Influence of Indian diaspora in US Elections

Did you know?  According to some reports, when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, he found three Indians operating a food stall there!  The problem was that there was no food since one of them was from the South, one from Bengal and one from Punjab and they spent more time squabbling about the food to serve than doing any real work. 

Jokes apart, Indians have been in North America and the world for centuries--albeit in sparse numbers.  There are some reports about some individuals, from as early as 1620 (apparently an escaped slave) to 1790 (known as “Madras Man”) and later, when the wave of immigration from Punjab began in the early 19^th century.    In fact, in the current political landscapes of the United States and Canada, a new phenomenon has been turning heads: the rise of Indian-origin politicians to positions of significant power and influence. From the halls of the White House to the chambers of Canadian Parliament, names like Kamala Harris, Nikki Haley, and Jagmeet Singh have become well known. However, as these figures ascend the political ladder, they still seem to be squabbling over the menu.  They are navigating a complex web of identity, responsibility, and international relations that defies simple categorization.  For the government of India, the question is simple:  how can we manage our own governance, so leaders of Indian origin have policy reasons to support India?

The Diaspora's Growing Clout

The impact of the Indian diaspora on North American politics is high. With over 32 million people of Indian descent scattered across the globe, this community has become a force to be reckoned with. From the tech hubs of Silicon Valley, to the boardrooms of Wall Street, and now the corridors of power in Washington D.C. and Ottawa, Indian-Americans and Indo-Canadians are making their mark.

Take Kamala Harris, for instance. Her election as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States wasn't just a personal triumph – it was a watershed moment for the Indian-American community. Similarly, Nikki Haley's journey from governor of South Carolina to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations broke new ground for Indian-Americans in Republican politics.

North of the border, Jagmeet Singh's leadership of Canada's New Democratic Party has brought a fresh perspective to Canadian politics, even as it has stirred up controversy within the Indian diaspora.

When Heritage and Politics Collide

But here's where things get interesting – and complicated. Despite their Indian roots, these politicians aren't always marching to one drumbeat. In fact, their positions often diverge sharply from what one might expect of leaders with Indian heritage.

Consider Kamala Harris. Despite her mother's Indian origins, she never set foot in India during her time as Vice-President. Her political priorities are shaped more by the diverse needs of her American constituents than by any sense of obligation to her ancestral homeland.

Nikki Haley, too, has charted her own course. Born to Indian immigrant parents, she has focused squarely on her role within the U.S. government and on international platforms, sometimes taking stances that put her at odds with the Indian government.

But perhaps the most striking example is Jagmeet Singh. Once seen as a rising star among Indo-Canadian politicians, Singh's relationship with India took a dramatic turn following the passage of controversial farm laws in India. In the wake of widespread protests and farmers' agitation, Singh threw his support behind the Khalistan movement--a stance that's put him on a collision course with both the Indian government and many within the Indian diaspora who vehemently oppose the idea of a separate Sikh state.

The Tightrope Walk of Identity Politics

These divergent paths highlight the tightrope walk of identity politics that Indian-origin leaders must navigate. As T.P. Sreenivasan, former Permanent Representative of India to the UN, bluntly put it, "You cannot take the Indian diaspora for granted in other countries." It's a stark reminder that the political engagement of the diaspora is influenced by a complex interplay of local issues, personal convictions, and the responsibilities that come with elected office.

Dr. Manu Bhagavan, a professor at the City University of New York, offers another perspective: "If the government of India discriminates against ethnic groups in India, then representative leaders abroad, including in the US or Canada, may reflect some animus."

This is a sobering thought.

The domestic policies of India can reverberate across oceans, shaping the attitudes and actions of Indian-origin leaders abroad.

Answering to the Voters

At the end of the day, however, these political leaders answer to their constituents, not to New Delhi. Their decisions and stances are shaped by the needs and demands of the people they represent–be it in California, South Carolina, British Columbia or any other place. This accountability can lead to positions that may surprise or even disappoint those expecting a uniformly pro-India stance.

The Road Ahead

As the Indian diaspora continues to flex its political muscle in North America, we are likely to see more Indian-origin leaders rise to prominence. But if the experiences of Harris, Haley, and Singh are any indication, we shouldn't expect these leaders to speak with one voice or to always align with India's interests.

Instead, we're witnessing the emergence of a new breed of politician – one that embodies the complexities of the immigrant experience, navigates the nuances of multiple cultural identities, and grapples with the oft-conflicting demands of heritage and civic duty.

In this evolving landscape, the relationship between India and its diaspora is being redefined. It is a relationship that's rich in potential, fraught with challenges, and endlessly fascinating to observe. As these leaders continue to shape the political discourse in North America, they are not just making history – they're rewriting the rules of diaspora—and Indian--politics for generations to come.