'Desi tadka' in politics worldwide

Despite their success, Indian-origin politicians often face challenges in integrating broader political agendas with their community's interests.

- SHREYA UPADHYAY

As Kamala Harris advances towards securing the Democratic nomination and J.D. Vance becomes Trump’s running mate, one thing is clear— regardless of who wins, the US administration will have a distinct Indian influence.

Harris, potentially the first woman, Black, and South Asian President of the United States, has ancestral roots in Thulasendrapuram, a village nestled amid paddy fields in Tamil Nadu, India. Vance’s wife, Usha, also traces her ancestry to Vadluru, a serene village nestled by a canal in Andhra Pradesh. Along with them Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, both with Indian ancestry have launched their bid for the White House in 2024. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera and Shri Thanedar, Harmeet Dhillon are all popular Indian-American names in the US politics.

Indian-Americans, constituting about 1% of the US population, now represent a similar proportion in the US Congress, a significant rise over the past decade. This mirrors a global trend where leaders of Indian descent have ascended to prominent positions in various countries’ governments. Interestingly, this change has been brought about in a decade. In 2013, Ami Bera was a solitary member representing Desis in the US House of Representatives. This development is being seen in light of several leaders of Indian heritage who have ascended to the highest echelon of public service globally.

In 2022, Rishi Sunak became Britain’s first Indianorigin Hindu Prime Minister, graciously conceding in 2024 to Sir Keir Starmer. The UK Parliament also saw a record 26 Indian-origin members elected. Meanwhile, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, of Tamil ancestry, became Singapore’s President in 2023, and Pritam Singh serves as Leader of the Opposition in Singapore. In Ireland, Leo Varadkar, and in Portugal, Antonia Costa, both of Indian origin, have served as Prime Ministers.