Episode 55: US Presidential Elections - Role of South Asian Diaspora

The nomination of Kamala Harris as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party and her part-Indian identity has put the South Asian diaspora’s role and contributions in the forthcoming American elections under spotlight. The growing cultural ties between the United States and India became prominent after the bonhomie between PM Modi and President Trump reflected in the 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' events. So would this have an impact on voting, given the fact that Indians have traditional supported Democrats. We spoke to Dr Sangay Mishra to understand the role of the diaspora, polarisation within the South Asian community and concerns over H1B work visas among other larger issues. Dr Mishra is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Drew University. He is the author of Desis Divided: The Political Lives of South Asian Americans and comments frequently on South Asians in the US as well as South Asian politics and policy.