President Donald Trump travelled to Iowa and Kansas for rallies over the weekend, making his final campaign appearances before the November 3 midterm elections, according to The Indian Express. The outlet reports that Republicans are trying to shore up support in races that will decide which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The results will shape the last two years of Trump's term. If Democrats take either chamber, congressional oversight of the administration is expected to intensify, including on trade, immigration and foreign policy, The Indian Express reports.
Why it matters
Control of Congress determines how much legislation the president can pass and how much scrutiny his administration faces. A Democratic win in even one chamber would give the party more leverage over bills, investigations and government funding, according to The Indian Express.
The outlet notes that a congressional majority would not give Democrats direct control of US foreign policy. Trump would keep broad executive authority, including the power to veto legislation.
The elections also carry weight beyond Washington. The Indian Express reports that congressional decisions and US policy can affect Indian exports, Indian professionals working in the United States and defence cooperation between the two countries. A Democratic majority could lead to more debate and legislative activity on tariffs, healthcare, living costs and limits on presidential war powers, though whether any of those proposals become law would depend on the size of the majorities, Senate procedures and the president's response.
Trade framework with India remains unresolved
Trade is a central concern for India, since the United States is a major market for Indian goods and shifts in American tariff policy can hit exporters directly.
In February, Washington and New Delhi announced a framework for an interim trade agreement. Under that framework, the US said it would apply an 18 per cent reciprocal tariff rate to goods of Indian origin, and both sides said they would keep negotiating toward a wider bilateral trade agreement, The Indian Express reports. The framework has not been described as a completed trade deal, and its implementation status has not been confirmed.
A turbulent close to the campaign
The final stretch of the race has been unsettled. The Hindu reported that Trump backtracked on rallies as the campaign ended, while Reuters reported that he was heading to Iowa and Kansas for pre-election events. The Indian Express reports that Republicans are working to protect their position at the polls.
Separately, CNN reported that Sullivan said he would accept the results of the Alaska Senate race but criticised Peltola over an alleged ballot scheme. The Wall Street Journal reported that Texas set a record for early voting.
Watch the November 3 results, particularly the margins in each chamber, since they will determine how much of the Democratic legislative agenda on trade and other issues can advance.
