the best of both worlds but we can't allow that happen

give them "Plata o plomo" or a bit of both but make sure they get in line with US foreign policy against China they're making a fool out of the US as of know

we can't/shouldn't deal with China problem alone we need strong Allies to counter China just like we had western Europe to stop USSR quad nations should hep US (if China is stopped its better for them than it is for the US because we are thousands of miles away but Quad is directly threatened by China)

 

[Rajdeep]

Joe Biden is new adopted daddy of sickulars, as was trump for hindutvas.

Tell me more about it. The way Indian liberals are celebrating Trump's defeat in SM is hilarious. It proves how much pain they are in since 2014.

Trump ke haarne se itni khushi...imagine if actually Modi loses in 2024 what these guys will do

 

[Rajdeep]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> on your spectacular victory! As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-US relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights. <a href="https://t.co/yAOCEcs9bN">pic.twitter.com/yAOCEcs9bN</a></p>— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1325145433828593664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heartiest congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>! Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans. I am confident that the vibrant India-US ties will get even stronger with your support and leadership.</p>— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1325145671742054400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[CricketCartoons]

Tell me more about it. The way Indian liberals are celebrating Trump's defeat in SM is hilarious. It proves how much pain they are in since 2014.

Trump ke haarne se itni khushi...imagine if actually Modi loses in 2024 what these guys will do

There are no indian liberals. It is a mythical creature.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

US sees India as a giant market for them to sell into. Doesn't really make any difference who the President of US is.

 

[Varun]

Amit Shah is far more dangerous than Modi if he gets to power. I don't think Modi is leaving anytime soon, he's bent the judiciary his way, the press worships him out of fear and anyone who thinks otherwise is told to go to Pakistan or journos get gunned down

US institutions are far stronger so at the end nutters like Trump won't go beyond a term.

Maybe I have it wrong seeing as I don't live in India like you but this is my observation.

You're exaggerating a bit, but you're not far from the truth.

 

[Pakpak]

US sees India as a giant market for them to sell into. Doesn't really make any difference who the President of US is.

And counter weight to China. India is US's best proxy against China in the region, gone are the days when Indians balanced neutrality well. They're full in the American camp now. Its not bad for us ofcourse, its given us an opening with Russia and our reliance on the Americans has gone down massively. However we won't seeing over the top nonsense like 'howdy Modi' or Indian stadia in India filled with Modi-lites waving to Trump, anytime soon. As let's be honest, we all know why Indians adored Trump given the raging Nazi ruling India.

 

[Abdullah719]

Big blow for these guys.

 

[gani999]

Tell me more about it. The way Indian liberals are celebrating Trump's defeat in SM is hilarious. It proves how much pain they are in since 2014.

Trump ke haarne se itni khushi...imagine if actually Modi loses in 2024 what these guys will do

Modi won't lose in 2024.

And if the 'Indian Liberals' were anything at all like the American Democrats, Modi would not have come to power in India in the first place.

The silly fools should look into a mirror first.

 

[JaDed]

US sees India as a giant market for them to sell into. Doesn't really make any difference who the President of US is.

It does.. for Indian inc..who depend on outsourcing and tech both of which prefer Biden and Harris..

 

[CricketCartoons]

It does.. for Indian inc..who depend on outsourcing and tech both of which prefer Biden and Harris..

For americans sake, I hope they prevent visa misuse by indians and continue with the visa caps.

 

[JaDed]

For americans sake, I hope they prevent visa misuse by indians and continue with the visa caps.

Biden promised to unleash Indian borns in waiting line for GC.. jus saying so lol..

Why do you think tech was rallying behind these both?

Also visa cap has not changed there was more accountability under Trump for the same number.. that will go away now in an year or so considering Democrats history

People in Indian companies back home should be happy..

 

[CricketCartoons]

Biden promised to unleash Indian borns in waiting line for GC.. jus saying so lol..

Why do you think tech was rallying behind these both?

