Many in India are unable to digest the visit of the US President Donald Trump, his family members and a real massive delegation comprising of officials and business leaders.
While Trump has been euphoric and excited about his visit to India and to meet his ‘great friend’ Modi, more posts critical and abusive filled our social network walls. Many voiced dismays over walls hurriedly built along Trump’s route to Motera stadium to hide the slums. Some knew even the going cost of hauling and filling the stadium with people as if it is voluntary and free of any charge in the opposition-led rallies.
Secondly, another friend wrote soon after Trump remarked in the logbook praising India’s cultural heritage, that Trumps should be shown some toilets, which is real India! I had to seek from him if he diligently shows his home toilet to every visitor, regardless of any urge to use it. A surgeon (I do not know their natural aversion with Modi, cutting their perks enjoyed from Pharma companies perhaps could be the reason!) who was waiting with bated breath for the Trumps to twitch their noses on the stinking Yamuna! Rushing water to help flow and dilute any stench came under severe criticism too! Trumps not saying anything about the Yamuna must have dealt a body blow to these perpetual pessimists.
A few lamented to no end over Arvind Kejriwal’s name missed out in the state banquet hosted by the President of India. Later when it became known that AK and Didi’s names are indeed in the list, the critics hurriedly ducked for cover not to be seen for some hours.
I have my bit of misgivings about Modi and have written about those periodically and harshly. But one should remember that the US is the deciding factor in today’s world economy, and President Trump is the defining factor as well. He has his political compulsions in the US election season and has to prove to his citizens of India’s steadfast support, in the wake of geopolitical constraints.
It is childish to find faults with everything, for example, from raising walls in front of slums. The security of the POTUS is one of the severest in the world. We have in agonistic elements peeved by actions of the Indian government over CAA and the like. Many are also inimical to the US President over Iran and his stand to neutralize radical Islamic elements. Therefore, to seal any potential threat sectors is very basic, and security concerns could have driven the intention of raising the walls.
No Prime Minister and I can dare say from Nehru to MMS, have been able to build a personal rapport with world leaders, including Trump, as Modi has made. One must learn to give him due credit on that issue. If such a relationship is helping India’s security, it’s economy, and it’s growth, it requires wholehearted support. This is not the time to fight rabidly but to stand together for the nation.
I am waiting eagerly at the trade deals which would follow in the next weeks, which would show the diplomatic win for our country, through the efforts (sadly for a few) of PM Modi. We can resume our fights after the guests depart.
Jai Hind
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
