Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris became the first Black woman to be appointed as running mate by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the November presidential elections. The news has caused ripples around the world, with diplomatic circles in India being no exception to it.
The development has opened floodgates of reactions across the world. The news of Harris, born to a Chennai-origin mother, being vice presidential candidate in America has sparked delight in India.
However, MEA officials are watching and analysing the development in Indian perspective, delving into the past. The element of Kashmir is what is dominating the debate among the diplomats. Both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been quite vocal on Kashmir, obviously with the views that do not keep India in good humour.
Kamala being critical of S. Jaishankar, who is currently External Affairs Minister, at one point of time is fresh in the memory of diplomats in New Delhi. However, that Kamala Harris batted for strong ties between India and the US is an aspect to take solace in.
Though it is uncertain whether Biden and Harris win the race to White House or not, MEA officials are definitely forming their perspective on both the candidates. Harris was critical of the situation that emerged in Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 last year. Harris said in October 2019, “We have to remind the Kashmiris that they are not alone in the world. We are keeping a track on the situation. There is a need to intervene if the situation demands.” She had made these comments while reacting to a question about “human rights abuses” in Kashmir, and the restrictions imposed following revocation of Article 370.
This statement had angered the diplomatic lobby in the South Block then, albeit no official reaction expressing displeasure had been made that time. What is also recalled in the diplomatic circles here is that Harris had stood by her fellow Indian-origin Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal when EAM Jaishankar refused to attend a meeting in the US over her participation.
Earlier, Jayapal had moved a resolution on Kashmir issue in the House of Representatives. What causes concern in MEA is that Biden has also been critical of the Citizenship Amendment Act.
But Harris also sent out positive messages at one point of time when she described the India-US relationship as unbreakable. She had tweeted a welcome message for PM Narendra Modi when he visited the US in 2017.