WASHINGTON CENTRAL with Saurabh Shukla

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.

The Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2026 US midterm elections, the India-US trade deal and the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting are reshaping the global geopolitical landscape.

In the latest episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla, we go inside the biggest developments in Washington and examine what they mean for the US, India and the world.

🇮🇷 Iran War: Why does President Donald Trump want the conflict to end, and why could a resolution still be difficult? What is happening around the Strait of Hormuz, and how is the conflict affecting global trade, energy prices and Indian seafarers?

🇺🇦🇷🇺 Russia-Ukraine War: Could intensified diplomacy finally lead to a ceasefire? And why might the Ukraine conflict offer Washington a more realistic path toward peace?

🇺🇸 US Midterms: With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, are Republicans at risk of losing control of Congress? How could rising gas prices and domestic economic concerns impact Trump's political standing?

🇮🇳🇺🇸 India-US Trade Deal: What's holding up the agreement, and why has the trade deal become an important test of the India-US relationship?

🇺🇸🇨🇳 Trump-Xi & US-China: Why will the expected Trump-Xi meeting be a major diplomatic moment? From the AI race to China’s ties with Russia, Iran and North Korea, what does Washington want from Beijing?

Listen to Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla for sharp, on-ground analysis of US politics, global geopolitics, India-US relations, foreign policy and the forces shaping Washington and the world.

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Spain is facing a fresh immigration crisis after thousands of migrants entered the autonomous city of Ceuta, reigniting debates over border security, human trafficking and illegal immigration across Europe.

In this episode of Washington Central, Saurabh Shukla breaks down what triggered the Ceuta crisis, how trafficking networks allegedly exploited misinformation, and why the issue has implications far beyond Spain.

The episode also examines the Trump administration's proposed $100,000 levy on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and what it could mean for international students, US universities and America's ability to attract global talent.

Finally, Saurabh analyses the latest developments in the Iran conflict, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the wider economic consequences for global markets, energy security and countries such as India.

Topics covered:

Spain's Ceuta immigration crisis

Human trafficking and illegal migration

Europe's border security challenges

Trump's proposed $100,000 OPT fee

Impact on international students and US universities

Legal vs illegal immigration

Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions

Global economic outlook

Washington Central is hosted by award-winning journalist Saurabh Shukla, bringing expert analysis of US politics, geopolitics, immigration, diplomacy and major global developments from Washington, DC.

Follow Washington Central on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode covering the stories shaping America and the world.

The United States has announced one of its biggest immigration policy changes in years, with major implications for international students, researchers, journalists and legal immigrants.

In this episode of Washington Central, Saurabh Shukla explains what the end of the Duration of Status rule means for F-1 students, how the new four-year visa limit could affect study plans, and why researchers, J-1 visa holders and foreign journalists will face stricter regulations. He also examines the Trump administration's proposal for a $100,000 Green Card bond and what it signals for the future of legal immigration to the US.

The episode also analyses the latest developments in the US-Iran conflict, the potential impact on global energy markets, and President Donald Trump's allegations of Chinese interference in US elections—along with what they could mean for US-China relations and global geopolitics.

Topics covered:

• US student visa rule changes explained
• F-1, J-1 and journalist visa updates
• Proposed Green Card bond
• Latest US-Iran conflict update
• Trump's China election interference claims
• Global political and economic implications

Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla brings you verified analysis and in-depth insights into the biggest stories shaping the United States and the world.

The Middle East is once again on edge as tensions between the United States and Iran escalate following fresh military action and questions over the future of the ceasefire. What are President Donald Trump's options? Could the conflict spiral into a wider regional war? And what would that mean for global oil markets, Asia and India?

In this episode of Washington Central, veteran journalist and geopolitical analyst Saurabh Shukla examines the latest developments in the Iran crisis before turning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strategic Indo-Pacific diplomacy. He explains why India's growing engagement with Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand reflects a broader effort to strengthen its position amid an evolving geopolitical landscape and China's expanding influence.

In this episode:

• The latest US-Iran escalation explained
• Trump's military and diplomatic options
• Why the Iran ceasefire is under strain
• Risks of a wider Middle East conflict
• Impact on global markets and India's economy
• Modi's Indo-Pacific strategy and India's foreign policy
• China's challenge and India's strategic partnerships

Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla brings in-depth analysis of geopolitics, diplomacy, global security and international affairs from Washington, D.C.

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