U.S.-India Under Trump: Previewing the Relationship as Modi Heads to Washington with Dr. Tanvi Madan, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution

In this episode, A’ndre chats with his old boss Dr. Tanvi Madan, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, to examine the evolving landscape of India’s foreign policy and its relationship with the United States under a second Trump administration. Dr. Madan unpacks how India balances strategic autonomy with deepening alignments, particularly within the Indo-Pacific and the Quad. She reflects on the historical trajectory of U.S.-India ties, from India’s independence to the Modi era, highlighting key shifts in security and economic cooperation. The discussion delves into trade tensions, dissecting Trump’s renewed criticism of Indian tariffs and whether they will become a key friction point over the next four years. 

On the security front, Dr. Madan assesses the rapid growth of U.S.-India defense and technological collaboration while also addressing whether India’s longstanding relationship with Russia has hindered deeper engagement with Washington. The conversation further examines India’s recalibration of its approach to China, as New Delhi and Beijing take steps toward “normalization” following the 2020 border clashes. With Prime Minister Modi set to meet President Trump on February 13, Dr. Madan offers insights into what to expect from the summit and whether the second Trump administration is likely to deepen or complicate the U.S.-India partnership.