JK News Today Commentary
For a second time in less than a week , the US President Donald Trump exhibited his exuberance toward India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a full public display of his eagerness to be on the side of India and foster closer relationship . In a. way , he has changed his tome and tenor as India had stood firm with its usual confidence in the wake of not-so-good words and actions from the US.
The Trump administration levied 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods imported to the UD, and there were abrasive suggestions that India could be penalized more for buying the crude Russian oil . It was hoping that its tough measures would send Indian economy and prestige rolling down the hill . The US had grossly underestimated India’s confidence and the resilience in the wake of adversities . Its confidence in itself has started paying dividends and the world is watching in awe.
The fresh notes of pleasant diplomatic conversations have come after weeks of supposed and real bitterness between the two countries , these sound music to ears . As it is true in real life, so is in international relations that the country that sought to dominate the narrative by virtually bullying its real partner in the world affairs , certain mistakes will have to be rectified . And, in this case , the US has to make a first move .
A clearer picture is expected to emerge in the coming days when Trump and PM Modi talk to each other . They have friendly relations – my good friend Modi is not just a line but a big diplomatic signaling about the change that the US wants to make in its attitude. There is something more to it , the US will have to come back to the level where it addresses all Indian concerns with respect . Now, there is already any room left for causing further disruption.
Trump will have to do something more than reverting to the old friendship and partnership to encourage good relations between Washington and Delhi . That has to be substantial to get the things going .
One of the thumb rules in the international diplomacy in discerning change of wind is when the leader of a particular country, in this case a superpower that US is , takes a U-turn on words and expressions, it amounts to regretting disruptions caused by him. There were always signs that India would not deter from its path of having good relations with all the countries in the world, particularly strengthen its strategic partnership with America even when noises from Washington loved sending jarring notes to Delhi.
India, at no stage in the period considered as regrettable in the ties, appeared to be going out of the way to appease the US . It stood firm, and used the diplomatic niceties to make its position clear and reject some of the outrageous claims made by Trump and his administration officials with regard to India . It was the confidence of India speaking .
Prime Minister Modi, despite severe provocations and nudging by the opposition at home and some of the countries , did not lose cool . He knew that his course will yield positive results and that has started happening.
The leadership quality is tested in the times of crisis . And it becomes more important when the crisis is extreme . Tongues were wagging that India is caught in a corner. It is losing an important ally in the US, and other countries were looking other way . That was an exaggeration of the crisis , but nevertheless that narrative also there. It was inescapable , and what made this country to steer through each and every dimension of the crisis is the leadership that inspires and guides .
Some of the positives about India and its leadership under Prime Minister Modi are known: India has been a shining example of political and economic stability for the past over one decade , it is the fastest growing economy in the world, and it established as a new leader in the global affairs. But there is something more that the world has come to recognize that India is a pivot in the global security and stability . With its largest population in the world and its growing role in reaching out to the countries during Covid pandemic with vaccine and helping them to mitigate their suffering caused by the natural disasters , India is a human superpower .
This has given a new dimension to the strategic pursuits ,with an all-encompassing concept “ Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”- the world is one family.
