Latest news with #MakeIndiaGreatAgain
Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
P Chidambaram writes: That's the way the cookie crumbles
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 had mediated (if not muscled) a cease-fire, and why. There are many plausible reasons: 🔴 Vice-President Vance conveyed 'alarming intel' to Mr Modi on the evening of May 9. The alarming intel could only have been the threat of use of nuclear weapons by Pakistan or the role of China. Both the prime minister and the defence minister have said India will not submit to 'nuclear blackmail': why was that phrase used if there was no such threat? 🔴 On the role of China, it is absolutely clear that China had allowed Pakistan to use Chinese aircraft (J-10) and Chinese missiles (PL-15). They could not have been used without Chinese inputs and Chinese presence in Pakistan Air Force's Command Centres. (India neutralised them and repulsed the attacks.) 🔴 Two websites — and — have carried reports that Colonel-rank Pakistan Army officers had been posted in Chinese PLA's Western and Southern Theatre Commands and in the Joint Staff Command of the Central Military Commission. Chinese battlefield guidance was obviously in play. 🔴 Pakistan claimed that it had used China-made hypersonic missiles to target India's S-400 air defence system. China's official news agency Xinhua described it as the 'dawn of a new era in warfare'. (At Adampur airbase, the air defence system was intact.) Look at the four-day war and its twisted course. On May 7, India entered the era of algorithm-driven wars. No soldier crossed the land border or Line of Control. No aircraft entered the rival's airspace. The main weapons were missiles and armed drones. India had the first-mover advantage and punished Pakistan severely between May 7 and 9. At that moment of triumph, Mr Trump intervened to end the war. He cast aside his friendship with the 'nicest human being' and bullied India to stop the war. Brushing aside India's discreet protests, Mr Trump publicly claimed during his visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar that it was his mediation and the threat of 'no trade' that brought the war to an end. It is becoming clearer by the day that the Trump family's commercial interests were the moving force behind Mr Trump's intervention. The Trump family's crypto currency firm, World Liberty Financial (WLF), had negotiated with Pakistan, met Pakistan's prime minister and army chief, and signed a deal with Pakistan Crypto Council on April 26 — barely four days after the Pahalgam terror attack. As the war intensified, Mr Trump abandoned his initial 'hands off' approach. Frenetic activity began after May 7 and concluded with Mr Trump having the last word, as he claimed. Despite the dosti, America deported Indian 'illegal' immigrants in handcuffs and leg chains. Not a word of protest from the prime minister. Steep tariffs were imposed on imports from India; not a word. The US voted in favour of IMF's loan to Pakistan; not a word. Foreign students, including Indians, were barred from Harvard University; not a word. Indian students face the threat of revocation of their visas; not a word. Student visa interviews have been suspended; not a word. The dosti lies in a shambles. The Prime Minister of India is no longer dealing with the President of the United States. Mr Modi is dealing with the head of a family that owns the multi-million dollar WLF which has concluded a commercial deal with Pakistan. He is dealing with a businessperson who will not hesitate to use the cloak, armour, resources and power of POTUS. Despite the political support within India to Operation Sindoor and despite his strong words, Mr Modi is truly stumped by the behaviour of Mr Trump. Pakistan is no longer a push over: it has China's military support and America's diplomatic support. India has to go back to the drawing board to re-draw its military strategy. India has also to go back to the drawing board to re-draw its America policy.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
100 days of Donald Trump: How India has managed US-India ties amid tariffs, trade war & immigration crackdown
The first 100 days of Donald Trump 's second term in the White House have been nothing short of transformative for US-India relations, reshaping the strategic and economic landscape between the world's two largest democracies with unprecedented intensity and ambition. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Following his unprecedent return, Trump unleashed a torrent of executive actions - 140 orders in just over three months -signaling a bold, aggressive approach to governance that has directly influenced the trajectory of US-India ties. PM Modi's visit to Washington Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to Washington in February became a defining moment for the tectonic shift in US-India ties, cementing a "COMPACT for the 21st Century" that PM Modi described as a partnership built on "TRUST-Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology". Capturing the spirit of this renewed alliance, PM Modi had announced: "When America's MAGA [Make America Great Again] meets India's MIGA [Make India Great Again], it creates a MEGA partnership for prosperity." Trade and tariffs The bilateral talks in February between Trump and PM Modi summit delivered concrete outcomes: A shared vision to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, an ambitious "Mission 500" that aims to rewrite the rules of engagement between the two economies. Trade has been a central theme in Trump 2.0's engagement with India. Trump, known for his hardline stance on trade, announced a reciprocal tariff policy targeting India's high tariffs, stating that the US will "charge as much as India charges", a move designed to level the playing field and protect American interests. Despite this tough posture, Trump hailed PM Modi as "doing a great job" and emphasised their "great friendship", underscoring a relationship that transcends transactional diplomacy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The administration imposed a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, targeting