Episode 700: India in Motion—Trade, Talent, Tech & Tomorrow

Good Morning,

India’s story right now is nothing short of a thrilling rollercoaster—full of twists, turns, and surprise loops. From the bustling world of global trade, where DHL is zipping packages across continents faster than ever, to the dreams (and hurdles) of young professionals chasing the H-1B visa and the American Dream, change is happening at warp speed.

Back home, the economy is juggling growth, innovation, and global opportunities, while media stalwarts like Vikatan are proving that storytelling can evolve—mixing tradition, tech, and a dash of AI magic.

And yes, this week’s episode marks a special milestone: The Core celebrates its 700th episode, diving deep into trade, careers, economy, and media. Buckle up for insights, surprises, and plenty of aha moments as India keeps rewriting its playbook.

WEEKEND EDITION

Global Trade in Flux: DHL’s John Pearson on Tariffs, Creativity & India’s Big Bet

Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, or simply curious about how goods move seamlessly across borders, this weekend’s edition takes you inside the shifting world of trade.

In this weekend’s edition, we sit down with John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, to decode what Trump’s tariff wars mean for exporters, supply chains, and the future of global trade.

From Indian carpet exporters forced to reinvent their pricing, to laptop makers shifting production overnight from China to Vietnam, Pearson says global trade is entering a new phase of “shifting sands” — one where supply chains reroute dynamically, and companies lean on creativity to survive.

Here’s what stood out in our conversation:

• Tariffs bite, creativity rises: Indian exporters are finding inventive ways — bulk orders, discounts, margin cuts — to keep goods moving despite 50% duties.
  

• The Vietnam pivot: Laptop production for the U.S. shifted almost overnight from China to Vietnam, forcing DHL to rejig aircraft routes and capacity.
  

• Deals beyond the U.S.: With Washington raising barriers, India and others are turning to the UK, EU, and EFTA for trade opportunities.
  

• AI at DHL: From customs classification to customer service, Pearson reveals how AI is quietly transforming logistics.
  

• The long game: Even if tariffs ease, Pearson warns that some new supply chains may never shift back.

Bottom Line: Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, or just curious about how your packages reach you, this conversation offers a rare inside look at trade’s new reality.

MEDIA ROOM

100 Years of Vikatan: Storytelling with a Tamil Soul

In this episode of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar talks with B. Srinivasan, Managing Director of the Vikatan Group, about how one of India’s oldest and most cherished media brands continues to reinvent itself after more than a century. Srinivasan reflects on Vikatan’s journey from its print origins to ventures in television, digital platforms, events, wealth management, and election surveys.

He shares the rationale behind ending the 22-year partnership with Sun TV, adapting to the commissioned model at Star Vijay, and the long-term importance of owning intellectual property. The discussion delves into what it takes to remain relevant as storytelling evolves with technology and how Vikatan is leveraging AI to create new, experiential content. Tune in for insights on sustaining longevity, trust, and innovation in a media landscape—and audience expectations—that are constantly shifting.

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THE SIGNAL BRIEF

Is the H1-B Visa Still Worth It?

Ever dreamed of building a life in the US? For decades, the H-1B visa has been the golden ticket for Indian professionals chasing that “American Dream”—a chance to work, grow, and eventually settle in one of the world’s most coveted destinations.

But that dream just hit a major speed bump. On September 19th, US President Donald Trump announced a staggering $100,000 fee on every new H-1B application. For young Indians hoping to make their mark abroad, this isn’t just a minor hurdle—it could completely change the roadmap for living and working in America.

What does this mean for the thousands of professionals planning to move overseas? How will it reshape ambitions, career plans, and the very allure of the American Dream? For many, the journey that once seemed straightforward now feels uncertain, expensive, and more complicated than ever.

In this episode of The Signal Brief, we hear from students, workers and immigration lawyers who are confronting these questions in real time.

HOW INDIA’S ECONOMY WORKS

India, the US, & the Global Trade Game

In this episode, Puja Mehra speaks with economist Dr. Rajat Kathuria about the changing dynamics of India-US trade relations and the broader challenges of engaging with the global economy. Kathuria discusses how India must navigate political sensitivities in sectors like agriculture while securing competitive access to the US market. He underscores the importance of tariff reductions, strategic concessions, and diversification in trade and energy imports to attract investment and build economic resilience.

The conversation also explores the role of media in shaping economic narratives and the lessons India can draw from China’s measured rise. Kathuria highlights India’s entrepreneurial talent, culture of frugal innovation, and the significance of participating in global trade frameworks like CPTPP and RCEP. Tune in for insights on how India can leverage its strengths to emerge as a leading global economic power.

THE TEAM

✍️ Zinal Dedhia, Kudrat Wadhwa | ✂️ Rohini Chatterji | 📹️ Maitrayee Iyer | 🎧 Joshua Thomas

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