Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim, South Asian, African-born New York mayor, is seen as strengthening American democracy. However, his appointment of Ramzi Kassem, lawyer for al-Qaeda-linked Ahmed al-Darbi, is criticized as ideologically tone-deaf to the current political climate. Separately, India is diversifying its oil supply to manage geopolitical risk, considering the Middle East as an option, while Russia is expected to remain a key supplier in 2026 due to discounted prices.