The doors of President Trump’s second term opened with full force, raising eyebrows and ruffling feathers both domestically and abroad. In less than one hundred days, one hundred executive orders were passed in the newly redecorated Oval Office, aiming to fulfill the administration’s “America First” promises. Three of these executive orders issued tariffs against China, Mexico, and Canada, backed by the nascent usage of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Despite suspensions and fervent economic fears, China and Canada retaliated with tariffs on agricultural products and energy respectively, sparking international concerns over a potential trade war. Amidst this backdrop of butted heads and gritted teeth, the gaudy Air India One touched down on American soil on February 12, 2025, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington to discuss the future of relations with the United States.

In this talk with Dr. Deepa Ollapally, Dr. Ajay Chhibber, and Dr. Pradeep Rau, we delve into the factors that have given India great economic growth in recent years, as well as the obstacles that have caused its severe economic challenges today. By analyzing the current state of politics and development on the subcontinent and India’s place in the global market, we will discuss how the Indian economy may evolve in the coming decade.