WASHINGTON CENTRAL with Saurabh Shukla

What does Trump’s latest immigration move mean for Indian IT professionals in the US? And could Elon Musk’s Starlink dispute with India create a new challenge for India-US relations?

In the latest episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla, we examine the Trump administration’s suspension of the Permanent Labor Certification, or PERM, process for several major companies, including leading technology and IT firms.

The move could affect foreign workers navigating the Green Card process and comes alongside growing uncertainty over OPT, visa appointments and opportunities for international students and professionals in the United States.

The conversation then turns to Elon Musk’s Starlink dispute with India. Musk has publicly criticized delays in Starlink’s India launch, while the Indian government has stressed security clearances and a level playing field for satellite internet providers.

With Rahul Gandhi also weighing in, the Starlink issue has become more than a business dispute — it now intersects with domestic politics, technology, national security and diplomacy.

At a critical moment in India-US relations, with trade negotiations underway, the Iran conflict affecting energy prices and Washington competing with China in the race for AI and superintelligence, how should India and the US manage these growing differences?

In this episode:
• Trump’s PERM suspension and its impact on Indian IT professionals
• Green Cards and the US immigration system
• The proposed $70,000 OPT levy
• Indian students and shrinking visa opportunities
• America First and the foreign worker debate
• Elon Musk’s Starlink dispute with India
• India’s security concerns over satellite internet
• Rahul Gandhi and the Starlink controversy
• Technology, diplomacy and India-US relations
• Why creative diplomacy is needed between Washington and New Delhi

Listen to the full episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla for an in-depth look at the developments shaping India-US relations, technology, immigration and geopolitics.

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Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla — Episode SpecialIn this episode, Saurabh Shukla examines two major global developments: the G7’s response to surging energy prices amid the Iran war and President Donald Trump’s emerging Superintelligence Accord.The episode explores how the conflict is affecting global oil and fuel supplies, why the G7 is taking action to stabilize energy markets, and what the disruption could mean for India and the wider global economy.Saurabh also breaks down Trump’s push for AI and superintelligence safety, including voluntary self-regulation, safeguards, data-center concerns and the growing US-China race for technological leadership.Topics covered:• G7 energy consensus and rising oil prices• Iran war and its impact on global energy markets• India’s energy and fertilizer supply challenges• Trump’s Superintelligence Accord• AI safety and self-regulation• America’s race for superintelligence leadership• US-China competition in AI• The future of AI regulation and global technologyListen to Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla for sharp analysis of geopolitics, global affairs, technology and the forces reshaping the world.

What does Trump’s UNGA message reveal about America’s foreign-policy priorities? And what does Xi Jinping’s Washington visit mean for the future of US-China relations?

In this episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla, we decode President Donald Trump’s UN General Assembly address and the high-stakes visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington.

From Iran and US military power to AI and “superintelligence,” Trump’s evolving foreign-policy approach offers important clues about how Washington sees its role in a changing world.

Saurabh Shukla also breaks down the Trump-Xi agenda — tariffs, Russian oil, critical minerals, Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, manufacturing and the race for AI dominance and examines why both sides may be looking to manage their strategic rivalry even as major disagreements remain.

In this episode:

• Trump’s UNGA message and foreign-policy doctrine
• Iran and the nuclear question
• US military power and global diplomacy
• Trump’s “superintelligence” and the AI race
• Xi Jinping’s Washington visit
• US-China trade and tariffs
• Critical minerals and manufacturing
• Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific
• China’s role in wider geopolitical conflicts
• The future of the US-China relationship

🎙️ Listen to Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla for sharp

analysis and insights from Washington on US politics, geopolitics, diplomacy and global affairs.

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Is the India-China relationship really heading for a reset or is it simply a “diplomatic situationship”?

In this episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla, Saurabh examines the key takeaways from the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India-China ties, the continuing border mistrust, and the changing geopolitical equation involving China, India and the United States.

The conversation also looks ahead to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to Washington and his expected talks with US President Donald Trump. What does China want from Washington? Can the US and China find common ground on trade, Taiwan and global conflicts? And where does India fit into this emerging power equation?

Saurabh also discusses China’s offer to help broker US-Iran peace, the growing US-China race for AI dominance, China’s soybean purchases from the US, market access, Taiwan and the future of global geopolitics.

At the heart of the discussion is a larger question: Are major powers entering an era where they cooperate on some issues, compete on others, and put national interest above everything else?

Listen to the full episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla.

The Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2026 US midterm elections, the India-US trade deal and the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting are reshaping the global geopolitical landscape.

In the latest episode of Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla, we go inside the biggest developments in Washington and examine what they mean for the US, India and the world.

🇮🇷 Iran War: Why does President Donald Trump want the conflict to end, and why could a resolution still be difficult? What is happening around the Strait of Hormuz, and how is the conflict affecting global trade, energy prices and Indian seafarers?

🇺🇦🇷🇺 Russia-Ukraine War: Could intensified diplomacy finally lead to a ceasefire? And why might the Ukraine conflict offer Washington a more realistic path toward peace?

🇺🇸 US Midterms: With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, are Republicans at risk of losing control of Congress? How could rising gas prices and domestic economic concerns impact Trump's political standing?

🇮🇳🇺🇸 India-US Trade Deal: What's holding up the agreement, and why has the trade deal become an important test of the India-US relationship?

🇺🇸🇨🇳 Trump-Xi & US-China: Why will the expected Trump-Xi meeting be a major diplomatic moment? From the AI race to China’s ties with Russia, Iran and North Korea, what does Washington want from Beijing?

