In brief
Indian Americans express optimism about India's future but harbor worries regarding US-India relations under a potential second Trump administration, a survey by Carnegie and YouGov shows.
The 2024 Indian-American Survey, released by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and YouGov, has captured a snapshot of opinions within the Indian-American community as they look toward the future of US-India relations. Conducted in October, the survey highlights optimism about India's direction but raises red flags regarding ties with the US under a possible second Donald Trump term.With over five million Indian Americans residing in the US, the survey probed their political perspectives, including their opinions on former President Biden and views on Trump. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, recent tensions, including legal issues surrounding Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and allegations of a Delhi-backed assassination plot on US soil, have added complexity to the bilateral relationship.Key takeaways from the survey reveal that Indian Americans largely view the Biden administration’s handling of US-India relations favorably compared to Trump’s first term. Interestingly, a hypothetical Kamala Harris presidency was viewed even more favorably regarding bilateral ties, underscoring how partisan divides shape opinions. While 66% of Indian-American Republicans prefer Trump for better US-India relations, just 8% of Democrats share that view. The fallout from the alleged assassination plot against Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, which has made waves in US media, remains under the radar for many; only half of survey respondents were aware of it. Moreover, around 47% believed India is on the right path, a significance marked by a 10 percentage point rise since 2020.When it comes to perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the survey found deep divisions again along partisan lines, with Democrats leaning more empathetic towards Palestinians and Republicans showing stronger pro-Israel sentiments.Interestingly, despite recognizing concerns regarding Trump’s potential impact on US-India ties, many Indian Americans continue to express support for Prime Minister Modi's leadership and policies in India. This indicates a fascinating tension between their dual identities and political affiliations.Overall, the survey reveals a nuanced and evolving Indian-American identity, shaped by selective engagement with issues in both countries and ongoing shifts in political allegiances. As the series of elections approach, Indian Americans’ voices may play a crucial role in shaping future diplomacy between the US and India.