Also visa cap has not changed there was more accountability under Trump for the same number.. that will go away now in an year or so considering Democrats history

People in Indian companies back home should be happy..

yes, I read that he promised to help indians waiting for gc, and that is fine. my issue is with the visa misuse by indian tech companies. if this draco malfoy continues pandering to immigrants then there will be another trump in power soon.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

And counter weight to China. India is US's best proxy against China in the region, gone are the days when Indians balanced neutrality well. They're full in the American camp now. Its not bad for us ofcourse, its given us an opening with Russia and our reliance on the Americans has gone down massively. However we won't seeing over the top nonsense like 'howdy Modi' or Indian stadia in India filled with Modi-lites waving to Trump, anytime soon. As let's be honest, we all know why Indians adored Trump given the raging Nazi ruling India.

Reliance on the USA makes sense only for Canada as they are direct neighbours and ideologically similar. I still believe it was a mistake for Britain to leave Europe...because we are Europe in reality. Logistically it doesn't make sense to pee on your own doorstep. By that logic it makes sense for Pakistan to look to build relations with Russia, China and Iran.

As for India...well good luck to them with their American adventure, hope they don't miss Russia too much.

 

[Romali_rotti]

Reliance on the USA makes sense only for Canada as they are direct neighbours and ideologically similar. I still believe it was a mistake for Britain to leave Europe...because we are Europe in reality. Logistically it doesn't make sense to pee on your own doorstep. By that logic it makes sense for Pakistan to look to build relations with Russia, China and Iran.

As for India...well good luck to them with their American adventure, hope they don't miss Russia too much.

India Russia ties will always remain strong. I just hope we stop buying their junk aircrafts, and hope China will keep buying and transforming the mediocre Russian jets into junk Chinese jets like the J20 lol..

 

[Hornbill]

Kamala Harris may choose to speak out on human rights issues in India, says her uncle

"She will speak out if she is moved by something. You may not want her to say that but she will say, 'I am sorry but I will have to say this'," said Mr. Balachandran. He pointed out that Ms. Harris would not keep quiet if she finds something happening in India that she disagrees with.

He maintained that she draws from the rich legacy of civil rights championed by her mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a biomedical scientist, who left a strong impression on her daughter. "Shyamala contributed immensely to the legacy of human rights in the United States. Her contribution on that front is much greater than that of Kamala's," said Mr. Balachandran, who has also worked as a consultant at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. He maintained that the election result has sent a message of hope to the world.

The Biden-Harris campaign had maintained that India should restore civil and political rights in Kashmir and Ms. Harris had indicated her disapproval after August 5, 2019 decision on ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. When asked about the issue, Ms. Harris had said last year, "We are all watching".

Mr. Balachandran hinted that his niece could speak on the present situation in Kashmir as well. "Do not think that just because India has done something, she would keep quiet on that. She has spoken on issues like Kashmir earlier," he reminded. Speaking out on issues of global relevance will be the hallmark of the Biden-Harris administration as the election mandate is for bringing the United States into the global mainstream as opposed to the policy of President Donald Trump who had withdrawn the United States from many of the international and multilateral obligations.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/inter...s-her-uncle/article33052245.ece?homepage=true

 

[MenInG]

Democrat Joe Biden has been declared the winner of the 2020 US presidential election, defeating Donald Trump, according to news agency The Associated Press.

So, will Joe Biden be good for India?

This is something every Indian wants to know. Here is what his stance could be like in some key areas, judging by his past record and statements.

Has Joe Biden been a friend of India?

Much before he became Vice President in the Barack Obama administration, Biden had advocated a stronger relationship with India.


Biden played an important role, both as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and later as Vice President, in systematically deepening strategic engagement with India.

In fact, in 2006, three years before he became the Vice-President of the US, Biden announced his vision for the future of US-India relations: “My dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States,” he had said.

Although (then) Senator Obama was initially hesitant to support the Indo-US nuclear deal, Biden led the charge and worked with both Democrats and Republicans, to approve the nuclear deal in the US Congress in 2008.


What was his contribution during his term as VP in the Obama administration?

Biden was one of the key advocates of strengthening the Indo-US partnership, especially in strategic areas. During that time, the US officially declared its support for India’s membership in a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council. This had been a key demand of successive Indian governments, which was fulfilled by Washington during Biden’s term as VP.

The Obama-Biden Administration also named India a “Major Defense Partner” – a status approved by the US Congress – which made it easier to share advanced and critical technology to India to strengthen defence ties. This was crucial since it was for the first time that any country was given this status, outside of the US’s traditional alliance system.

