Jaishankar Offers Perspective On US Elections 2024

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently on a visit to Australia, addressed the ongoing US presidential race and the potential contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Speaking at a joint press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Jaishankar expressed confidence that India’s relationship with the United States would continue to grow, no matter who emerges victorious in the election.

“We have seen steady progress in our relationship with the US over the last five presidencies, including an earlier Trump presidency. So, when we look at the American election, we are very confident that whatever the verdict, our relationship with the US will only grow,” Jaishankar said.

Progress of QUAD Under Both US Presidencies

Jaishankar also commented on the progress of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), highlighting that the group’s revival and elevation to a ministerial level took place under the Trump administration in 2017. He pointed to significant milestones, including the rare in-person QUAD foreign ministers’ meeting in Tokyo in 2020, which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when most physical meetings had been suspended.

“In terms of QUAD, it was revived under the Trump presidency in 2017. It was then moved from the level of a permanent secretary to a minister, also during the Trump presidency. It’s interesting, amid COVID when physical meetings had stopped, one of the rare physical meetings of Foreign Ministers was actually of the QUAD in Tokyo in 2020. So I think that should tell us something,” he said.

Trump vs Harris: India’s Perspective on the US Election

Jaishankar also weighed in on the potential candidates for the US presidency, particularly focusing on Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Harris, the Indian-origin Democratic candidate, is set to face off against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. If elected, Harris would make history as the first woman to hold the US presidency.

Meanwhile, Trump is seeking a second term, having already served as president from 2016 to 2020. Throughout his campaign, Trump has emphasized his strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his admiration for India, calling it “a very big charger” when it comes to tariffs. Trump has also been vocal about his positive relationship with Modi, praising his leadership.

“India is a very big charger. We have a great relationship with India. I did. And especially the leader, Modi. He’s a great leader. Great man. Is a great man. He’s brought it together. He’s done a great job,” Trump said in October.

Kamala Harris and Her India Connection

While Kamala Harris has not focused extensively on India during her presidential campaign, her Indian roots are closely followed by many in New Delhi. Harris’ election as president would likely bring renewed attention to the US-India relationship, particularly as she continues to emphasize her multicultural background and ties to both India and the United States.

As the race progresses, Indian officials are keeping a close eye on the candidates’ platforms, particularly their foreign policy positions regarding India. Despite the differences in their approaches, both Trump and Harris have shown a commitment to strengthening US-India ties, ensuring that whichever candidate wins, the relationship between the two nations is expected to deepen further.

In conclusion, Jaishankar’s remarks reflect India’s optimism about its long-term relationship with the United States, irrespective of the outcome of the presidential race. Both leaders—whether Trump or Harris—are seen as key figures in shaping the future of US-India relations, with the ongoing partnership expected to continue flourishing over time.

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