Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, analyses the US-India relationship, describing it as facing its “worst crisis” in decades under a potential second Donald Trump administration.

In a discussion with India Today’s Gaurav Sawant, Kugelman attributes the strain to the administration’s “aggressively transactional approach” and trade imbalances. The conversation explores the perceived hypocrisy of Western criticism over India’s ties with Russia, especially following a visit from President Putin, while Europe maintains its own trade.

Kugelman notes that Trump’s respect for China’s economic power prevents similar harsh measures against Beijing. The analysis also covers the ongoing war in Ukraine, the appointments of Sergio Gor and Paul Kapur, and Trump’s reported affinity for Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, touching on the potential for conflict on the Durand Line. Watch Chakravyuh for more.