Democratic Party presidential nominee and former Vice-President Joe Biden’s remarks, in which he criticised the CAA, the NRC and the restrictions that New Delhi imposed in Kashmir, are being closely watched in India.

The remarks have once again sparked the debate in India over whether a Trump presidency is better for India than Biden, with Biden’s detractors in New Delhi pointing to his remarks to support their argument. Trump’s Indian supporters, on the other hand, forget that a Republican president other than Trump would also pay attention to India’s social fabric and issues pertaining to civil liberties. Trump is an exception and not the norm, even in the case of Republicans.

Key points:

• Joe Biden’s remarks, as published on his campaign website, regarding India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), its National Register of Citizens (NRC) project and the restoration of liberties in Kashmir, have drawn ire in certain quarters in India.
• It is important, however, not to take a simplistic view of the bilateral relationship using the lens of parties and individuals, but to understand that the relationship is driven by geopolitical dynamics and economics.
• If Biden is elected, it may not result in an absolute convergence between India and the US, but it could pave the way for closer economic ties between both countries and ensure that their strategic ties continue to grow.