Prominent Indian-origin Democratic leader Neil Makhija has said that the India-US partnership is the most important engagement globally and the cooperation will further increase if Kamala Harris becomes the US President as she recognizes the importance of the relationship.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, the young leader, considered close to Harris, also strongly criticized former President Donald Trump for his immigration policy, which has created some concerns among immigrant communities in the US, including Indian-Americans.
On India-US partnership, Makhija said that this is the most important relationship for the future.
“When you think about America’s competition with China, when you think about the actions being taken by Russia that are contrary to the interests of America and its allies, India is really the most important country for America “Continue to build relationships in terms of its sheer size, economic activities,” he said.
Makhija said that it is very important that the next President of the US understands that India is a very important partner for the US in many ways.
He said, “When it comes to global priorities like our defense, dealing with global issues like climate change, America and India can lead when we work together. So we need a president who recognizes that and Kamala Harris That’s the person.”
Makhija called Trump a threat to democracy.
“He is behaving in the same way we have seen in some of the darkest moments in world history, where leaders have scapegoated individuals and communities who don’t even have the right to vote,” he said.
Makhija currently serves as a Montgomery County Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Elections. She is the first Indian American commissioner elected in the history of Pennsylvania and many Democrats believe that young leader Harris could join her cabinet if she wins the election.
He said, “You see he (Trump) is blaming immigrants for all the problems of the country and this is not real, this is not realistic, this is only meant to create tension between people living in America and To create division.” Said.
He said, “Unfortunately history repeats itself. Hopefully the people of our country will recognize what happened in the past and we will avoid a similar fate in the future.”
In his campaign speeches, Trump promised a radical overhaul of Washington’s strict immigration policy and vowed to wage “the largest deportation campaign in American history” if he was re-elected.
The Republican leader has also pledged to end birthright citizenship for children of immigrants living in the US illegally, raising concerns among various immigrant communities including from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
Makhija was also seen blaming the Republican Party for not increasing the limit of H1B visas for Indians.
He said, “When Kamala Harris was a senator, she sponsored a bill to fix the H1B backlog issue. The problem was that Republicans did not support it and they said they were in favor of legal immigration. “
“But it’s clear now that they don’t want any immigration and they don’t support immigration reform. They don’t support any bill that would deport people who live here, work here and pay taxes. Will provide a real path to citizenship,” Makhija added.
Describing the presidential election to be held on November 5 as very important for America, he said that the country is at the crossroads.
“On the one hand, we have a candidate who is defending democracy and fundamental freedoms. Then we have a candidate who represents the past and wants to bring back a time when no one from our community could live in America Who wants to turn back the clock of fundamental rights,” he said.
Makhija said, “They (the Trump camp) believe that the country is meant to be a specific demographic. We think America is an idea, we think America is an idea that anyone can be successful.” , no matter who you are.”
“That’s the decision that we’re making – do we have a country that is pluralistic, that is welcoming, that is inclusive or do we think it should be specific and really serve a particular demographic?” Should it be for?” He said.
“I think Kamala Harris represents a future that is more inclusive, that will be welcoming and that will live up to the ideals that our country was really founded on,” Makhija said.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
