When Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president in the U.S., her maternal family’s ancestral village in southern India celebrated with fireworks, portraits, and well-wishes. However, as she now seeks the Democratic presidential nomination following President Joe Biden’s campaign withdrawal, reactions in India are more subdued.
While some in New Delhi expressed pride, others were unaware of her. This could be partly because Harris, who is also Black with a Jamaican-born father, has not heavily emphasized her Indian heritage in her political role.
As vice president, Harris has occasionally referenced her Indian roots, such as during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington. She spoke about her late mother Shyamala Gopalan and her grandfather P.V. Gopalan, a civil servant in Tamil Nadu, who inspired her public service interest. Despite these mentions, her focus has been more on domestic policy.
Harris’s limited visits to India, particularly since becoming vice president, contribute to the muted response to her candidacy there. Nonetheless, if she secures the Democratic nomination, it would be a historic milestone for South Asian Americans, reflecting the diaspora’s progress in the U.S.
Political analysts suggest Harris’s presidency would have a greater impact on American politics and the Indian American community than on India-U.S. relations, which are expected to strengthen over shared concerns about China regardless of the election outcome. Modi’s strong ties with both Biden and former President Donald Trump highlight India’s strategic interests over individual U.S. leaders.
Even without significant geopolitical shifts, a Harris presidency would be a proud and historic moment for India, showcasing the achievements of an Indian-origin individual on the global stage.