Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Are Narendra Modi and Donald Trump facing a similar political challenge?
In this edition of The Indian Express, Sayoni Aiyar examines contributing editor Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s provocative column, “Trump, Modi and the trouble with being wounded strongmen.”
Mehta argues that both leaders built their political authority around a powerful “strongman” image — but that economic pressures, governance challenges and setbacks in foreign policy could weaken that aura of strength.
His argument rests on a troubling possibility: political weakness does not necessarily mean less power. It can, he argues, lead to greater reliance on state coercion, institutional pressure, cultural grievance and, ultimately, the temptation to manufacture a deeper crisis.
Mehta draws parallels between Modi and Trump while also highlighting important differences between India and the United States.
Do you agree with his analysis? Or do you think the Modi-Trump comparison falls short?
Read: indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pratap-bhanu-mehta-modi-trump-wounded-strongmen-opinion-10851929
Watch the full discussion and tell us what you think in the comments. Debate strengthens democracy.
Subscribe to The Indian Express for more explainers, analysis and conversations on the biggest political stories shaping India and the world.
#NarendraModi #DonaldTrump #PratapBhanuMehta #IndianPolitics #USPolitics #IndianExpress
The Indian Express brings you comprehensive coverage of global & indian politics, election news, business news, world affairs, sports, entertainment, Bollywood, and public policy.
Go beyond the headlines with exclusive interviews, explainers, ground reports, editorials, opinion, and expert analysis that help you understand the stories shaping India and the world. With accurate, fact-based reporting backed by over 90 years of credible journalism, The Indian Express brings context and clarity to the issues that matter.
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Are Narendra Modi and Donald Trump facing a similar political challenge?
In this edition of The Indian Express, Sayoni Aiyar examines contributing editor Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s provocative column, “Trump, Modi and the trouble with being wounded strongmen.”
Mehta argues that both leaders built their political authority around a powerful “strongman” image — but that economic pressures, governance challenges and setbacks in foreign policy could weaken that aura of strength.
His argument rests on a troubling possibility: political weakness does not necessarily mean less power. It can, he argues, lead to greater reliance on state coercion, institutional pressure, cultural grievance and, ultimately, the temptation to manufacture a deeper crisis.
Mehta draws parallels between Modi and Trump while also highlighting important differences between India and the United States.
Do you agree with his analysis? Or do you think the Modi-Trump comparison falls short?
Read: indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pratap-bhanu-mehta-modi-trump-wounded-strongmen-opinion-10851929
Watch the full discussion and tell us what you think in the comments. Debate strengthens democracy.
Subscribe to The Indian Express for more explainers, analysis and conversations on the biggest political stories shaping India and the world.
#NarendraModi #DonaldTrump #PratapBhanuMehta #IndianPolitics #USPolitics #IndianExpress
The Indian Express brings you comprehensive coverage of global & indian politics, election news, business news, world affairs, sports, entertainment, Bollywood, and public policy.
Go beyond the headlines with exclusive interviews, explainers, ground reports, editorials, opinion, and expert analysis that help you understand the stories shaping India and the world. With accurate, fact-based reporting backed by over 90 years of credible journalism, The Indian Express brings context and clarity to the issues that matter.
Subscribe to The Indian Express for in-depth news, India news, live updates, business news, political analysis, world news, and insightful conversations that keep you connected with the stories shaping our times.
You can search us on YouTube by: @indianexpress, indian express, indian express newspaper today,indian express newspaper,indian express editorial analysis,indian express analysis,indian express analysis today,indian express,indian express news,the indian express newspaper analysis,the indian express,the indian express newspaper analysis today,the indian express editorial analysis,the indian express newspaper.
Stay Tuned To Indian Express For More Updates: indianexpress.com
Watch Out Our Top Shows:
🡆 Express Investigation - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrDg7LoYgk9xED9iRQoNTlu7kOSJlWG0n
🡆 Idea Exchange - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrDg7LoYgk9ynl0AV6aFFIvCU-y7sHsbr
🡆 POV - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrDg7LoYgk9w_PqY2r5T4cQn9B3RNQoU_
🡆 Indian Express Explained - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrDg7LoYgk9y8Wm50M57nutw5usWUkb-k
🡆 Express Adda- youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrDg7LoYgk9x48oRvznNl5PYGQ3yg1Lwz
🡆 News Analysis By Neeta Sharma- youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrDg7LoYgk9z6xD8CJ1WuXVyAM9DrQKpu
🡆 UPSC Essentials- youtube.com/watch?v=TuhtH8j4stw&list=PLrDg7LoYgk9wBTnLuSQmbj1_6U1K6IOYI
#LatestNews #BreakingNews #EnglishNews
Subscribe to our Channel:
The Indian Express: goo.gl/RjJrX0
Connect with us:
Facebook: facebook.com/indianexpress
Twitter: twitter.com/indianexpress
Indian Express App: indianexpress.com/apps
Official Website: indianexpress.com
