The Takshashila Podcast

In this episode of the All Things Policy podcast, Vanshika Saraf and Abhishek Kadiyala examine the often-overlooked role of the U.S. Congress in shaping India–U.S. relations from independence to the present day. While the President is typically seen as the face of American foreign policy, the conversation highlights how Congress—empowered by Article I of the U.S. Constitution through its control over funding, trade, war powers, appointments, and oversight—has played a decisive role in influencing the trajectory of bilateral ties. Tracing shifts from the era of the “imperial presidency” and Cold War alignments to the rise of congressional caucuses, diaspora lobbying, and today’s hyper-partisan politics, the episode explores how internal dynamics within Congress have shaped perceptions of India. It also assesses how India has adapted its engagement strategy over time and evaluates Congress’s response to recent strains in the relationship, before looking ahead to what institutional flux in Washington and upcomin