NEW DELHI — When Sen. Kamala D. Harris joined the 2020 Democratic presidential ticket, Indian media were excited to detail her Indian ancestry. They traveled to her grandfather’s village and expounded upon her love for foods like idli, a savory rice cake.
Harris leaned into her identity. She made a masala dosa with actress and screenwriter Mindy Kaling in a viral 2019 video. A memoir published that year detailed her South Asian roots and upbringing. Television chef Padma Lakshmi cooked tamarind rice to celebrate her and the 2020 Democratic win.
But now, as Harris nears a presidential nomination, India seems to view her differently. While her identity may continue to excite the Indian diaspora in the United States, in the homeland, observers are not only more muted on her connections but also uncertain about her strategic stance toward the subcontinent.
The initial “silly and irrational exuberance” has given way to a “dose of reality,” as noted by strategic experts. The sentiment has shifted, and “it’s fair to say that there is no real warmth for her in India,” a sentiment echoed by many.
Indians are also now familiar with members of the diaspora in high offices abroad. Countries like Britain, Ireland, and Portugal have recently had prime ministers with Indian lineage. In the United States, there were two candidates from the diaspora — Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy — in the Republican presidential primaries this year.
As the novelty of Harris’s Indian roots wears off, experts suggest that there is a declining curiosity about her identity in the media and society. While Harris has a rich cultural background, her upbringing has also been shaped significantly by her experiences as a Black woman in America.
Idli Politics
Harris was raised by her Chennai-born mother after her mother and her Jamaican-born father divorced when she was seven. Her maternal grandfather was a government civil servant and a freedom fighter in India. Harris’s multiracial upbringing involved “a strong awareness of and appreciation for Indian culture,” as she noted in her memoir. However, her early politicization was more about her Black identity, shaped by her experiences in Oakland during the Black Power movement and her education at Howard University.
Harris has made several nods to her Indian roots as Vice President, including hosting the White House’s largest-ever annual Diwali celebration in 2022. However, for some in India, these gestures have not been enough. Critics argue that Harris has “deliberately downplayed” her Indian roots, as some have noted that during her tenure, she spent a week in Ghana but did not visit India at all.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the strategic importance of Harris’s identity may shift. Given the states she needs to win and the number of Indian voters, some experts suggest that she may not emphasize her Indian identity in her campaign.
Indian government officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have noted that the rise of politicians of Indian origin has garnered attention in India, but this has not translated into any special favorability toward the country. The sentiment is that while Harris’s love for idlis may be noteworthy, it has little consequence in explaining her political trajectory.
Little Role in U.S.-India Relationship, So Far
Indian officials and strategic experts have observed that Harris has played a minimal role in the growing geopolitical relationship between India and the United States, leaving it to President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
Harris’s comments on India have often been seen as lacking warmth and not fully accounting for India’s stance on various issues. The geopolitical landscape is complex, with India navigating its relationship with the U.S. while also dealing with its own internal and external challenges.
As the U.S.-India relationship evolves, the implications of Harris’s identity and her political stance may continue to be a topic of discussion. The geopolitical sweet spot India finds itself in, with the U.S. looking for allies in Asia amid rising tensions with China, may also shape the dynamics of Harris’s political identity and her role in the U.S.-India relationship.
As the election approaches, the relationship between identity and political strategy will be crucial. The way Harris navigates her Indian roots while addressing the needs of her constituents will be a significant factor in her campaign and the broader implications for U.S.-India relations.
As the political landscape shifts, the importance of cultural identity in political strategy will continue to be a relevant topic, with the potential for Harris to redefine her relationship with her Indian roots and the implications this may have for her political future.
