Chicago-based industrialist Shalabh Kumar is the founder and chairman of the Republican Hindu Coalition. He is widely regarded as one of Donald Trump’s favourite Indian Americans. Kumar was a prominent donor to Trump’s campaign and continues to wield significant influence on the president elect of the US.
Excerpts from an interview:
Q1) What would a Trump presidency mean for India and the Indian community?
My answer is not limited to the Indian American community. There are 6.2 million Hindus in the US, not only from India but from all over the world. A Trump presidency would usher in an era comparable to the golden age of India during the Gupta Empire. The US would achieve energy independence, significantly reduce budget deficits, lower inflation and interest rates, and drive down the global prices of oil and transportation. This would bring peace and prosperity to nations that value freedom and democracy. For Hindu and Indian Americans, this would mean a substantial increase in net incomes. India, too, would benefit immensely from this shift in geopolitics, particularly with a strong US partnership to counter Chinese aggression.
Q2) While Trump’s presidency could bring benefits to India—such as his stance on India’s security issues and support for India’s international aspirations—there are concerns that his ‘America First’ policies may lead to trade friction. What is your perspective on this?
You are correct that India would benefit economically and in terms of security under a Trump administration. However, concerns about trade friction are unwarranted. The Trump administration would work towards establishing a bilateral free trade agreement with India, fostering stronger economic ties.
Q3) Reports indicate that Trump may move to curtail birthright citizenship, which could impact many Indians in the US. What is your assessment of this policy’s implications?
This policy is targeted at those who cross the southern border of the US illegally to give birth to children who can then claim US citizenship. This abuse needs to be addressed. However, the Hindu and Indian communities in the US have nothing to fear. Our community is a model minority, known for its merit-based success, which is highly respected by Trump and Republican policymakers.
Q4) What stance might Trump take on Canada as a safe haven for Khalistani separatists? How differently could he handle this issue compared to other administrations?
Under Trump, Khalistani separatists would find themselves cornered. The current Canadian government would also face pressure to address this issue. The Sikh community at large, both in the US, and globally, would welcome this change. The US would fully support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to contain the Khalistani movement. Sikhs, as protectors of Hindus, are among the most entrepreneurial, courageous, and hardworking communities globally, and they would thrive under such policies.
Q5) Some believe Trump may take a more moderate and measured approach this time, being more conscious of his behaviour and taking an accommodative stance on issues facing the US. As his friend, how do you view this possibility?
On the contrary, I am confident that Trump will, as he did starting in January 2017, fulfil all his campaign promises. Partnering with leaders like Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel, Vivek Ramaswamy, and the “second Reagan” J.D. Vance, along with Usha by his side, Trump’s presidency would mark the dawn of a new age. Trump is a businessman, not a career politician, dedicated to making America great again. Unlike other politicians, he speaks his mind, and that’s precisely what Americans love about him.