Gaining momentum in the Republican primary race after the first debate, Indian-American presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy criticized his party rivals for targeting him, saying they were doing so because he was leading the race to the White House.

His opponents, like ex-Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, have started directing their criticisms towards the 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur.

Haley, another Indian American pursuing a place as the Republican nominee, made a comment about Ramaswamy’s foreign policy starting to weaken America’s security. She used his stance on partnering with Israel and dealing with Iran's nuclear ambitions as an indication of how she thought he was perceived as naive.

Ramaswamy answered back at the criticisms against him, saying he supports Israel, including military support, but thinks that American lives must not be risked in any possible conflict between Israel and Iran.

On social media, Pence accused Ramaswamy of not understanding American interests or the alliance with Israel and said he would be more likely to use force to defend Israel against Iran.

Ramaswamy defended himself from Pence's criticism by saying that he is pro-Israel. He also said his relationship with the Jewish state will only get stronger if he becomes president. He pointed out that some candidates are resorting to attacks due to fundraising issues. In his continued ascendancy in the presidential race, Ramaswamy emphasized transparency and addressed criticism as something that needs to happen going forward.