After US President Joe Biden announced his decision to step away from the 2024 presidential race, US elections have increasingly seen a rise in hostility and bitterness, signaling a notable change in political campaign dynamics.
This U.S. election has been remarkably eventful, marked by unprecedented twists and turns, Dr Suvrokamal Dutta, International Conservative Political Economic and Foreign Policy Expert told Sputnik India.
Dutta emphasized that from the near-fatal shooting attempt on former President Trump to President Biden's health issues, the televised national debate witnessed significant hiccups and notable shifts in candidates' positions
Biden's subsequent withdrawal, citing age and health concerns, further added to the unpredictable nature of this election cycle, he added.
The analyst mentioned that Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, and the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, “adds to the complexity of this election cycle, which is tangled with various permutations and regional differences, making it highly unpredictable to determine the eventual winner.”
During Donald Trump's campaign, he adopted the slogan "Ab ki baar Trump Sarkar," mirroring "Ab ki baar Modi Sarkar," which “resonated with the Indian community and diaspora and boosted support for Trump,” Dutta argued.
However, the pundit pointed out that Joe Biden later became president after Trump's defeat, which sparked chaos at Capitol Hill.
The commentator highlighted that after Trump's defeat, Joe Biden's presidency led to unprecedented chaos at Capitol Hill, marked by violence and turmoil.
Kamala Harris, with Indian heritage from her mother's side, initially connected well with the Indian diaspora and voters, but her tenure as Vice President of the United States did not meet the high expectations of India and Indians, leading to disappointment among the community, Dutta asserted.
The pundit raised the question of whether this sentiment would influence voting patterns this time, suggesting that Indian voters in the United States could be divided.
Nonetheless, regardless of who wins the election, during Trump's last term, the relationship between India and the United States was viewed as positive, largely due to Trump's strong stance against terrorism, he mentioned.
Dutta underscored that Trump's presidency was advantageous for India due to his strong stance against Pakistan and China.
However, under Joe Biden's administration, the relationship with these countries has largely maintained a status quo, with occasional financial aid to Pakistan causing concern in India, he added.
Meanwhile, the expert believes that Trump's potential return could lead to a resolution of the Ukraine conflict and possibly involve India in peacemaking efforts, thereby benefiting India in global geopolitics.
Dutta contended that If Kamala Harris becomes the new President of the United States, potentially the first woman president and of Indian origin, uncertainties persist over whether she would uphold current policies or pursue changes in Indo-Pacific strategies, China and Pakistan.
Looking ahead, the pundit stated that if Kamala Harris were to win and continue similar policies as Biden Administration, it “could potentially pose a disadvantage for India.”
On the other hand, Dutta believes that if the previous U.S. president, who was notably supportive of India during Trump's tenure, returns to office, the potential advantages and gains for India are likely, but they require careful observation as we await the election outcome.