WASHINGTON CENTRAL with Saurabh Shukla

Is the India-US trade deal nearing a breakthrough? And could the 2026 US midterm elections reshape President Donald Trump’s foreign policy?On this episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla, we examine the latest developments in India-US trade negotiations, Washington’s tariff strategy and the economic stakes for both countries.With a proposed new trade framework taking shape, we look at tariff reductions, Indian textile exports, dairy and pharmaceutical trade, and the growing importance of energy cooperation. Could the agreement help push bilateral trade from approximately $240 billion towards the $300 billion target? And what role could Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected US visit in December play in strengthening ties?We also turn to the US midterm elections, scheduled for November 3, 2026. Could Democrats take control of the House of Representatives, increase scrutiny of the Trump administration and influence US policy towards Ukraine, Europe and China? What would the election outcome mean for India-US relations?In this episode:

• India-US trade deal: The proposed new framework
• Trump’s tariff strategy and Indian exports
• The $300 billion India-US trade ambition
• Energy cooperation and key trade disputes
• US midterms 2026 and the battle for Congress
• Trump’s foreign policy and the future of India-US relations

Join Saurabh Shukla for an in-depth look at the developments shaping Washington, New Delhi and the wider geopolitical landscape.Follow Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla for more insights into US politics, international relations and global affairs.#IndiaUSTradeDeal #DonaldTrump #USMidterms #WashingtonCentral #SaurabhShukla

What does Trump’s latest immigration move mean for Indian IT professionals in the US? And could Elon Musk’s Starlink dispute with India create a new challenge for India-US relations?

In the latest episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla, we examine the Trump administration’s suspension of the Permanent Labor Certification, or PERM, process for several major companies, including leading technology and IT firms.

The move could affect foreign workers navigating the Green Card process and comes alongside growing uncertainty over OPT, visa appointments and opportunities for international students and professionals in the United States.

The conversation then turns to Elon Musk’s Starlink dispute with India. Musk has publicly criticized delays in Starlink’s India launch, while the Indian government has stressed security clearances and a level playing field for satellite internet providers.

With Rahul Gandhi also weighing in, the Starlink issue has become more than a business dispute — it now intersects with domestic politics, technology, national security and diplomacy.

At a critical moment in India-US relations, with trade negotiations underway, the Iran conflict affecting energy prices and Washington competing with China in the race for AI and superintelligence, how should India and the US manage these growing differences?

In this episode:
• Trump’s PERM suspension and its impact on Indian IT professionals
• Green Cards and the US immigration system
• The proposed $70,000 OPT levy
• Indian students and shrinking visa opportunities
• America First and the foreign worker debate
• Elon Musk’s Starlink dispute with India
• India’s security concerns over satellite internet
• Rahul Gandhi and the Starlink controversy
• Technology, diplomacy and India-US relations
• Why creative diplomacy is needed between Washington and New Delhi

Listen to the full episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla for an in-depth look at the developments shaping India-US relations, technology, immigration and geopolitics.

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Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla — Episode SpecialIn this episode, Saurabh Shukla examines two major global developments: the G7’s response to surging energy prices amid the Iran war and President Donald Trump’s emerging Superintelligence Accord.The episode explores how the conflict is affecting global oil and fuel supplies, why the G7 is taking action to stabilize energy markets, and what the disruption could mean for India and the wider global economy.Saurabh also breaks down Trump’s push for AI and superintelligence safety, including voluntary self-regulation, safeguards, data-center concerns and the growing US-China race for technological leadership.Topics covered:• G7 energy consensus and rising oil prices• Iran war and its impact on global energy markets• India’s energy and fertilizer supply challenges• Trump’s Superintelligence Accord• AI safety and self-regulation• America’s race for superintelligence leadership• US-China competition in AI• The future of AI regulation and global technologyListen to Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla for sharp analysis of geopolitics, global affairs, technology and the forces reshaping the world.

What does Trump’s UNGA message reveal about America’s foreign-policy priorities? And what does Xi Jinping’s Washington visit mean for the future of US-China relations?

In this episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla, we decode President Donald Trump’s UN General Assembly address and the high-stakes visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington.

From Iran and US military power to AI and “superintelligence,” Trump’s evolving foreign-policy approach offers important clues about how Washington sees its role in a changing world.

Saurabh Shukla also breaks down the Trump-Xi agenda — tariffs, Russian oil, critical minerals, Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, manufacturing and the race for AI dominance and examines why both sides may be looking to manage their strategic rivalry even as major disagreements remain.

In this episode:

• Trump’s UNGA message and foreign-policy doctrine
• Iran and the nuclear question
• US military power and global diplomacy
• Trump’s “superintelligence” and the AI race
• Xi Jinping’s Washington visit
• US-China trade and tariffs
• Critical minerals and manufacturing
• Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific
• China’s role in wider geopolitical conflicts
• The future of the US-China relationship

🎙️ Listen to Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla for sharp

analysis and insights from Washington on US politics, geopolitics, diplomacy and global affairs.

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#WashingtonCentral #SaurabhShukla #DonaldTrump #XiJinping #USChina #UNGA2026 #Geopolitics #ForeignPolicy #Trump #China

Is the India-China relationship really heading for a reset or is it simply a “diplomatic situationship”?

In this episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla, Saurabh examines the key takeaways from the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India-China ties, the continuing border mistrust, and the changing geopolitical equation involving China, India and the United States.

The conversation also looks ahead to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to Washington and his expected talks with US President Donald Trump. What does China want from Washington? Can the US and China find common ground on trade, Taiwan and global conflicts? And where does India fit into this emerging power equation?

Saurabh also discusses China’s offer to help broker US-Iran peace, the growing US-China race for AI dominance, China’s soybean purchases from the US, market access, Taiwan and the future of global geopolitics.

At the heart of the discussion is a larger question: Are major powers entering an era where they cooperate on some issues, compete on others, and put national interest above everything else?

Listen to the full episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla.