US-Iran Tensions & India's Role | Lisa Curtis Analysis on Trade, Security & Diplomacy | Iran Unrest

On this Special Report, Lisa Curtis, Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, discusses the escalating tensions in Iran and their implications for India. Curtis notes that while President Donald Trump has encouraged Iranian protesters to 'seize institutions,' the administration is likely prioritising economic sanctions over military strikes to avoid a backlash. She highlights that this 'maximum pressure' campaign could impact India’s trade with Iran, particularly regarding the Chabahar port. However, Curtis remains optimistic about the India-US partnership, citing the arrival of US Ambassador Sergio Gore and recent high-level talks between External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Secretary Marco Rubio. The discussion covers critical areas of cooperation, including the 'Pax Silica' technology group, defence, and energy. Curtis emphasises that despite 'sticky trade issues,' India remains a vital 'swing state' for the United States in a volatile global landscape.