Pushing allies under the bus

The line "To be an enemy of America is dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal," is attributed to Henry Kissinger though he may not have been the originator.

- HARSHA KAKAR

However, India is now finding this to be true, especially with a vengeful Donald Trump targeting India. His recent outbursts against India when placing 50 per cent tariffs began increasing in tempo after PM Modi's statement in Parliament on the ceasefire on Operation Sindoor. PM Modi had stated, "not a single world leader asked us to stop the operation. Our actions were precise and non-escalatory, just as we had committed." This was in reply to Rahul Gandhi mentioning, "It is obvious the PM has not said that Trump is lying." All this was in sharp contradiction of Trump's almost 30 plus repeats of having ended Operation Sindoor, apart from those of his staff. It was a rebuff of Trump's claims.

PM Modi made his statement in Parliament on 29 July and Trump made his first announcement on tariffs on 30 July. His announcement of additional 25 per cent tariffs came a few days later, indicating growing frustration and anger.

For Trump, the statement by PM Modi implies that India will never endorse Pakistan's letter of recommendation for a Nobel Prize for the American president. It will also weaken Pakistan's recommendations, which led to Trump inviting Asim Munir for a luncheon at the White House.

Another reason for Trump's growing frustration with India is its reluctance to open its farm and dairy sector to US products as it would impact a very large workforce. Added has been India's membership of the BRICS, which Trump visualizes as being against the US.