Listen to Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla for sharp, on-ground analysis of US politics, global geopolitics, India-US relations, foreign policy and the forces shaping Washington and the world.

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Spain is facing a fresh immigration crisis after thousands of migrants entered the autonomous city of Ceuta, reigniting debates over border security, human trafficking and illegal immigration across Europe.

In this episode of Washington Central, Saurabh Shukla breaks down what triggered the Ceuta crisis, how trafficking networks allegedly exploited misinformation, and why the issue has implications far beyond Spain.

The episode also examines the Trump administration's proposed $100,000 levy on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and what it could mean for international students, US universities and America's ability to attract global talent.

Finally, Saurabh analyses the latest developments in the Iran conflict, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the wider economic consequences for global markets, energy security and countries such as India.

Topics covered:

Spain's Ceuta immigration crisis

Human trafficking and illegal migration

Europe's border security challenges

Trump's proposed $100,000 OPT fee

Impact on international students and US universities

Legal vs illegal immigration

Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions

Global economic outlook

Washington Central is hosted by award-winning journalist Saurabh Shukla, bringing expert analysis of US politics, geopolitics, immigration, diplomacy and major global developments from Washington, DC.

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The United States has announced one of its biggest immigration policy changes in years, with major implications for international students, researchers, journalists and legal immigrants.

In this episode of Washington Central, Saurabh Shukla explains what the end of the Duration of Status rule means for F-1 students, how the new four-year visa limit could affect study plans, and why researchers, J-1 visa holders and foreign journalists will face stricter regulations. He also examines the Trump administration's proposal for a $100,000 Green Card bond and what it signals for the future of legal immigration to the US.

The episode also analyses the latest developments in the US-Iran conflict, the potential impact on global energy markets, and President Donald Trump's allegations of Chinese interference in US elections—along with what they could mean for US-China relations and global geopolitics.

Topics covered:

• US student visa rule changes explained
• F-1, J-1 and journalist visa updates
• Proposed Green Card bond
• Latest US-Iran conflict update
• Trump's China election interference claims
• Global political and economic implications

Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla brings you verified analysis and in-depth insights into the biggest stories shaping the United States and the world.

The Middle East is once again on edge as tensions between the United States and Iran escalate following fresh military action and questions over the future of the ceasefire. What are President Donald Trump's options? Could the conflict spiral into a wider regional war? And what would that mean for global oil markets, Asia and India?

In this episode of Washington Central, veteran journalist and geopolitical analyst Saurabh Shukla examines the latest developments in the Iran crisis before turning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strategic Indo-Pacific diplomacy. He explains why India's growing engagement with Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand reflects a broader effort to strengthen its position amid an evolving geopolitical landscape and China's expanding influence.

In this episode:

• The latest US-Iran escalation explained
• Trump's military and diplomatic options
• Why the Iran ceasefire is under strain
• Risks of a wider Middle East conflict
• Impact on global markets and India's economy
• Modi's Indo-Pacific strategy and India's foreign policy
• China's challenge and India's strategic partnerships

Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla brings in-depth analysis of geopolitics, diplomacy, global security and international affairs from Washington, D.C.

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A fragile 60-day truce between Iran and its adversaries has provided temporary relief to a region on edge, but can lasting peace be achieved?

In this episode of Washington Central, journalist Saurabh Shukla examines the latest developments in the Middle East, including the ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Qatar and Gulf nations, the future of Iran's nuclear program, and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

The discussion also explores the political battle in Washington as President Donald Trump faces resistance from Congress over the War Powers Resolution, highlighting the domestic pressures shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Finally, Saurabh analyzes the latest developments in the India-US trade negotiations, the tariff disputes holding up a deal, and why direct engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump could be critical in securing an agreement.

In this episode:
• Iran's 60-day truce and nuclear negotiations
• Qatar's growing role in Middle East diplomacy
• Strait of Hormuz and global energy security
• Marco Rubio's outreach to Gulf allies
• Trump's showdown with Congress over war powers
• The geopolitical chess game behind Iran talks
• India-US trade deal negotiations and tariff concerns
• The role of Modi and Trump in breaking the deadlock

Tune in for insights and analysis from Washington DC on the stories shaping global politics, diplomacy and international relations.

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In this episode of Washington Central, host Saurabh Shukla unpacks the biggest geopolitical developments from the G7 Summit and what they mean for the world

The discussion begins with the landmark US-Iran Peace MoU, examining how it could pave the way for an end to the Iran conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease global economic uncertainty. Saurabh also analyzes President Donald Trump's approach to the peace process and the significance of Vice President JD Vance's role in the negotiations

The episode then turns to the much-anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. Why does Saurabh describe it as an "epic summit"? What led to recent strains in India-US relations, and how can both countries capitalize on this opportunity to build a stronger partnership?

From trade and defence cooperation to artificial intelligence, cultural diplomacy and the role of Indian Americans, this episode explores the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of India-US ties.

• Trump at the G7 Summit and shifting global dynamics
• The US-Iran Peace MoU and its geopolitical impact
• Strait of Hormuz and global economic stability
• JD Vance's role in the Iran peace process
• Modi-Trump talks and the future of India-US relations
• Why India needs a new Washington strategy
• AI, trade and defence cooperation opportunities
• The strategic role of Indian Americans
• Building a new framework for India-US engagement

Washington Central brings you on-the-ground insights from Washington, DC, decoding the policies, politics and personalities shaping the world.

Follow Washington Central with Saurabh Shukla on Spotify for expert analysis on US politics, India-US relations, global affairs and geopolitics

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