US Presidential Election 2024: Indian Americans divided over Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley

Two Indian American leaders, Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley, are running for the 2024 US Presidential elections. But among Indian-American voters, there is a split on which Republican candidate to support.

Around 2.1 million Indian Americans, making up 16 percent of eligible Asian American voters, could play a crucial role in swing states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada. Even though they are a smaller group, their votes matter a lot.

The New York Times reports that many Indian Americans are not fully happy with either candidate. They are concerned about Ramaswamy's plan to dismantle the Department of Education, fearing it might harm institutions important to the success of Indian Americans.

Suresh Reddy, a centrist Democrat and city councilman, feels a mix of pride and disappointment watching the Republican primary. He wishes the candidates had a better message. Another Democrat, Venu Rao, a retired engineer, acknowledges the diversity of ideas among South Asian Americans, even if he doesn't agree with Haley and Ramaswamy.

Nikhil Voothkur, a 20-year-old student at Tufts University, appreciates seeing two brown faces on national TV but points out that the Indian diaspora has matured, leading to differences in beliefs.

Nishant Kumar, his wife Smita Nishant, and their 17-year-old daughter Ankita Yadav, recent citizens living in Waukee, Iowa, say they would have voted for Democrats in the past but find Ramaswamy smart and refreshing.

In short, Indian Americans, though excited to see representation in the presidential race, are divided on the two Republican candidates due to concerns about their policies and a growing diversity of opinions within the community.