In fact, in August 2016, at the fag end of the Obama administration, the two sides signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), the first of the three “foundational pacts” for deeper military cooperation.

LEMOA allows the militaries of the US and India to replenish from each other’s bases, and access supplies, spare parts and services from each other’s land facilities, air bases, and ports, which can then be reimbursed.

LEMOA is extremely useful for India-US Navy-to-Navy cooperation, since the two countries are cooperating closely in the Indo-Pacific. To put the usefulness of this agreement in simple terms, it is like being able to stop at a friend’s garage or workshop to refuel your car or get it repaired when you are far away from your own home or workshop.

Later on, Trump administration signed the remaining foundational pacts – COMCASA and BECA.

What has Biden’s approach been towards terrorism?

Obama and Biden also strengthened cooperation with India to fight terrorism in each of their countries and across the region.

“Biden believes there can be no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia – cross-border or otherwise”, his campaign document says.

While there is not much he said during his time in the administration on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, New Delhi hopes that he will be carrying forward the legacy of the US administration’s approach towards India-Pakistan when it comes to cross-border terrorism. &#55357;&#56547; Express Explained is now on Telegram

How is the Biden administration going to look at China?

Over the last few few years, there has been a realisation in Washington about China’s aggressive behaviour and there is a somewhat bipartisan consensus amongst the Democrats and the Republicans on China as a strategic rival and a threat.

While the Trump administration has been extremely vocal in India’s support in the last six months of the border-stand-off with China, New Delhi will expect a similar approach from the Biden administration as well.

One will have to wait and watch if Biden follows the same path, but there could be nuancing of the language and the rhetoric from US officials.

“A Biden Administration will also work with India to support a rules-based and stable Indo-Pacific region in which no country, including China, is able to threaten its neighbours with impunity,” his campaign document says.

While Trump administration officials including Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo had been attacking the Communist Party of China quite openly, Biden administration’s language might be more calibrated.

What about immigration and visas for Indians, specially H1B visas for skilled professionals?

This has been a major concern for Indians under the Trump administration. As Democrats are seen to be more liberal on immigration, Biden is expected to be softer towards Indians who go to the US to study, work and live there, and aspire for a better life.

He has promised to support family-based immigration, increase the number of visas offered for permanent, work-based immigration, reform the temporary visa system for high-skill, specialty jobs, eliminate the limits on employment-based green cards. He has also promised to restore the naturalisation process for green card holders.

But as the Trump administration has tightened the rules, it may not be very easy for Biden to reverse some of the approaches adopted in the last four years.

What about his attitude towards the human rights issues, especially since Kamala Harris — his Vice-President — is a fierce advocate for human rights?

This is a major concern for the Indian government, which has got support from the Trump administration on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Although some US Congressmen and women had raised red flags on the human rights situation following the revoking of Article 370 and passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act alongside the proposed nationwide NRC, the Trump administration had not taken any actions beyond making some perfunctory statements.

But with Democrats in power, the Indian government can expect some tough statements from the Biden administration on these issues.

Biden has been “disappointed by the measures that the Government of India has taken with the implementation and aftermath of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act into law”, the Biden campaign’s policy paper had said.

“As the world’s oldest and largest democracies, the United States and India are bound together by our shared democratic values: fair and free elections, equality under the law, and the freedom of expression and religion. These core principles have endured throughout each of our nations’ histories and will continue to be the source of our strength in the future,” Biden’s campaign document says.

How he follows up on his campaign commitment will be something to watch out for.

Overall, will he be a good President for India?

Over the last 20 years, every US President — Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump — had differences on many issues, but if there was one common theme on which all of them agreed was this: a stronger relationship with India.

What that means is that there has been a tradition of bipartisan support in favour of better ties with India, and every US President has made it better than what he inherited from his predecessor over the last two decades.

So, to cut a long story short, there is no reason to believe that Biden will not continue the tradition – but of course, he will have his own style and nuances, and will put his personal stamp on the relationship.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/us-president-joe-biden-donald-trump-india-6968421/

 

[MenInG]

From 20th August 2020

As India and a significant population in the US continues to cheer for Kamala Harris' historic VP nomination, not all Indian policymakers seem to be entirely thrilled with the development. There are several reasons for that but the most obvious ones stem from their open pro-Pakistan backing on the Kashmir issue.

