IN the end US President Donald Trump got everything he wanted. When he imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India and described it as a “dead economy”, India vowed never to bend to US bullying. Things, it appears, have changed.

The story began last year when Trump imposed first 25pc and then 50pc tariffs on Indian exports. This caused a furore in India. First, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s grabby hugs and over-enthusiastic handshakes with Trump (Modi was among the first leaders to kiss the ring upon re-election) had convinced many Indians that they had an airtight relationship with Washington. As proof, they cited the bromance displayed during Trump’s first term. All that hand-holding must have meant something. Second, Indians could not believe that Pakistan scored a diplomatic victory following Operation Sindoor. Watching Pakistan included in summits and getting special mention from the president likely hurt even more than the tariffs.

On Indian TV shows, which are a masterclass in propaganda, news anchors suggested the tariffs would only hurt Americans and India would be largely unscathed. Much was said about self-sufficiency, national interest and protecting Indian farmers. India was never going to stop buying Russian oil, it was alleged.........

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