Of Dragons and Elephants: Modi–Xi in Focus

What happens when two of the world’s most populous nations attempt to reset ties amidst a multipolar order? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by ET’s Executive Editor, Politics, Pranab Dhal Samanta to unpack the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Xi Jinping. Against a backdrop of cordial but cautious exchanges, the conversation probes whether this rare chemistry signals a genuine shift or a pragmatic pause. From trade imbalances and supply chain vulnerabilities to the broader triangle of India, China, and Russia navigating U.S. dominance, the discussion examines how global realignments shape regional choices. With echoes of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan recalibrating their positions, the episode raises the subtle but pressing question: can India normalize ties with China while preserving balance in its wider strategic partnerships?Tune in: You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinYou can follow Pranab Dhal Samanta on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.