In a highly anticipated showdown, Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, two prominent Indian American politicians, sparred on the debate stage, highlighting the increasing political influence of the Indian American community. As the 2024 GOP primary approaches, both candidates are vying for a chance to make their mark and appeal to a diverse electorate.

During their last face-off, Haley took a direct jab at Ramaswamy, remarking, "Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you say." Ramaswamy, on the other hand, advocated for a more civil discourse within the Republican Party, stating, "we will be better served... if we're not sitting here hurling personal insults."

The upcoming third presidential debate on Wednesday will serve as a crucial platform for Haley and Ramaswamy to present their cases to a wide audience before the primary voting begins. While they trail behind former President Donald Trump in the race for the 2024 nomination, their presence underscores the multifaceted viewpoints within the Indian diaspora and their growing political clout.

"It is a growing, heterogeneous community," remarked Milan Vaishnav, co-author of a study on Indian American voting patterns and director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador under the Trump administration, aligns closely with the Republican Party's traditional establishment, particularly in terms of foreign policy. She emphasizes continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and questions Ramaswamy's experience in global affairs. On the other hand, Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, has been critical of the GOP's establishment and has urged a reevaluation of America's support for Ukraine.

It is worth noting that both candidates diverge from the majority of Indian Americans, who predominantly support Democratic candidates. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 68% of Indian American registered voters identify as Democrats, while 29% align with the Republican Party.

"This Republican field does not reflect the overall views of the Indian American population," Vaishnav pointed out.

While winning over the Indian diaspora remains a challenging task for Republicans, even marginal gains in this community could be impactful in battleground states. While some segments of the Indian diaspora engage in activities related to Indian politics, for most Indian Americans, domestic issues take precedence.

"The political positions for Indian Americans will be shaped by what matters within the U.S. context," said Maina Chawla Singh, scholar-in-residence at American University's School of International Service. "Reproductive freedom, anti-immigrant policies, recession or hate crimes - these are the issues that ultimately swing it for them because it is their future."

While researchers do not foresee a significant shift in party allegiance among younger Indian American voters, some individuals are coming forward as conservative thinkers and political aspirants. Rohan Pakianathan, a 26-year-old graduate student of public policy at Rutgers University, expressed his support for Ramaswamy and stated that he envisions himself working in a conservative think tank someday, aligning with the future direction he believes the Republican Party should take.

As Indian Americans settle into American society and become more politically engaged, their presence and perspectives continue to shape the nation's political landscape. Additionally, the election of individuals such as Barack Obama as America's first Black president in 2008 and Kamala Harris, who is half Indian American, as vice president in 2020, has played a pivotal role in motivating progressive Indian Americans to participate in local elections.

While these candidates may not capture the dominant thinking within the Indian American community, they signify the evolving dynamics and growing political power of Indian Americans in the United States.