Ep 248 - Donald Trump, Modi, and the U.S.-India Relationship

Uzair talks to Dr. Irfan Nooruddin about the growing volatility in U.S.–India relations under President Trump. We discuss the impact of the 25% tariff imposed on Indian goods, the administration’s criticism of India’s oil trade with Russia, and the challenges around H-1B visas and illegal immigration. We also talk about the political constraints facing Prime Minister Modi in Delhi and what all this means for the future of the bilateral relationship. Dr. Irfan Nooruddin is the Hamad bin Khalifa Professor of Indian Politics at Georgetown University. He is the author of The Everyday Crusade, Elections in Hard Times, and Coalition Politics and Economic Development. His work focuses on democratization, international political economy, and policymaking in the Global South. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 State of play in the relationship 8:30 MAGA’s view of India 23:15 Indian right wing’s bet on Trump 2.0 30:50 What can India do to make a deal with Trump? 42:40 Impact of Operation Sindoor on US-India ties