sectors such as steel, aluminum, and auto parts, while exempting pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and energy products. This move aimed to protect US manufacturing and address perceived unfair trade practices by India. India responded by reducing tariffs on some imports to preempt harsher US tariff measures. Despite the tariffs, experts suggest India's exposure is relatively limited since most US exports to India face low import taxes. The Trump administration's directive to impose reciprocal tariffs on trading partners created pressure but also opened the door for negotiations. By late April 2025, the US and India agreed on the Terms of Reference for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), setting negotiation tracks for goods, services, digital commerce, and intellectual property protections. India offered to reduce tariffs on approximately $23 billion of US agricultural imports, while the US sought better access for manufactured goods, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. Both sides aimed to finalise the first phase of the deal by end of this year, with a goal to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. An important feature under discussion is India's potential offer of a 'forward most-favoured-nation' clause, which would grant the US any more favorable tariff terms India might extend to other countries, effectively future-proofing the agreement. Immigration crackdown Immigration remains a complex issue in Trump 2.0's India policy. While the administration has cracked down on illegal immigration, it supports legal pathways for Indian students and professionals. Approximately 3,50,000 Indian students currently study in the US, and the administration's support for green cards for international students is a positive sign. The Trump administration has intensified efforts to deport undocumented Indians, estimated at around 7,25,000, with about 20,000 already identified for repatriation. This crackdown has sparked controversy in India. The Cente has committed to legal immigration and cooperating on repatriation, and the issue was a key topic during PM Modi's and Trump's discussions in February. To address illegal immigration, both countries have agreed to combat trafficking networks exploiting Indian citizens seeking unauthorised entry into the US. Enhancements in visa processing, including opening new consulates in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, are planned to reduce visa wait times and curb illegal migration. VP JD Vance's visit JD Vance's visit to India from April 21–24, 2025, marked the first US vice-presidential visit in 12 years, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship. His trip coincided with a 90-day pause on US tariffs, providing a window for intensive trade talks. Vance's meetings with PM Modi and external affairs minister S. Jaishankar focused on finalising trade negotiation terms, expanding defense and technology collaborations, and reinforcing India's role in the shared Indo-Pacific vision. Defence cooperation Defense partnership has also reached new heights. The leaders committed to a decade-long framework to deepen military collaboration, with Trump offering advanced fighter jets and PM Modi affirming joint development, production, and technology transfer. Highlighting the strategic convergence amid Indo-Pacific security challenges, PM Modi said: "India's defense preparedness is crucial, and America plays a vital role in this." Trump's second term has continued to emphasise India's role as a critical partner in the Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly in counterbalancing China's growing influence. The administration has reinforced its commitment to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), which includes the US, India, Japan, and Australia, focusing on regional security and economic cooperation. This alignment reflects a shared interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, with India's strategic autonomy respected by the Trump administration, which avoids interference in India's internal affairs-a departure from the more vocal approach of some Democratic lawmakers. The Trump administration's approach to terrorism and radicalism also finds common ground with India, especially in light of recent terrorist incidents in the US and India's long-standing battle against terrorism. This shared concern has paved the way for enhanced counterterrorism cooperation between the two nations. Pahalgam attack The period was also marked by heightened regional tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which targeted 26 tourists and was linked to Pakistan-based terrorist proxies. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, the Trump administration took a firm stance supporting India's right to combat terrorism and maintain regional stability. The US underscored its commitment to working with India to counter terrorism emanating from Pakistan-based groups, signaling a tougher approach towards Pakistan compared to previous administrations. A US spokesperson emphasised, 'The United States encourages all parties to work together towards a responsible resolution,' while reaffirming strong support for India's fight against terrorism. PM Modi, addressing the nation, declared, 'There is deep anguish in my heart... terrorists aimed to destabilize the region's growing prosperity and peace,' promising severe consequences for the perpetrators. This shift reflects the broader strategic realignment in South Asia, with the US increasingly viewing India as a key partner in promoting peace and security in the region. The enhanced Indo-US cooperation on counterterrorism is expected to strengthen India's position as a regional leader and contribute to stability in South Asia. Ties tested but unshaken Despite the turbulence in global trade and security, US-India ties have remained on an 'even keel,' with New Delhi skillfully navigating the complexities of tariffs, immigration, and defense cooperation under Trump's assertive second term. The relationship now stands as a pillar of stability and shared democratic values in an increasingly volatile world order.
