Indian Americans, now the largest Asian-alone group in the U.S., are increasingly recognizing their political influence and engaging actively in American politics.

Indian Americans are emerging to bring a transformative shift in American politics. This demographic shift establishes Indian Americans as a significant political force that politicians cannot afford to ignore in 2024. The increasing presence of the diaspora in U.S. politics is marked by growing grassroots activism, a surge in voter registration, and an increasing number of individuals from the community running for office.

Chintan Patel, executive director of Indian American Impact, observed that the Indian American community is increasingly aware of its electoral power and potential influence. 4.4 million Indian Americans have identified as “Indian-alone” on the 2020 Census, signifying a substantial increase in the population over the past decade.

In the context of tight races across various states and countries, Patel noted that securing a significant portion of the Indian American vote could be crucial for many candidates. For instance, in states like Arizona, where the Indian American population exceeds President Joe Biden’s 2020 margin of victory, their voter turnout could prove decisive. Politicians must engage consistently with the community, address their concerns, and persuade them rather than simply relying on their votes.

Despite their historical tendency to lean Democratic, with 68 percent of Indian Americans identifying as Democrats, the community is beginning to challenge both major political parties. While Indian Americans have consistently demonstrated high voter turnout in 2016, 2018, and 2020, there is now increasing scrutiny of President Biden’s record on issues such as Gaza.

Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder and executive director of AAPI Data, observed a notable decline in President Biden’s approval rating among AAPI communities, including Indian Americans. Biden’s approval rating within the Indian American community has dropped to 43 percent, reflecting a shift in the political dynamics and expectations of this growing demographic.

Despite the recent drop in approval rating, Karthick Ramakrishnan expressed skepticism that this decline will significantly impact voter turnout or shift support away from the Democratic Party. Issues such as abortion, racism, and discrimination, which resonate strongly with the Indian American community, are far more likely to influence their voting behavior than Biden’s lower approval ratings.

Karthick Ramakrishnan remarked that while Indian Americans may be dissatisfied with President Biden, this dissatisfaction is unlikely to significantly shift their support to Donald Trump. He pointed out that despite current discontent with Biden, comparing Biden’s favorability to Trump’s favorability and unfavorability suggests that Trump is unlikely to make substantial gains among Indian American voters.

While Indian Americans have made significant strides in various industries, political representation remains a notable gap. However, this trend shifting. Current issues are sparking interest among both young and older Indian American voters, as well as those who are both immigrants and U.S.-born. Key issues for the community, include inflation, immigration, climate change, reproductive rights and gun control.

As Indian Americans assert their growing presence and influence, they are reshaping political landscapes across the country. This demographic change highlights the community's increasing political engagement and also underscores its potential to impact policies and electoral outcomes. Their role in shaping the future of American politics is poised to become even more pronounced, reflecting a broader trend of ethnic communities asserting their political voices in a multicultural society.