It is sad for me to see two of my beloved countries drifting apart in matters of trade. I would have hoped that there could be an incremental non-zero game agreement that would benefit both sides in the long run.

Strategically, it made sense that the US and India realised the seriousness and importance of their engagement. But somehow things fell apart. We do not know enough to point out who eventually was responsible for the sudden worsening of relations between the two. However, if I were advising President Trump, these are suggestions I would bring to the table:

Never stop talking. As Winston Churchill used to say, “Stay at the table." Of course, this is a different kind of table. The moment you call off discussions is when you have created a permanent rupture. Were things so bad that a permanent rupture should have been created? I do not think so from the little that I know. My suggestion to both sides, “Patch it!"

Don’t let your boxes meet. Making the tariffs a punishment for buying oil from Russia was did not seem a valid reason. These should not be aired in public and must be discussed with the party one is dealing with in private. This argument that India should be punished for buying from Russia convinces no one that it is legitimate. That brings us to the third point.

Never lose credibility. Even your opponent should respect your fairness and probity. Then even if you lose........

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