India’s Strategic Dilemma Amid Trump’s Unpredictability and Global Volatility

The discussion began with the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, a close Trump ally, on a U.S. university campus. Sareen described the killing as a grim reminder of America’s political polarization, worsened by guns and unchecked rhetoric. He argued that political extremism—both right-wing and liberal—has created a toxic climate that undermines debate and dissent.

Turning to U.S.-India relations, Sareen highlighted Trump’s unpredictable behavior. Within hours of urging Europe to impose 100% tariffs on India, Trump praised Prime Minister Modi and announced fresh trade talks. Sareen stressed that such inconsistency leaves India in a dilemma: how much can New Delhi rely on Washington?

The conversation also touched on China’s fading economic interest in Pakistan and the complex triangular equation between the U.S., China, and India. Sareen argued that India may need to balance carefully, maintaining cautious ties with both powers rather than leaning entirely toward one.

On neighborhood volatility—from Nepal to Sri Lanka—Sareen noted that India’s relative stability remains a “miracle,” underpinned by democracy’s capacity to absorb dissent without collapsing into chaos.

As Barkha Dutt summed up, India faces a world where its neighborhood is unstable, America is unpredictable, and China’s motives remain opaque. In such times, Sareen insisted, India’s only option is sober, calibrated engagement while safeguarding its red lines.