With around 5.2 million people, Indian Americans form the second-largest immigrant group in the United States, after Mexican Americans, and this election, they are vocal about their demands. Shashi Malik, an Indian American community leader, highlights the need for Diwali to be recognized as a national holiday, symbolising how this community is seeking fair representation. Historically aligned with the Democratic Party, Indian Americans have shown signs of political shift since 2020. According to the 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey by the Carnegie Endowment, Indian Americans are “high propensity” voters, with an impressive 96% of 2.6 million registered voters likely to participate in the 2024 election. The survey reveals a decline in Democratic support from 66% in 2020 to 57% today, while Republican backing has grown from 18% to 27%. With median household incomes of approximately $153,000—double the U.S. average—Indian Americans hold significant financial influence. Both parties are actively courting this community for election funding, recognizing its substantial economic and political power. India Today's Geeta Mohan and Rohit Singh bring their ground report.
