Lessons for India from Tulsi Gabbard’s approach to Trump’s win

The return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, aided by key campaigners like Tulsi Gabbard—who is a self-identified Hindu and openly embraces her faith—offers significant lessons for Indian politics. Trump’s victory, fueled by a discourse emphasizing nationalism, anti-illegal immigration policies, and a rejection of far-left ideologies such as ‘wokeism,’ signals a shift in the political landscape that is likely to resonate in India and other democracies.

 

Gabbard, a former Congresswoman, played a crucial role in articulating the discourse that helped Trump secure his win, alongside key figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump Jr. An influential leader today, Gabbard’s political career has received support from India’s largest socio-cultural organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s international wing, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS). She stands among a select few who, like Ronald Reagan before her, transitioned from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party as the political landscape in the US evolved.

 

What is particularly remarkable about Gabbard is how she successfully navigated a shift from championing left-liberal views to embracing the Republican Party, led by Trump. Her political stance is a blend of traditionalism and progressivism, marked by a distinctly pro-American, nativist perspective. Gabbard’s ability to adapt while staying true to her core values speaks to the evolving nature of American politics and highlights the importance of flexibility in political strategy.

 

After the 2020 election, as pro-Trump support grew, Gabbard became a vocal advocate for issues that resonate deeply with Trump’s core supporters—religion, nationalism, economic growth, and peace—against secularism, globalization, and war. At Trump rallies, she managed to strike a chord with a broad range of voters by offering a moderate approach that appealed to both traditional and progressive values. She leveraged nationalism while also incorporating progressive ideals that attracted younger voters, who tend to be sceptical of extreme positions. A worshiper of Lord Krishna and a US military veteran, she underscores the importance of cultural diversity within a nationalistic framework.

 

Gabbard also critiqued the perception of religion—especially Hinduism—among left-wing groups in the US. She argued that the left’s fear of religion and religious people often leads to bigotry and intolerance. By positioning herself as a bridge between the US and India, and highlighting her Hindu identity, Gabbard seeks to challenge negative stereotypes associated with Hindu nationalism. Her mixed background—American Catholic and Hindu—further enriches her perspective, enabling her to counteract misconceptions about religion in politics.

 

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Her influence in Trump’s campaign proves her point that the secularist, anti-religious stance of the left has had negative effects on the social fabric in democracies. While not all aspects of religion are progressive or humane, dismissing the role of religion in society has led to the marginalization of its positive contributions. A more inclusive dialogue, one that recognizes the humane and spiritual aspects of all religions, can help reduce social friction and polarization.

 

Gabbard’s critique of ‘wokeism’ has been both thoughtful and sensitive, acknowledging how rapid technological and social changes have affected the younger generation. Her emphasis on respecting civil liberties in this new world, while also upholding the values of family, culture, and tradition, reflects a nuanced understanding of social change and cultural identity.

 

Her brand of nationalism centres on the idea that America must prioritize its own interests over global commitments. This view, shaped by her anti-interventionist foreign policy stance, sharply contrasts with mainstream Democratic positions. Gabbard is a vocal critic of what she calls the “neoliberal/neoconservative war machine,” which she blames for unnecessary wars in the Middle East, Gaza, and Ukraine. She argues that these wars have not only caused suffering for US soldiers and their families but have also drained the country economically and weakened its global influence. Her focus on domestic priorities, rather than foreign entanglements, resonates with many young voters who are weary of endless military interventions.

 

Gabbard’s economic views have also evolved, reflecting a blend of fiscal conservatism and social responsibility. Her call for redirecting funds from military spending to domestic needs aligns with the growing sentiment among voters who prioritize economic stability and job creation over global military engagements.

 

The electoral dynamics in the U.S. that emerged from the discourse led by figures like Tulsi Gabbard highlight the need for Indian political factions to embrace complexity in their narratives. Broadly, Gabbard’s narrative is steeped in the philosophy of Sanatan Dharma—values of honesty, non-violence, compassion, and self-restraint—unlike the unrestrained greed seen in the West. Wearing Hinduism on one’s sleeve does not necessarily contradict one’s secular credentials or multiculturalism. The culture of shame regarding Hinduism, perpetuated by neocolonialists and postmodernists in the last four decades in India, must come to an end.

 

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The colonization of the Indian mind has led to the stigmatization of indigenous socio-cultural organizations and individuals affiliated with them. This has hindered India’s growth and stymied the development of indigenous culture, which has affected local politics and opened doors for nefarious conversions by neocolonial religious missionaries. In contrast, the American Sangh’s support of Tulsi Gabbard demonstrates that Hinduism, Sanatan Dharma, or any spiritual or socio-cultural movement, can positively influence people without weaponizing them against their own nation and culture. This is a crucial lesson for Christian and Zionist Christian missionaries operating in India.

 

The Indian political class should, therefore, abandon its polarizing rhetoric and embrace a more inclusive narrative that honours Indian traditions while pursuing a progressive agenda. It is essential not to alienate those with genuine concerns about the impact of technology on cultural identity. By fostering a dialogue that includes diverse perspectives without resorting to dogmatism, Indian politics can strike a balance between tradition and modernity.
On nationalism, there is much to learn as well.

 

Unfortunately, in India, the liberal section is excessively forgiving toward Pakistan, to the point where its excesses are overlooked while promoting the idea of going to war with China over territorial disputes. On the other hand, the Left in India seems to cower before China without offering any solutions for addressing India’s trade deficit with China. This willingness to capitulate before neighbouring countries stems from a deep sense of inferiority, weakness, and helplessness.

 

What is needed is the grit and determination to stand for India’s interests and find solutions without resorting to extremist narratives or unnecessary military interventions—much like the framework proposed by Tulsi Gabbard for the U.S. Peace and diplomacy are core tenets of Indian philosophy, which prioritizes humanitarian solutions over aggressive polarization. War, in the Hindu way of life, is the last resort. This thought resonates with many Indians who are fatigued by geopolitical tensions with Pakistan and China while facing the challenges posed by stiff competition from China and Western innovators and businesses.

 

Ultimately, the Indian political class must adopt a middle path, one that upholds equality, egalitarianism, development, and peace, while standing firm in its commitment to inclusive philosophy and tradition. This balance will help build a unified and prosperous nation.