Why Do Some Indian Americans Support Trump?

By: Kirti Moteka

Some Indian Americans, who historically tend to vote Democratic, are slowly shifting to become Trump supporters. Especially the older generation, the Indian Americans who migrated to the US in search for jobs or higher education, or those who are still involved in Indian politics. 

Indian Americans are a minority, but their population is growing rapidly in many parts of the United States. After Latinos, Indian Americnas are the second largest group to gain American citizenship. Indian American votes are growing in numbers - which means that they carry a significant power to turn the tide. While many of the younger generations of Indian Americans stay loyal to the Democratic party, it seems that many of the older Indian Americans are not. According to The Print, 77% percent of Indian American voters in 2016 voted for Hillary Clinton. But many changes over the past three years have changed the mindset of Indian Americans. 

The most important reason that Indian Americans are voting Republican is because of India itself. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi’s friendship is one that many Indian Americans find pleasing. Furthermore, Trump did many other things that satisfied Indian Americans - cut off aid to Pakistan (India’s most popular enemy), offered to give weapons to India, supported Modi’s events in the United States, helped release an Indian pilot from Pakistan, and strengthened India in its current border conflict with China. 

During his campaign, Trump worked towards increasing his Indian American voter population by visiting Indian grocery stores and hosting events in multiple Indian languages, as well as celebrating Diwali (India’s largest holiday) and hiring Indian Americans for some high level positions. In fact, there is also a new political group, called “Hindus Trump,” which seeks to raise votes for President Trump. Biden does not present as strong of an agenda for Indian Americans, and his support for Muslims is angering many Hindu Americans. 

Democrats have historically criticized India, especially Modi’s management of the Kashmir conflict. However, Biden’s Vice Presidential nominee - Kamala Harris - might change some votes. Harris is from Indian-Jamaican descent, and is working hard to recruit Indian voters throughout the campaign. Yet according to Politico, 28% of Indian American voters are still supporting Trump (as of September 2020). 

Sources: https://theprint.in/opinion/democrats-have-a-loyal-base-in-indian-americans-but-tru mp-is-fast-pulling-them-to-his-side/480219/ https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/16/trump-indian-americans-biden-kamala-h arris-414504

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