US elections | Why US Presidential elections matter globally

The 2024 United States presidential election is just days away, with a tightly contested race between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. While only Americans will vote, the choice between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has far-reaching global impacts, from conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine to shifts in global trade.

India-US relations under Trump versus Harris

For India Technology and clean energy have been focal points in US-India relations recently, but this could shift if Trump returns to office. His firm stance on export controls and critiques of India’s tariff policies—often raised during his campaign—could bring new tensions in trade.

What each candidate’s victory could mean for Israel and Palestine

AmidIsrael and Ukraine fightingwarsthe next president will face a world with the highest conflict risks since the Cold War. Polls indicate that if Israelis could vote, Trump would have significant support.Trump might give Israel an even freer hand in Gaza and elsewhere.

Harris has frequently echoed Biden's strong support for Israel's right to self-defence, while emphasising that “the killing of innocent Palestinians has to stop.” Trump has also stressed the need to “get back to peace and stop killing people,” though he has reportedly advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “do what you have to do.” Trump has positioned himself as a mediator, vowing, “I will have peace in the Middle East, and soon,” during an interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya TV.

The impact of the US election on Russia-Ukraine war

This election is significant for Russia and Ukraine, too. Trump has blamed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for the Russian invasion, raising Ukrainian concerns that a Trump administration could push for a rapid peace deal that favours Russia. Harris, however, has pledged ongoing support for Ukraine, stating: “I have been proud to stand with Ukraine. I will continue to stand with Ukraine. And I will work to ensure Ukraine prevails in this war.”

How NATO could be reshaped by the US election results

NATO The United States accounts for two-thirds of the combined defence budgets of NATO's other 31 members. Trump has insisted on pressing NATO countries to meet their target of spending 2% of GDP on defence—only 23 nations have reached this goal in 2024. Trump has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of leaving NATO, which could create uncertainty within the alliance.

In contrast, if Harris wins, she has expressed a commitment to cooperating with NATO and the European Union to support Ukraine’s success, although she also expects Europe to uphold its defence spending obligations.

(With inputs from agencies)