Prime minister Narendra Modi’s unprecedented decision to openly campaign for then-U.S. President donald trump during the “Howdy, Modi” event in 2019 broke decades of indian diplomatic protocol. Traditionally, indian leaders have maintained a balanced, non-partisan stance in foreign elections to safeguard long-term bilateral interests regardless of leadership changes abroad. Modi’s highly public endorsement of trump not only politicized India’s global image but also tied the country’s diplomatic positioning too closely to a single administration. The move was cheered on by fervent nri supporters and bjp loyalists, many of whom contributed financially and vocally to Trump’s campaign in a foreign election — a move that raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally.
Now, the political gamble appears to be backfiring. Despite India’s support, trump — who is once again running for office — has chosen to meet Pakistan’s army Chief just weeks after Operation Sindoor, which saw india striking at terror networks across the border. His willingness to break bread with the head of an institution accused of nurturing terrorism, while not even acknowledging indian leadership, is a diplomatic snub. It highlights how blind devotion to personalities over policies can lead to strategic miscalculations. india, which has long prided itself on non-alignment and diplomatic maturity, finds itself sidelined and humiliated, largely because of Modi’s short-sighted personalization of foreign policy.
This episode should serve as a wake-up call. Modi and his ardent followers, who uncritically aligned India’s interests with Trump’s political fate, now owe the nation an unconditional apology. By placing partisan agendas over national strategy, they have weakened India’s diplomatic leverage and compromised its standing on the global stage. Foreign policy should serve the nation’s interests, not an individual’s ego or a cult of personality. If india is to reclaim its strategic autonomy and global respect, it must return to a foreign policy rooted in neutrality, prudence, and long-term national interest — not electoral theatrics and political favoritism.
Now, the political gamble appears to be backfiring. Despite India’s support, trump — who is once again running for office — has chosen to meet Pakistan’s army Chief just weeks after Operation Sindoor, which saw india striking at terror networks across the border. His willingness to break bread with the head of an institution accused of nurturing terrorism, while not even acknowledging indian leadership, is a diplomatic snub. It highlights how blind devotion to personalities over policies can lead to strategic miscalculations. india, which has long prided itself on non-alignment and diplomatic maturity, finds itself sidelined and humiliated, largely because of Modi’s short-sighted personalization of foreign policy.
This episode should serve as a wake-up call. Modi and his ardent followers, who uncritically aligned India’s interests with Trump’s political fate, now owe the nation an unconditional apology. By placing partisan agendas over national strategy, they have weakened India’s diplomatic leverage and compromised its standing on the global stage. Foreign policy should serve the nation’s interests, not an individual’s ego or a cult of personality. If india is to reclaim its strategic autonomy and global respect, it must return to a foreign policy rooted in neutrality, prudence, and long-term national interest — not electoral theatrics and political favoritism.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel