Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s former ambassador to the United States and current BJP leader, expressed confidence in the robustness of US-India relations regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election.
Sandhu emphasized India’s experience in dealing with both Democratic and Republican administrations. “The good part is that we have dealt with both,” Sandhu said, adding that personal chemistry between leaders should not be a problem given the maturity of both democracies.
Sandhu highlighted the substantial improvement in bilateral ties over the past 15 years, citing the elevation of the relationship to a comprehensive global strategic partnership. He pointed to regular dialogue and visits between leaders as key factors in strengthening multifaceted ties.
Regarding the current US political landscape, Sandhu said that while the position currently seems to favor Republicans, US politics is complex, with six swing states potentially holding the key to the White House.
The former diplomat recalled President Trump’s successful visit to India in February 2020, as well as Prime Minister Modi’s positive interactions with Vice President Kamala Harris. He emphasized the continued investment of US companies in India as a sign of the relationship’s strength.
“While the election will be very robust, you will see the Indian-American part also playing up in both the parties. I think that’s the strength of Indian-Americans there and their bi-partisan approach on both the parties,” the former envoy went on to say.
On US Vice President Harris, and Biden endorsing her as the Presidential candidate, the former Ambassador of India to the US highlighted the three important aspects she has in her, which are very essential for any Democrat or within the Democratic Party.
He said, “Firstly, she is a sitting Vice President, so that gives her the first opportunity. Secondly, she is a woman. Thirdly, she is an African-American. Now, in the Democratic Party, being a woman and being an African-American are very important aspects. So, in my understanding, certainly, she will get the first shot. President Biden has also endorsed her. So, the process will play out.”
“At the moment, she is looking to be the leading contender. But as we are watching, the situation is developing…But if you are asking me at the moment, I think the advantage is with Vice President Harris and she is likely to be the candidate,” he added.
Sandhu also underscored the importance of Indian-Americans in the upcoming election, praising their bi-partisan approach and describing it as a strength of the community.
On Vice President Harris’s potential candidacy, Sandhu outlined three crucial factors in her favor within the Democratic Party: her position as sitting Vice President, her gender, and her African-American heritage. While acknowledging the developing situation, he suggested that Harris currently appears to be the leading contender for the Democratic nomination.
(Inputs from ANI)