The political landscape in the United States has been significantly altered by recent events, including a failed assassination attempt on former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election. Biden, citing the best interests of the Democratic Party, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s presidential nominee, further intensifying the political climate.
In this context, former Indian Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, stated that regardless of the political party in power, both Democrats and Republicans support strong relations with India. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Shringla discussed the implications of the presidential race on India-US relations, emphasizing that both major American parties have consistently backed the bilateral relationship. He expressed confidence that the ties between India and the US would remain robust, irrespective of whether the next president is Biden, Harris, or Trump.
Shringla noted that the upcoming US presidential election in November will likely see a contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. He highlighted that while Trump has been a long-standing candidate with certain advantages, Harris, endorsed recently by Biden, represents continuity and a shift in the political landscape.
Discussing Biden’s withdrawal from the race, Shringla suggested that concerns about Biden’s performance in recent debates and his ability to run another successful campaign contributed to his decision. Biden’s endorsement of Harris for the Democratic nomination adds momentum to her candidacy.
With the Democratic convention scheduled for August 19, where approximately 2,000 delegates will select the nominee, Shringla speculated that Harris is likely to become the Democratic candidate. Her established national presence and alignment with Biden’s policies are seen as advantages. In contrast, Trump’s resilience following the assassination attempt demonstrates his strong personality, while Biden’s age and perceived decline may influence the dynamics of the race.
Shringla concluded that the competition will likely center on Trump and Harris, with Harris’s candidacy representing a shift towards a younger leadership dynamic and continuity in Democratic policies.