H-1B visa row, tariffs & more: Shashi Tharoor on what caused India-US rift & what happens next

The Trump administration's latest moves have pushed U.S-India ties to the edge. Trump announced a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, raising concerns for thousands of Indian tech professionals and the companies that employ them. In August, Trump also imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods, a move that threatens exporters. At the same time, Washington’s renewed closeness with Pakistan and defense pacts involving Saudi Arabia are raising eyebrows in New Delhi. In this exclusive interview, Shashi Tharoor unpacks the latest developments with his trademark clarity. He explains how the tariff shock dealt a heavy blow to Indian exporters, why the H1B fee hike could push companies toward outsourcing, and how these moves reflect U.S. domestic politics more than any targeted action against India.