Indian Express
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kesari 2 director calls Akshay Kumar-starrer ‘synthesis of history and fiction': ‘Films based on real-life events aren't supposed to be photographs'
There's an ongoing conversation around Akshay Kumar's latest film Kesari 2, with many questioning whether it's a fictional story that uses real-life characters. The film stars Akshay in the role of lawyer SC Sankaran Nair, who legally fought the British Empire in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. In a recent interaction, the film's director Karan Singh Tyagi addressed the issue and called the film a 'synthesis of history and fiction.' During an interaction with Bollywood Hungama, when Karan was asked if Kesari 2 is a 'synthesis of history and fiction,' he agreed and responded, 'You called it a 'synthesis of history and fiction' — and that's exactly what I wanted it to be. One of my screenwriting heroes, Aaron Sorkin, once said that films based on real-life events aren't supposed to be photographs. They can be paintings. In a painting, there's more room for interpretation, more latitude to dramatize and express an idea.' Karan admitted that he took creative liberties so the film could reach a wider audience. He said, 'That's what I aimed to do. I wanted Sankaran Nair's story to reach as wide an audience as possible. With the support of his family, my co-writers and I set out to portray a man's journey from a British loyalist to one of India's fiercest patriots — someone who used the power of the courts to challenge an empire.' Despite the criticism, Kesari 2 was hailed by several political dignitaries including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and Minister Anurag Thakur during its screening in Delhi. SCREEN review of the film by Shubhra Gupta read, 'While the film is clearly aligned with the Make India Great Again thinking, you can spot a couple of smartly subversive ideas nestling in there. A line about a joint 'Hindu-Muslim' celebration around Ram Navami which happened for the 'first time ' just before the massacre (apparently the dangerous thing that incensed the divide-and-rule British masters so much that it put the pre-planned executions at Jallianwala Bagh into motion, according to the film) tells us such a thing actually happened, something that seems like a receding hope these days. And both the British and Indian lawyers blow the bugle for 'freedom of speech': now where have we heard that phrase before? And can it gain currency again?'