Joe Biden's running mate for the 2020 White Hosue presidential race Kamala Harris has been a vocal and sharp critic of India's Kashmir policy, especially after the revocation of Artice 370 and special status that was granted to the union territory.

Notably, last year, when Senator Harris was running her own campaign for the Democratic nomination, on two occasions she was asked about her stance on the Kashmir issue, and unsurprisingly she backed the demand for international intervention, specifically the US.

In one of her interviews, she stated 'We have to remind Kashmiris that they are not alone in the world. We are keeping track of the situation. There is a need to intervene if the situation demands.'

The Democrats have generally been less inclined towards India than Republican Presidents, for a variety of reasons generally related to America's geostrategic interests and Pakistan's proclivity towards fostering an economic and diplomatic model that is reliant on military and humanitarian aid, investments and hand-outs.

On the eve of India's Independence Day, when US President Donald Trump in his usual rant, launched an attack on democrats — but this time directed it at Kamala Harris, and was quoted as saying, 'I have more Indians than she has.'

This remark has less racial and ethnic prejudice than many would think considering the fact that for a significant section of Indian Americans and NRIs working in the US, Trump may be a better option, here's why:


1) Biden-Harris' support of pro-Pakistan lobbies in the US

President of Voice of America and Hindus for America, Ram Sastry, in a townhall organised in the US had unambiguously stated Biden was not a good choice for Indians owing to her 'anti-India' stance. He called her 'Hinduphobic' and 'pro-Pakistan'. The NGO's president minced no words in his interaction with the media when he called the presidential hopeful a 'flip-flop politician.'

The US, in the last few decades, has banked on Pakistan being a key hub for its strategic interests in the region, being given free reign to conduct numerous activities from and on Pak soil that few sovereign nations would allow. However, US has also suffered the consequences of putting its faith in Pakistan's paper civilian governments while its military-deep state has used US aid to proliferate non-state actors across the region - including rampant terrorism across all its borders.

2) Far-left politics with inclination to socialist policies

Several smaller groups and Hindu organisations in the US see Harris as a threat to India and America's growth. Another such group, Americans4Hindus, chaired by a senior cardiac surgeon in San Francisco Dr Romesh Jhapra, dismissed the senator's Indian lineage and supported his argument saying 'She (Harris) has moved too far to the left and supports ultra-socialist policies.' He further went on to extend the support of the group for President Trump and incumbent administration.


3) Opposing views on Kashmir Article 370 and CAA

Kamala Harris has been accused by Republican candidate Nisha Sharma, who she ran against in California as 'playing on people's emotions.' The Senator has repeatedly taken a strong stance against India's national interest in matters of CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and revocation of Article 370 which abolished the temporary special status granted to Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Nisha Sharma also attacked her national policies and said Harris' policies go 'against the fabric of US and against meritocracy'.

Pakistan's complicity with terror led to the neutralisation of Osama Bin Laden within a few thousand feet of a Pak military compound in Abottabad by US forces in 2011(check). US-Pakistan ties have soured greatly over the last few years as various US administrations' schemes have come undone even as a desperate Pak has tilted towards China; whereas India has emerged as the most significant counterbalance to China in the region. During the recent global animosity towards China, it was India that gave the PLA a bloody nose and banned Chinese apps, whereas Donald Trump and Pompeo have largely played to the galleries before the November elections.

4) Demystifying Indian identity

When India passed the CAA, five Indian American lawmakers, all of them Democrats, spoke out against the Bill and pushed a resolution in Congress urging that the bill be removed. Later when EAM S Jaishankar was in the US he refused to meet with one of the lawmakers on the reason that their understanding of the Kashmir situation is 'unfair and biased'.

Somanjana Chatterjee, a political strategist in the US made scathing remarks against Harris' relationship with the Indian-American community. She said, 'Living in California for more than 10 years, I have never heard of Kamala mentioning her Indic roots up until her campaign fundraisers for Senate race.' She further alleged that while serving as California's Attorney General, she was 'non-cooperative' when approached for intervention in the State's public schools and revision of depiction of Hinduism in textbooks.


