Dr. Sampat Shivangi, an Indian American physician and community leader, attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July as an elected delegate, where former President Donald Trump was nominated as the Republican candidate for president. He believes that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, despite her Indian heritage, does not connect with Indian Americans as a viable presidential candidate. This perception stems from a belief that she is not particularly friendly towards the community.
Shivangi noted that many in the Indian American community, including professionals and small business owners, find it challenging to embrace Harris due to her perceived weak identification with her Indian roots. He pointed out that, although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm invitation to Harris during their first formal meeting at the White House three years ago, she has not included India in her travel plans as Vice President. While she has visited numerous countries, her lack of interest in India contrasts sharply with Trump, who enjoys a strong relationship with Modi, evident during his 2020 visit to India. Shivangi mentioned that Trump’s desire to meet Modi again during the latter’s recent visit to the U.S. resonates positively with Indian American voters, even if the meeting did not occur.
According to Shivangi, it will be challenging for Harris to win the support of Indian American voters, particularly Republicans, based solely on her South Indian background. However, he acknowledged that some Indian Americans, especially those in traditionally Democratic states, may still support her due to her Indian ancestry. He emphasized that Harris tends to identify more with her African American heritage while seeking to benefit from her Indian American roots.
Dr. Shivangi is a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award from the Indian government and has served on Mississippi’s Department of Mental Health board. He was also part of the national advisory council for mental health services during Trump’s administration. As a founding member of both the Indian American Republican Council and the Republican Indian National Council, he aims to educate and promote awareness about Indian Americans’ involvement in government and public life, aligning with Republican values.
