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SharpEdge: Trump’s fanboys in BJP are now proved wrong. Lesson here is to never personalise diplomacy

Apr 10, 2026
A look at how shifting US ties upended expectations and left some Indian supporters wrong-footed. Discussion of Trump's surprising alignment with Pakistan and the implications for regional diplomacy. A critique of personalizing foreign policy and why pragmatic non‑alignment proved wiser. Examination of trade moves, military praise, and what a fragile truce means for future relations.
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INSIGHT

Why BJP Embraced Trump’s Bigotry

  • BJP supporters celebrated Donald Trump because his public bigotry made similar views socially acceptable in India.
  • Shekhar Gupta recalls BJP handles cutting a birthday cake for Trump and promoting him as the leader India needed because he normalized anti-Muslim rhetoric.
ANECDOTE

The Door Holding Moment That Became Diplomacy Theater

  • Media and social channels glorified a Trump-Modi rapport, celebrating trivial gestures as geopolitically significant.
  • Gupta cites anchors praising a door-holding moment and TV sycophancy that overstated bilateral warmth.
INSIGHT

Operation Sindhu Exposed The Limits Of Personal Rapport

  • When India executed Operation Sindhu, Trump publicly sided with Pakistan instead of backing India.
  • Gupta notes Trump imposed a ceasefire, later bragging he had restrained India and potentially prevented escalation.
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