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Don't see a shift in India policy with Kamala Harris as President: USISPF President Mukesh Aghi
The chemistry and camaraderie between Prime Minister Modi and Kamala Harris are strong," said Aghi
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US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) president Mukesh Aghi / Image- New India Abroad
US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) president Mukesh Aghi asserts that the existing course of U.S.-India relations will remain unaffected in the event of Kamala Harris assuming the presidency as her Indian ancestry will not have a substantial impact on the already firmly established relationship.
"I don’t see a shift in India policy with Kamala Harris as President," Aghi said in an interview with New India Abroad. "She will maintain a balanced approach in dealing with India. While she has an emotional attachment to India, she will ensure not to show extra attachment to avoid being judged from an African-American or American Indian perspective," he predicted.
Addressing speculation that the new administration under Harris would implement a dramatic policy shift in their relations with India, Aghi clarified, "It is not a political party initiative that drives India-U.S. relations but a geopolitical one. The rise of China and its aggressive posture pose a global threat, and India plays a pivotal role in balancing that.”
"As President Biden said, it's one of the most consequential relationships. We don't see a shift in policies. The chemistry and camaraderie between Prime Minister Modi and Kamala Harris are strong," Aghi said while emphasizing that Harris, regardless of any criticisms, is a highly intelligent and seasoned leader.
Momentum in Democratic party
Aghi commented on the aftermath of President Biden's withdrawal from the race, stating that it has invigorated the Democratic Party's core supporters and resulted in a substantial influx of financial contributions. "Big-time donors are now supporting the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris," he stated.
He emphasized that Harris's campaign is experiencing a surge in popularity and is appealing to a wide range of voters, including women, African-Americans, and independent white male voters. "There is accelerated momentum in favor of Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party," he observed.
"Well-defined" India budget
In response to a question regarding how American businesses feel about India's most recent budget, Aghi cited the plan's initiatives to boost employment, education, and FDI as reasons for optimism.
Describing it as a "well-defined" budget, he highlighted the importance of tax reliefs for international firms. "By lowering the taxes for foreign companies, the budget also attracts FDI into the country," Aghi added. He observed that the reduction of the fiscal deficit from 5.3 percent to 4.9 percent would increase the availability of capital for private companies.
He further elaborated on the strategic importance of India in the U.S.'s efforts to de-risk supply chains from China, particularly in critical minerals. "The budget and the U.S. relationship with India prioritize critical minerals. We see an accelerated partnership between India and the U.S. in critical mineral resourcing and processing," Aghi noted.
"This budget aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat. By focusing on infrastructure, Make in India, and leveraging the service sector for exports, the government is laying a strong foundation for future growth,” Aghi said, expressing optimism that the current economic momentum could help India reach a US$ 5 trillion economy by 2027. "The economy grew by 8.3 percent last quarter. If this momentum continues, reaching a US$ 5 trillion economy by 2027 is achievable."
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