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UPDATED: Jan 13, 2026 23:22 IST
On this India Today broadcast, host Gaurav Sawant discusses the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran following President Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs. Government sources indicate that these tariffs will have a 'minimal impact' on India, as trade—valued at $1.6 billion in 2025—is primarily focused on basmati rice, tea, sugar, and pharmaceuticals. Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon, former Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency, joins the program to provide a military assessment of the situation. He describes the US call for internal unrest in Iran as a 'direct intervention in other countries' affairs, which is not a good sign, especially in our neighbourhood.' General Dhillon highlights that any potential US military strike would require the suppression of Iran's air defences, missile forces, and command and control systems to be successful. The discussion also touches upon the regional roles of Israel and the Shia-Sunni dynamic in the Middle East.
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