Recent days have witnessed a dramatic shift in former US President Donald Trump's public stance towards India, alongside significant diplomatic moves by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the global stage and a renewed focus on Jammu and Kashmir.
Trump's Diplomatic U-Turn on India
In a surprising reversal, Donald Trump, who had initially expressed discontent over India's strategic engagements with China, declared that he and Prime Minister Modi "will always be friends." This statement marked a stark contrast to his earlier remarks where he suggested the United States had "lost" India to China. The shift came amidst a broader context of trade tensions.
Trump's administration had issued strong warnings and imposed additional tariffs, with one adviser expressing anger over India's continued purchase of Russian oil. An ultimatum was reportedly given, demanding India stop buying Russian oil within 24 hours or face consequences. However, Trump's latest comments indicate a significant softening of this confrontational approach.
Modi's Firm Stance at the SCO Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participating in the SCO summit where he met with leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, delivered a robust response to the protectionist trade policies emanating from the West. He criticized what he termed "selfish economies" and their tariff gambits, directly countering Trump's trade threats.
The bonhomie displayed between Modi, Putin, and Xi at the summit was seen as a strategic moment that potentially undermined the US's attempts to isolate Russia and pressure India on its foreign policy choices. India's clear refusal to snub Putin or reject Russian oil imports formed the core of its independent foreign policy stance, drawing both criticism and, ultimately, a recalibrated response from Trump.
Domestic Focus: Security and Sovereignty in Kashmir
On the domestic front, PM Modi made his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. During this visit, he made a significant declaration, stating that Pakistan had attacked the very essence of 'Kashmiriyat'—the region's unique culture of harmony.
This visit underscored the government's focus on the union territory's security and development. In a separate but tragic incident, a landslide triggered by the swelling of the Teesta river hit an Indian Army camp in Sikkim, resulting in the death of three personnel and leaving six others missing.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, speaking in Guyana, mocked Pakistan's aspirations over Kashmir, stating they covet something they do not possess, reinforcing India's consistent diplomatic position on the issue.
Broader Implications and the Road Ahead
The sequence of events highlights the delicate balance India maintains in its international relations. Navigating a strategic partnership with the US while engaging with traditional partners like Russia and managing a complex relationship with China requires deft diplomacy. Trump's U-turn suggests a recognition of India's pivotal geopolitical role, which cannot be easily swayed by unilateral demands.
Domestically, the government continues to prioritize security in Jammu and Kashmir, linking terrorist incidents directly to cross-border aggression while promoting regional stability. The coming months will be crucial in observing how these diplomatic threads evolve, especially in the context of global trade and regional security.
