Delhi officials express cautious optimism after Democrats win US midterm elections
South Block officials believe Democratic control of the Senate and House will provide checks on President Donald Trump's powers.
Indian officials expressed cautious optimism on Wednesday after Democrats secured control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, according to a report by The Indian Express. The election results are seen as a way to place guardrails on the powers of President Donald Trump following 18 months of turbulent bilateral relations.
South Block officials noted that the Democratic victory could bring back checks and balances to the American establishment. This follows a period where the presidency saw the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs, restrictions on H1B and student visas, and shifts in proximity to Pakistan and China.
One Indian official told The Indian Express that the previous administration had harmed the strategic trust between the two nations. The official stated that public opinion in India had turned against the US and noted that repairing this trust would require years of work.
Delhi is expected to monitor how the new Congress handles tariff powers and immigration. While previous pleas regarding visa curbs and ICE raids were ignored under Republican control, officials believe Democrats may offer a more sympathetic approach to immigration issues.
The Indian government plans to seek out representatives on specific concerns, such as racism against Indians, but will refrain from active lobbying. However, officials cautioned that a Democrat-controlled Congress may also raise difficult questions regarding India's internal political situation.
