As the 2024 US Presidential Election approaches, the whole world, including India, is keeping a close eye on it, given the important geopolitical and economic ties between the two countries. Here is a description of the key aspects:
Total Seats in US Presidential Election
The US presidential election does not involve seats like the parliamentary system; instead, it revolves around the Electoral College. There are a total of 538 electors, and a candidate needs a majority of 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. These votes are distributed based on the population of each state, with larger states like California and Texas holding more influence.
Key Candidates: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris
Donald Trump: Former president and a prominent figure in the Republican Party, Trump seeks a return to the White House. His policies during his previous term focused on “America First”, emphasizing economic protectionism, immigration controls, and a more isolationist foreign policy stance. His approach had a mixed impact on India, including significant trade tensions but also deepening defense ties.
Kamala Harris: As Vice President under the Biden administration, Kamala Harris is a prominent Democrat and the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President. Her Indian heritage, combined with her political stance on human rights and climate change make her an interesting person for India. Harris has consistently advocated for stronger US-India relations and a more inclusive foreign policy.
Who is best for India?
The best candidate for India depends on a number of factors, including trade policies, immigration laws, and geopolitical strategies:
Donald Trump may appeal to those who support strong defense ties and a tough stance against China, which is in line with India’s strategic interests. However, his trade policies could be challenging for India’s economy.
Kamala Harris could offer a more coherent diplomatic relationship, emphasizing climate change cooperation and support for India’s democratic values. Her inclusive policies on immigration could benefit Indian immigrants in the US.
As the elections draw closer, India’s leadership and policymakers will be closely monitoring the evolving dynamics to align their strategic interests with the next US administration.