New Delhi: Days ahead of the United States presidential polls next Tuesday, former US president and Republican contender Donald Trump on Friday (IST) promised to strengthen the “great partnership” with India and “good friend” Prime Minister Narendra Modi if elected to power.
Eyeing the Indian-AmerTrump vows to boost ties with India if re-electedican vote, he also condemned atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and vowed to "protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical Left".
Wishing the community on the occasion of Diwali on X, Trump said, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos. It would have never happened on my watch.”
“Kamala (Harris) and (US President) Joe (Biden) have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own southern border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength! We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom.”
Trump added: “Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi. Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes. By contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before -- and we will Make America Great Again. Also, Happy Diwali to All. I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the Victory of Good over Evil.”
The Indian-American community in the United States is at least four million-strong and is considered one of the most prosperous immigrant communities. It has traditionally voted for the Democrats, but Trump, like his successful campaign in 2016, has made concerted attempts to woo the community with some success.
The partial Indian origins of Harris could tip the scales in her favour within the community. Nevertheless, the pitch of Trump for great ties with India and his known camaraderie with Modi could strike a chord at least within sections of the community.
Trump's bid to woo the Indian-origin voters comes at a time when relations between the Biden administration and the Modi government have seen tensions, particularly due to India’s continued friendship with Russia and also in the wake of American allegations of involvement of a (now former) Indian intelligence officer in a foiled plot to kill US citizen and pro-Khalistan extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York last year.
Also, the interim government in Bangladesh led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus — which is widely perceived to be pro-America -- has been ineffective in preventing attacks on Hindus, which has angered India. Mr Trump is playing on this sentiment to win the support of American Hindus.
