Bangladesh’s envoy telling ThePrint that its soil won’t host anti-India activity is reassuring. But intent must translate into action. India and Bangladesh share a historic but now complex bond that needs careful nurturing. Neighbours can’t afford mistrust. Words help, but sustained respect and responsible conduct are what truly builds confidence.
Trump’s rants are destroying the most consequential bilateral relationship of the 21st century
Tracking Trump is like watching a T20 thriller — odds flip with every ball, and whispers of a fixed match never fade. But this isn’t a game. His ego-driven rants are destroying the most consequential bilateral relationship of the 21st century. Diplomacy deserves better than getting bowled by one man’s tantrums.
President Trump is the best thing to have happened to the USA.
And Trump is spot on in his assessment of India as a gross violator of international trade norms. We are amongst the most protectionist nations in the world. Our deep insecurities about competing with the world, all the while boasting of being the Vishwaguru, has resulted in the creation of a tariff barrier so high that every nation feels cheated when doing business with us.
Trump was patient during his first term. he repeatedly requested India to bring down tariffs across sectors. India played the usual game of biding time till his presidency was over. This time around, he knows how to dal with India. Carrots did not do the job, hence the stick.
We need to ask ourselves – who benefits from such tariffs?
Not the common man or the middle class. It’s the Indian business elite – the Ambanis, Adanis, Jindals, Birlas, Tatas, etc. – who benefit from such high tariffs. Unfortunately, this elite business class controls the Modi government as far as economic decision making is concerned.