The Indian Foreign policy, especially its American policy is facing its toughest challenge, since perhaps 1971. This is strange because over the last decade we were given to believe that our non aligned status had been junked and we had finally made our choice, to become an American ally. Prime Minister Modi, had taken it upon himself, to forge this relationship and invested much of his political capital into it, and he also managed to sell it domestically. His diplomacy was against all conventions and norms, and it seemed both idiosyncratic and fresh to different people. But it all feels a faint yesterday now. President Trump misses no forum to declare his unacknowledged role in mediating the ceasefire to operation sindoor, despite our foreign ministry’s denial, he has suddenly taken offense to our Russian oil purchase, going on for 3 years now and has slapped hefty tariffs unilaterally. This is quite unlike, anything he has been doing with other countries. China is buying more Russian oil and has got a trade deal with the US Entire South Asia including Pakistan are also given favorable trade deals. This singling out of India doesn’t seem natural. Even defense deals are on hold. Indian immigrants have been deported handcuffed ,Mr Adani is facing serious charges. Knowing how whimsical, Trump can be, it could very well be personal. Going by the amount of personal goodwill, the prime minister has invested, it could hurt him personally. Trying to woe Putin or even Xi, looks like posturing. This may well turn out his biggest political challenge till date.
