When Narendra Modi shouted “Aab ki baar, Trump sarkar!” in a stadium echoing with overexcited Indian-Americans, it felt like a Bollywood opening scene—dramatic, over-promised, and politically risky. But foreign policy isn’t a mass rally. It’s chess, not tambola.
Years later, what does India have to show for that spectacle?
Zero support on critical tech: While India’s HAL Tejas limps on without serious global backing, the US still won’t share core jet engine tech. So much for being a “strategic partner.” Instead, America gleefully sells us its overvalued wares.
Brazil’s backhanded compliment: Modi hugs Lula, Brazil offers him their top civilian award—how flattering. But when it came to buying missile systems, Brazil picked Italy’s EMADS over India’s superior Akash or QRSAM. So we got a trophy, they got the contract.
Quad, but No Clout: Despite being part of QUAD, India’s diplomatic leverage is thinner than an airline dosa. It’s not just about being at the table—it’s about being heard. And that rarely happens unless it’s about buying arms or containing China.
Make in India? More like Wait in India: Modi’s dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence is noble, but has the US, France, or Russia given us even one real tech transfer on our terms? The West loves India’s market, not its rise.
Photo-Op Diplomacy: Modi hugs, Modi waves, Modi does the namaste to presidents. But outcomes matter. Where are the permanent UN reforms? The FTA breakthroughs? The global tech pipelines?