Title: PM Modi & Trump Have Good Chemistry, Nationalists Respect Each Other: Jaishankar
In a recent interaction, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar revealed that the chemistry between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump was excellent because both leaders share a common trait – they are nationalists. According to Jaishankar, nationalists tend to respect each other, which is not always the case with other world leaders who may not share the same ideology.
Jaishankar’s statement comes as a surprise to many, given Trump’s tumultuous relationships with several world leaders, including those from the European Union, the United Nations, and even his own party members. However, when it comes to PM Modi, Trump seems to have a different story. Despite their differences in ideology and approach, the two leaders have consistently maintained a cordial relationship, with many observers noting a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between them.
Jaishankar’s comments were made during an interview where he was asked about the interactions between PM Modi and Trump. The EAM emphasized that the two leaders had a very good chemistry, and this was not surprising given their shared nationalist credentials. “I felt… the chemistry was good,” Jaishankar said, adding that he did not think it was a coincidence that both leaders shared a similar worldview.
The EAM’s statement is significant because it highlights the importance of shared ideology and values in building strong relationships between leaders. While many world leaders may focus on differences and disagreements, Jaishankar’s comments suggest that commonalities and shared values can be a powerful foundation for building trust and cooperation.
So, what exactly is this shared nationalism that Jaishankar refers to? Nationalism in the context of both PM Modi and Trump is often associated with a strong sense of patriotism, a commitment to national interests, and a willingness to take bold action to protect and promote those interests. For PM Modi, this has meant implementing policies that prioritize Indian national interests, such as the “Make in India” initiative and the “Swachh Bharat” campaign. Similarly, for Trump, this has meant emphasizing American exceptionalism, withdrawing from international agreements that he believes compromise US sovereignty, and taking a tough stance on national security and border control.
Of course, there are many who would argue that nationalism is a destructive force, leading to isolationism, xenophobia, and even conflict. However, Jaishankar’s comments suggest that when shared responsibly and in a constructive way, nationalism can be a powerful force for good, bringing people and nations together around a shared sense of purpose and identity.
In the case of PM Modi and Trump, their shared nationalism has allowed them to build a strong relationship despite significant differences in their approaches and policies. While PM Modi has been a strong advocate for multilateralism and international cooperation, Trump has been a vocal critic of the global order and has sought to remake it in his own image. However, despite these differences, the two leaders have been able to find common ground and work together on issues such as trade, security, and counter-terrorism.
Jaishankar’s comments also highlight the importance of personal chemistry in building strong relationships between leaders. While policy differences and ideological disagreements can often create tension and conflict, personal chemistry can help to bridge these gaps and create a sense of trust and rapport. For PM Modi and Trump, this chemistry has been evident in their many public appearances and meetings, where they have often been seen laughing and joking together.
Of course, not everyone is pleased with the relationship between PM Modi and Trump. Many critics have argued that Trump’s nationalism is a form of isolationism, which will harm global cooperation and stability. Others have criticized PM Modi’s handling of India’s relations with the US, arguing that he has been too willing to compromise Indian interests and values in order to maintain good relations with Trump.
Despite these criticisms, Jaishankar’s comments suggest that the relationship between PM Modi and Trump is likely to continue in the coming years. And while there may be challenges and disagreements ahead, the shared nationalism and chemistry between the two leaders will likely provide a strong foundation for building trust and cooperation.
As we look to the future of India-US relations, Jaishankar’s comments offer a hopeful sign that the relationship between PM Modi and Trump is strong and resilient. Despite the many challenges and complexities that lie ahead, the shared values and ideology of the two leaders will likely help to build a strong foundation for cooperation and collaboration.
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