The 2024 US Presidential election is poised to be a nail-biter, with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, facing off against former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate. The outcome of this election, which will determine the 47th President of the United States – the world’s largest economy – has the potential to significantly impact global markets and economies. Adding to the historical significance of this election is Kamala Harris’ candidacy. She is the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to run for the US Presidency. Her Indian heritage, tracing back to her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, has fueled speculation about the implications of a potential Harris administration for India.
What a Kamala Harris Presidency Could Mean for India
Experts believe that a Kamala Harris administration could strengthen the already existing bilateral relationship between India and the United States. Her Indian background, coupled with her likely foreign policy priorities, could foster deeper cooperation between the two nations. While it’s unclear how Kamala Harris would address trade tariffs, her campaign agenda has emphasized taxing the wealthy and providing tax relief to the middle class.
According to analysts, a Kamala Harris presidency would likely see the continuation of most trade policies established under the Biden administration, with a focus on bolstering diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. Cooperation in strategic areas like defense, trade, health, and climate change, which were hallmarks of the Biden administration, are expected to persist. These policies aim to enhance economic resilience, promote domestic manufacturing, and reduce reliance on global supply chains.
Furthermore, Kamala Harris is anticipated to align with India’s strategic interests, maintaining a strong stance against Russia’s war in Ukraine. The former prosecutor and US Senator may also play a pivotal role in countering Chinese influence in Asia. However, a potential point of divergence from President Biden’s approach could arise with regard to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, considering Kamala Harris’ past reservations as a Senator about the revocation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status in August 2019.
When to Expect Election Results
Typically, US news outlets begin projecting results shortly after polls close on Election night – November 5 evening in the US and November 6 morning in India. To secure the Presidency, a candidate needs to win at least 270 out of 538 Electoral College votes. However, the contest could remain close in swing states, and the large number of postal ballots might delay the announcement of the overall winner for hours or even days after Election night.
Many pollsters predict a tight race, with the outcome effectively tied. The 47th US President will be inaugurated on January 6 of next year. The world eagerly awaits the answer to this crucial question on November 5 (evening).
The Crucial Swing States
Seven key swing states are likely to play a decisive role in determining the election outcome: Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona, and Georgia. These states have historically shifted between Democratic and Republican candidates, making them crucial battlegrounds in the race for the presidency.
Expert Perspectives on a Potential Kamala Harris Administration
Dr. Chietigj Bajpaee, a political analyst at Chatham House, a British think tank based in London, has noted that questions surrounding a potential Kamala Harris administration will center around the extent of continuity or change from the Biden administration in terms of policy and personnel.