Arab News
23-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Trump, Modi and the new partnership
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington on Feb. 13-14 took place against the background of Donald Trump's threat to impose crippling duties on imports from India, in response to the $45.7 billion trade deficit in India's favor. To improve the atmosphere, before Modi's arrival, India announced steep reductions on selected items imported from the US. However, the atmosphere was seriously soured by US flights to India carrying Indian illegal immigrants in shackles. At the outset, Modi sought to revive the bonhomie and warm personal chemistry he had enjoyed with the president in his first term through a play on words, recalling Trump's slogan, MAGA, Modi said his own slogan was 'MIGA,' Make India Great Again, and pointed out that the merging of the two slogans led to 'MEGA — a mega opportunity for prosperity.' This play on words appears to have shaped the content of the joint statement, which indicates that relations between the two countries would be based on a series of acronyms that are unbeatable for their verbosity. The full range of bilateral cooperation will now take place within the rubric of the 'US-India COMPACT for the 21st century,' the acronym standing for 'Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology.' Defense industrial cooperation will be shaped by 'ASIA,' the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance, while technology cooperation will occur through 'TRUST,' which stands for Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology. Partnership in technological innovation, unsurprisingly, needs another acronym, 'INDUS Innovation,' which itself is modelled on the earlier 'INDUS-X' platform. Finally, trade will be promoted by the 'BTA,' the Bilateral Trade Agreement that the two countries will finalize later this year. The joint statement also sets out in minute detail every piece of military equipment the US has supplied India and what it hopes India will buy in the near future. It promises that Indo-US trade will, under Mission 500, go from $130 billion today to $500 billion by 2030. Energy cooperation will flourish so that the US emerges as 'a leading supplier of crude oil and petroleum products and LNG (liquefied natural gas),' even as India obtains US-designed nuclear reactors. In the defense area, the militaries of the two countries will march together 'in multilateral settings to advance global peace and security,' with a particularly 'close partnership' in the Indo-Pacific and in the Middle East. In respect of the latter, India and the US will convene partners from the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor and I2U2 (India, Israel, the UAE and the US) 'to announce new initiatives in 2025.' India's engagements with the US may be expected to be transactional, with the verbosity of the joint statement remaining delusional — full of sound and fury, signifying very little. Talmiz Ahmad Modi's visit has thrown up several positives for India. The US interest in expanding military sales to India has ensured that not only will India have access to state-of-the-art military equipment and technologies, it will also gain expertise through domestic production in selected areas. Similarly, the US could emerge as a major partner for India in the diverse areas of technology as well as the exploration, development and use of critical minerals. India will also benefit by obtaining technology for light-water nuclear reactors that now dominate the global nuclear scene. However, trade is likely to remain a contentious issue between the two countries; the target of $500 billion for bilateral trade by 2030 can be achieved only if India, regardless of price, commits itself to buying American military equipment, energy resources and technology, and denies itself access to other competitive sources. This will impose an unacceptable burden on India and will need a firm pushback. The visit also revealed some important areas of concern for India. The language of the joint statement is generally one-sided and appears to place India as a junior partner in support of US strategic interests. This is reflected in references to US interests in the Indo-Pacific and even the Indian Ocean that are obviously directed at confronting China in these spaces. Given that India shares 3,200 km of undefined border with China, it hardly suits Indian interests to be part of a US-led military coalition directed at China. Similarly, the joint statement refers to the Middle East in language that takes no account of India's commitment to strategic autonomy. Specifically, while India has close ties with Israel, it continues to uphold the need for a 'two-state solution' to address Palestinian aspirations. Now, given the deep divide in Arab and Israeli positions after Gaza, India can hardly associate itself with the US in convening a meeting of the IMEEC partner states this year. Above all, India is well aware of the frequent changes in US policy approaches, and the influence of extraneous elements on its policymaking. To this we must add Trump's unpredictability, his propensity for grandstanding, and his lack of interest in pursuing a longer-term vision — all of which make the US an extremely unreliable partner. This is most recently in evidence with regard to Ukraine and the exclusion of European countries from discussions relating to their own security. Thus, India's engagements with the US may be expected to be transactional, with the verbosity of the joint statement remaining delusional — full of sound and fury, signifying very little.
Japan Times
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Despite the hugs, Trump-Modi meeting was mostly transactional
Just hours before meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, United States President Donald Trump announced his intention to The stage was thus set for the bilateral summit on Thursday, which saw both leaders prioritize their national interests while emphasizing amicable relations — even equating the 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) and 'Make India Great Again' (MIGA) agendas. Trump welcomed Modi with a long handshake and warm hug — kindling characterizations of their relationship as a 'bromance.' Both men praised each other, acknowledging their bond, developed during Trump's first term, and expressed hopes for stronger ties moving forward. The American president described Modi as a 'terrific man' and as a tougher negotiator than himself. The Indian prime minister, repeatedly addressing his counterpart as a 'friend,' praised Trump's achievements during his initial weeks in office.