5) Continued silence on Pak-sponsored terrorism & Chinese violations

While senator Kamala Harris and the Democratic party leave no stone unturned when it comes to attacking India, they remain mysteriously quiet on the subject of Chinese LAC violations and border incursions. They have maintained a resolute silence on Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attacks in the valley, or pass any resolutions on forced religious conversions in the region. Their apathy towards the mistreatment of minorities and various counts of human rights violations also seem alarming.

Strategic maneuvering in the name of national or personal interest?

The outrage against India or the calculated cosying up to China and Pakistan are strategic and political in nature. A mere ploy to gain favour with the larger Pakistani-origin voter base for democrats. Despite this, Kamala Harris has not shied away from brandishing her Indian heritage as the Indian American community is one of the largest, wealthiest, and most politically driven groups in recent times.

In the larger scheme of things, Kamala Harris is still an American politician trying to woo Indian American voters, of which there are about 10 million people in the country, making that 5% of the overall voting population. Although Kamala Harris has raised no red flags about the Indian government yet, it might still be too early to decisively say whose interest she holds closer to heart.

https://www.republicworld.com/world...kashmir-and-5-things-to-know-about-biden.html

 

[rhony]

Don't think there will be much of a difference. People have been talking about Palestine for decades. Kashmir is in the same bucket now. They will say a few words during campaigning and then they will not say it later.

VP is a toothless position and I'm sure she will try to shore up some foreign policy credentials before her presidential campaign in 4 years. Biden already confirmed he will be a one time president. For that, she has to be tough on China and that's the popular mood in USA. For that, she has to be careful with India. Just politics

 

[ahmedzee]

Times have changed and if Biden looks to have an activist and aggressive Foreign policy, Trump will use one of his few achievements to make mince meat out of him.

Well that’s why Obama was, an activist face but aggressive foreign policy, more of a conquered style. I compare him to the so called legend known as John F Kennedy. Kennedy had a very activist type of personality, however he was involved in Cuban crisis and Vietnam war. He wanted Castro out just because they were pro Russia, and he wanted north Vietnam out because they wre communist. You can’t just invade and attack if you don’t agree with their governing style. That’s what US has been all about historically.

 

[Pakpak]

From 20th August 2020

As India and a significant population in the US continues to cheer for Kamala Harris' historic VP nomination, not all Indian policymakers seem to be entirely thrilled with the development. There are several reasons for that but the most obvious ones stem from their open pro-Pakistan backing on the Kashmir issue.

Joe Biden's running mate for the 2020 White Hosue presidential race Kamala Harris has been a vocal and sharp critic of India's Kashmir policy, especially after the revocation of Artice 370 and special status that was granted to the union territory.

Notably, last year, when Senator Harris was running her own campaign for the Democratic nomination, on two occasions she was asked about her stance on the Kashmir issue, and unsurprisingly she backed the demand for international intervention, specifically the US.

In one of her interviews, she stated 'We have to remind Kashmiris that they are not alone in the world. We are keeping track of the situation. There is a need to intervene if the situation demands.'

The Democrats have generally been less inclined towards India than Republican Presidents, for a variety of reasons generally related to America's geostrategic interests and Pakistan's proclivity towards fostering an economic and diplomatic model that is reliant on military and humanitarian aid, investments and hand-outs.

On the eve of India's Independence Day, when US President Donald Trump in his usual rant, launched an attack on democrats — but this time directed it at Kamala Harris, and was quoted as saying, 'I have more Indians than she has.'

This remark has less racial and ethnic prejudice than many would think considering the fact that for a significant section of Indian Americans and NRIs working in the US, Trump may be a better option, here's why:


1) Biden-Harris' support of pro-Pakistan lobbies in the US

President of Voice of America and Hindus for America, Ram Sastry, in a townhall organised in the US had unambiguously stated Biden was not a good choice for Indians owing to her 'anti-India' stance. He called her 'Hinduphobic' and 'pro-Pakistan'. The NGO's president minced no words in his interaction with the media when he called the presidential hopeful a 'flip-flop politician.'

