Why Are Some Indians Celebrating Trump Victory While Rejecting Kamala Harris?
Trump Victory While Rejecting Kamala Harris: Donald Trump’s victory in the United States has left many political analysts in shock, with some describing it as “magic realism.” In America, intellectuals are struggling to understand why Trump was able to secure such a significant win. Some believe it represents the defeat of elite politics, while others see it as a rejection of democracy. However, what is even more surprising is the reaction in India. Instead of mourning the loss of an Indian-origin candidate like Kamala Harris, certain sections of the Indian community are celebrating Trump’s victory.
Kamala Harris, the daughter of a Hindu mother, has made history as the first woman and person of South Asian descent to become Vice President of the United States. Her rise from a humble background to the second-highest office in the nation is a remarkable story of grit, talent, and hard work, especially considering she is not a product of the political elite. However, there seems to be a strange disconnect among some Indians who are celebrating Trump’s win over Harris, despite her significant achievements.
Why are some Indians so happy about Kamala Harris’s defeat? Is it because of her politics of inclusion, democracy, and constitutionalism? Does her refusal to cater to majoritarian politics make her uncomfortable for some? Or is it simply her commitment to equality that bothers those who prefer a more divisive approach to politics?
There are those who believe that Trump will be a “friend” of India, assuming his presidency will benefit the country. This assumption, however, is based on a false narrative. Trump’s political agenda, as seen in his first term, was transactional, and his priority is to make America great again—not to secure India’s interests. Any policies that benefit America’s interests could come at the expense of India. The H1B visa program, for instance, could be at risk under Trump’s administration, as he has previously criticized India for its tariff policies. He has also expressed intentions to limit immigration, which could negatively impact Indian nationals seeking opportunities in the U.S.
Similarly, even if Kamala Harris had won, she would have prioritized America’s interests above India’s. Therefore, neither candidate represents a particular boon for India. What matters more is a stable and predictable leadership, which Trump, with his volatile approach to governance, lacks.
Trump’s strongest support has always come from conservative Christians in Middle America, and he has made his stance on religious values clear. His alignment with Christian nationalism, a movement that has gained considerable traction under his leadership, raises an important question for supporters of Hindutva in India. Many who champion Hindu nationalism also criticize Christianity and Islam as threats to India’s unity. Yet, by supporting Trump, are they inadvertently endorsing Christian nationalism, which many view as an opposing force to the values of Hindutva?
This contradiction was famously pointed out by Golwalkar, a prominent figure in the Hindutva movement, who accused Christian missionaries of undermining India’s religious and social fabric. It remains to be seen whether the RSS has changed its stance on Christian nationalism or if there is some unspoken alignment between the two. But one thing is clear: Trump’s America champions Christian causes, and his victory raises serious questions about the ideological consistency of those in India who support both Hindu nationalism and Trump’s politics.
The contrast between the rejection of Kamala Harris, a successful woman of Hindu origin, and the celebration of Trump’s victory reveals a deeper ideological conflict. This paradox, where Indian supporters of Hindutva are unwilling to embrace a person who shares their religious roots while cheering for a leader who supports Christian nationalism, requires careful thought and consideration.
