In October 2024, Candidate Donald Trump said in an interview, “Prime Minister Modi is the nicest human being and a total killer.” Visiting President Donald Trump in February 2025, Mr Modi said “our vision for a developed India is to Make India Great Again or MIGA. When America and India work together, that is when it is MAGA plus MIGA, it becomes MEGA — a mega partnership for prosperity.” The two leaders exhibited the gravitas of brash school boys.

Where are the dosti and bonhomie?

I gather that Mr Modi and Mr Trump have not spoken to each other since May 7, 2025. The most that we know is that Vice-President J D Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Mr Modi on the night of May 9 and urged him to stop the war. Mr Trump alluded to such conversation(s) when he posted on Truth Social that “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.” That announcement at 5.25 pm on May 10 rudely awakened Indians to the reality.

Mr Trump was not bluffing. The cease-fire had been agreed at 3.35 pm and had come into effect at 5.00 pm on May 10, 2025. An unsmiling Foreign Secretary confirmed the facts at 6 pm. I think it is important to explore more deeply how America claimed that it........

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