The US, in the last few decades, has banked on Pakistan being a key hub for its strategic interests in the region, being given free reign to conduct numerous activities from and on Pak soil that few sovereign nations would allow. However, US has also suffered the consequences of putting its faith in Pakistan's paper civilian governments while its military-deep state has used US aid to proliferate non-state actors across the region - including rampant terrorism across all its borders.

2) Far-left politics with inclination to socialist policies

Several smaller groups and Hindu organisations in the US see Harris as a threat to India and America's growth. Another such group, Americans4Hindus, chaired by a senior cardiac surgeon in San Francisco Dr Romesh Jhapra, dismissed the senator's Indian lineage and supported his argument saying 'She (Harris) has moved too far to the left and supports ultra-socialist policies.' He further went on to extend the support of the group for President Trump and incumbent administration.


3) Opposing views on Kashmir Article 370 and CAA

Kamala Harris has been accused by Republican candidate Nisha Sharma, who she ran against in California as 'playing on people's emotions.' The Senator has repeatedly taken a strong stance against India's national interest in matters of CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and revocation of Article 370 which abolished the temporary special status granted to Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Nisha Sharma also attacked her national policies and said Harris' policies go 'against the fabric of US and against meritocracy'.

Pakistan's complicity with terror led to the neutralisation of Osama Bin Laden within a few thousand feet of a Pak military compound in Abottabad by US forces in 2011(check). US-Pakistan ties have soured greatly over the last few years as various US administrations' schemes have come undone even as a desperate Pak has tilted towards China; whereas India has emerged as the most significant counterbalance to China in the region. During the recent global animosity towards China, it was India that gave the PLA a bloody nose and banned Chinese apps, whereas Donald Trump and Pompeo have largely played to the galleries before the November elections.

4) Demystifying Indian identity

When India passed the CAA, five Indian American lawmakers, all of them Democrats, spoke out against the Bill and pushed a resolution in Congress urging that the bill be removed. Later when EAM S Jaishankar was in the US he refused to meet with one of the lawmakers on the reason that their understanding of the Kashmir situation is 'unfair and biased'.

Somanjana Chatterjee, a political strategist in the US made scathing remarks against Harris' relationship with the Indian-American community. She said, 'Living in California for more than 10 years, I have never heard of Kamala mentioning her Indic roots up until her campaign fundraisers for Senate race.' She further alleged that while serving as California's Attorney General, she was 'non-cooperative' when approached for intervention in the State's public schools and revision of depiction of Hinduism in textbooks.


5) Continued silence on Pak-sponsored terrorism & Chinese violations

While senator Kamala Harris and the Democratic party leave no stone unturned when it comes to attacking India, they remain mysteriously quiet on the subject of Chinese LAC violations and border incursions. They have maintained a resolute silence on Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attacks in the valley, or pass any resolutions on forced religious conversions in the region. Their apathy towards the mistreatment of minorities and various counts of human rights violations also seem alarming.

Strategic maneuvering in the name of national or personal interest?

The outrage against India or the calculated cosying up to China and Pakistan are strategic and political in nature. A mere ploy to gain favour with the larger Pakistani-origin voter base for democrats. Despite this, Kamala Harris has not shied away from brandishing her Indian heritage as the Indian American community is one of the largest, wealthiest, and most politically driven groups in recent times.

In the larger scheme of things, Kamala Harris is still an American politician trying to woo Indian American voters, of which there are about 10 million people in the country, making that 5% of the overall voting population. Although Kamala Harris has raised no red flags about the Indian government yet, it might still be too early to decisively say whose interest she holds closer to heart.

https://www.republicworld.com/world...kashmir-and-5-things-to-know-about-biden.html

'' US administrations' schemes have come undone even as a desperate Pak has tilted towards China''

Indians do live in a world of their own.

I have to say, Trump atleast unites RSS lovers and Far right Islamic conservatives on PP. Long may this love continue

 

[The Viper]

<a href="https://ibb.co/vXzHxzK"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/kmcxgcW/Em-S1-Ab-CXMAASCIu.jpg" alt="Em-S1-Ab-CXMAASCIu" border="0"></a>
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[Technics 1210]

Harris to visit India in 2021.

As President of USA.