(Our Bureau, May 7) US Vice President Kamala Harris has courted criticism from a cross section of Indian Americans for not being vocal enough on India’s Covid-19 crisis. “Stunning how Kamala Harris has gone silent on the situation in India. Even if we put humanity and loyalty aside, it’s poor politics,” tweeted OnDeck program director Sar Haribhakti on April 25. Next day, Harris tweeted that the US is working closely with New Delhi to deploy additional supplies and offered prayers for India but many Indian Americans thought it was too little too late. Harris, who’s extended family in India is also grappling with the virus, is set to deliver an opening message of US solidarity at an Indian diaspora event organised by the US State Department later today.
At the event, Harris said the surge in Covid-19 infections in India was nothing short of heartbreaking and the US government was determined to help India at the time of need. “As many of you know, generations of my family come from India. My mother was born and raised in India. And I have family members who live in India today. The welfare of India is critically important to the United States,” Harris said.
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