In an exclusive interview on an India Today special broadcast, former Indian Ambassador to the United States Arun Kumar Singh analysed the outcome and diplomatic fallout of the US midterm elections. Assessing the substantial gains made by the Democratic Party across both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Singh termed the election result ‘a huge setback for President Trump.’ He noted that growing domestic discontent over elevated energy and food prices sparked by the protracted conflict with Iran played a decisive role in shaping voter sentiment. Discussing bilateral strategic ties, Singh observed that while the White House retains broad constitutional leeway over foreign policy and trade accords, New Delhi must navigate Washington’s policy volatility with caution. He stressed that even as India deepens engagement with America in technology and defence domains, New Delhi should maintain strategic autonomy and diversify external partnerships, pointing out that ‘you need to hedge also against the US, even as you deepen the partnership.’
