6 days ago

Modi and Trump Face the Challenge of Wounded Power

Pratap Bhanu Mehta compares Narendra Modi and Donald Trump.

He says both leaders became powerful by presenting themselves as answers to many problems.

Their supporters once believed they could do almost anything right.

Now, economic and governing problems have weakened that image.

The United States is worried about debt, prices, jobs, tariffs and uncertainty.

India is worried about unemployment and social discontent despite strong official growth figures.

Mehta says both leaders may remain in power for another two or three years.

He warns that weaker authority does not necessarily mean less willingness to use state power.

This combination could create a difficult political challenge.

Key facts

Main argument: Both Modi and Trump are described as wounded strongmen whose authority has weakened but whose stakes in power remain high.
Expected tenure: The article says both leaders will remain in power for the next two to three years.
United States concerns: Debt, inflation, jobs, tariffs and broader uncertainty are cited as major anxieties.
India concerns: Deep unemployment and social discontent are said to persist despite strong official growth figures.
Governance problem: The article argues that everyday administration is increasingly perceived as failing.
Modi's challenge: The article says there is no easy way for Modi to produce productive jobs.
Trump's challenges: The article says Trump has no easy way to reduce the deficit, control inflation, lower tariffs and maintain low interest rates.

indianexpress.com · 6 days ago