Of Friends and Foes

Donald Trump has levied heavy tariffs on India and created a state of economic panic. India's response and navigation of this trade crisis will be a litmus test

- SHUTAPA PAUL

Is Donald Trump an enigma dressed like a red-tie diva? Even as world leaders try to wrap their heads around him, he's keeping everyone on their toes. He loves and hates hard; his friendships are fleeting, and his hugs feel hollow. And as India rudely found out this week, Trump has no loyalties except to his own agendas that change colors on whim.

Much to their consternation, world leaders are also discovering that to fulfill his MAGA (Make America Great Again) vision, Trump is firmly resolved to bring others down. This week he upped the ante on India and Russia calling them "dead economies" and taking punitive action against India for buying Russian oil.