Diaspora Talk: What Do Indians And Jews In The US Think Of Trump 2.0?

What do two of the most influential diaspora in the US think of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House?

In this interview, Khanderao Kand, President of the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), and Nissim Reuben, Asst Director, Asia, American Jewish Committee (AJC), explain what they expect from the controversial president, discuss their hopes and concerns, and also elaborate on the incredible synergy between the two groups over various issues.

Here’s some key takeaways from the discussion.

The Indian Diaspora’s Perspective

Shift in Political Alignments

• Traditionally leaning Democratic, many Indian Americans have shifted towards Republicans due to perceived bias against Indian issues within segments of the Democratic Party.
• Alleged misinformation campaigns, such as claims of genocide in India and attacks on Hindu religious sites, contributed to this shift.

US-India Relations

• Trump’s direct engagement with India, including efforts to counter China’s influence and promote defense and trade partnerships, aligns with the diaspora’s priorities.
• Continuation of initiatives like the Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is seen as critical for maintaining strong bilateral ties.

Concerns

• The diaspora is wary of immigration policies, particularly those affecting H1-B visas and legal immigration.
• Trade frictions and unaddressed issues related to South Asia are areas needing attention.

Jewish Diaspora’s Perspective

Support for Israel

• The community values Trump’s strong support for Israel, including the Abraham Accords and efforts to integrate Israel into the Middle East.
• Post-Hamas attacks, the Indian diaspora’s vocal support for Israel strengthened bonds between the two communities.

Political Alignment and Voting Trends

• While the Jewish diaspora traditionally votes Democratic (80%), the Hamas attacks have slightly shifted sentiment, with increased Republican support.
• The diaspora prioritises bipartisan support for US-Israel relation

Strategic Goals

• Expansion of the Abraham Accords to include countries like Indonesia and boosting US-India-Israel partnerships.
• Advocacy for projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor to enhance global trade and counter China’s dominance.

Synergy Between Indian & Jewish Diaspora

Shared Values

• Both communities emphasise education, family values, and economic integration in the US

Collaborative Initiatives

• Long-standing partnerships include joint advocacy efforts and events on Capitol Hill.
• Indian and Jewish professionals collaborate extensively in technology, medicine, and academia.

Expectations from Trump’s Second Term

Policy Continuity

• Both diaspora hope for continued focus on US-India and US-Israel strategic partnerships.

Enhanced Trade and Security

• Expectations include bolstering defence ties, advancing trade initiatives, and addressing geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Middle-East.

Concerns Over Democratic Leadership

Both groups expressed frustration with certain Democratic Party segments perceived as overly influenced by far-left agendas and anti-Israel or anti-India rhetoric.