New Delhi, India — External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, currently on an official visit to Australia, shared his perspective on the ongoing U.S. presidential election between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump.
At a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, Jaishankar highlighted India’s evolving partnership with the United States, expressing confidence that the India-U.S. relationship will continue to strengthen, regardless of the election’s outcome.
India-U.S. Relations to Grow No Matter the Winner
Reflecting on the India-U.S. relationship, Jaishankar emphasized that ties between the two nations have steadily advanced through the last five presidencies, including Trump’s previous term.
He reassured that the progress in bilateral relations has laid a solid foundation that would endure, irrespective of which candidate wins the U.S. presidency.
“We have witnessed consistent progress in our relationship with the U.S. over the past five presidencies, including an earlier Trump administration.
So, as we look at the American election, we remain confident that regardless of the verdict, our relationship with the U.S. will only grow stronger,” Jaishankar stated.
Role of QUAD in Strengthening Indo-Pacific Relations
During the press conference, Jaishankar also discussed the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or QUAD, which includes the U.S., India, Australia, and Japan.
He noted that QUAD was revived under Trump’s leadership in 2017, with interactions upgraded to ministerial-level dialogues, marking a significant step in Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Even during the pandemic, when in-person meetings were rare, QUAD foreign ministers managed to meet in Tokyo in 2020, illustrating the commitment of these nations to enhance security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The fact that QUAD meetings continued even amid COVID restrictions—especially in Tokyo in 2020—highlights its importance,” Jaishankar remarked, underscoring the alliance’s role in ensuring stability and mutual cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s India Connections
As a key figure in the Democratic Party, Kamala Harris, of Indian origin, is running against Trump, aiming to become the first female president in U.S. history.
She stepped into the presidential race after President Joe Biden decided not to run for re-election.
If Harris wins, her victory would be historic, making her the first woman and person of South Asian descent to hold the U.S. presidency.
Donald Trump, seeking a second term, has already twice represented the Republican Party as their presidential candidate.
Over the years, Trump has cultivated a rapport with India, often speaking highly of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasizing strong U.S.-India relations.
He has publicly condemned attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and praised Modi’s leadership, describing him as a “great leader.”
Trump’s Economic Standpoint on U.S.-India Relations
Throughout his campaign, Trump has focused on balancing trade with India, calling for mutual tariffs.
During a recent rally, Trump expressed that while India is known for imposing high tariffs on imported goods, he believes in maintaining a “great relationship” with the country.
Despite his trade concerns, Trump has repeatedly praised India’s leadership and expressed respect for Modi’s efforts in uniting the country.
“India is a significant country with high tariffs, but we have a great relationship,” Trump said. “Prime Minister Modi is a remarkable leader who has done an incredible job in uniting the country.”
Jaishankar’s Neutral Position on U.S. Election Outcome
Jaishankar refrained from explicitly favoring either candidate, instead emphasizing that India’s diplomatic and strategic goals with the U.S. are likely to persist under either administration.
The minister’s statements reflect India’s balanced approach, valuing strong ties with the U.S. regardless of political shifts.
His remarks conveyed that India’s foreign policy framework with Washington has achieved a level of stability that transcends individual leadership changes in the U.S.
Conclusion
With the U.S. election around the corner, the contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has captured global attention, including in India, where U.S. foreign policy decisions resonate strongly.
As Jaishankar affirmed, India’s ties with the U.S. are expected to remain robust and continue evolving no matter the election results.
Both Harris and Trump have underscored the importance of maintaining and strengthening relations with India, highlighting that the Indo-U.S. partnership is set to flourish regardless of who leads the White House.
