Narendra Modi is at the centre of a new Global Alliance to counter Donald Trump: Dr Chandra

In the latest offering of The JC Show, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra highlights that the world is witnessing a global power shift with Narendra Modi emerging as a central figure in new international alliances. He emphasised that Trump’s tariff war has backfired, pushing India closer to China and Russia, forming a powerful bloc that challenges American hegemony. Modi’s strategic decision to visit Japan before China sent a clear diplomatic message, while his rapport with Putin and Xi showcased his rising global stature. Chandra condemned the Opposition’s personal attacks on Modi’s late mother, calling it a political mis-step. He added that Modi feels betrayed by Trump’s actions. On China, he acknowledged positive gestures, but warned that full trust remains difficult due to a hostile historical backdrop, despite the restoration of functional ties. Excerpts... (Part-I)

• Today’s JC Show is headlined as “Global Power Shift… Modi in Command!” What exactly does that mean?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: It signifies that Donald Trump, in a rather impulsive and erratic move, imposed a 50% tariff on India, which many view as a self-inflicted wound, a ‘selfgoal.’ This decision has, paradoxically, opened up a new path for Narendra Modi to forge a fresh global alliance. Political analysts believe that unless Trump swiftly corrects this mistake, the trio of Russia, India, and China could corner him from all sides. This tariff misadventure could very well become ‘Trump’s Waterloo.’ China is already upset over a 145% tariff; Russia is also displeased. In such a scenario, if India’s 1.4 billion citizens rise against Trump, the entire global diplomatic equation is bound to change dramatically. That is why this is being seen as the beginning of a new global alliance where Narendra Modi plays a crucial and pivotal role. As has been said: “The world is not only watching India, it is counting on India.” One key reason for this is that Modi is perceived as a popular leader who unites, whereas Trump is seen as someone who divides. Global Times has even noted that this is indeed a global shift in which India has a key role to play. The emergence of this powerful trio, India, Russia, and China, is being viewed as a serious challenge to Trump.

• Between China and Japan, why did Modi choose to begin his visit with Japan?
  Only Narendra Modi could have taken such a calculated diplomatic decision. The entire world is aware of the historical hostility between China and Japan. By prioritising Japan, Modi sent a deliberate message to China while also safeguarding India’s strategic interests. Certainly, his visit to Japan was more fruitful compared to China, be it in terms of business, friendship, or political gain. Whether you call it an experiment or an act of moral courage, this was Modi’s unique approach. He could have started with China and then gone to Japan, but he chose to do the opposite, beginning with Japan and then visiting China. This sequence itself delivered a diplomatic message to Beijing. Moreover, it projected Modi’s conviction, moral courage, and the depth of friendship India shares with Japan.

• Today, photos of Modi, Putin, and Xi Jinping together at the SCO have created a huge stir in diplomatic circles worldwide. What is so special about these images?
  These images are indeed remarkable. If you closely observe them, you’ll see the warmth, the camaraderie, and the chemistry shared among Modi, the Chinese President, and the Russian President. It is clearly visible in their expressions and body language. There is no doubt that these images have stirred global diplomatic circles. They highlight how Modi is closely aligned with Putin and how comfortably he engages in conversation, even through gestures, with Xi Jinping. His comfort level is evident. These photos underscore Modi’s diplomatic and political stature on the world stage. They portray him as a leader well-versed in foreign affairs, a ‘Statesman’ in every sense. These pictures, making headlines for the last two days, project Modi’s smart political persona and his standing as a global leader. From a photography standpoint too, these are rare, historic images likely to remain memorable in the annals of diplomacy.

• Trump’s trade advisor reacted to those images of Modi, Putin, and Xi together, calling them ‘shameful.’ What are your thoughts?
  That statement is absurd, foolish, it reeks of disappointment and frustration. It’s as if an uninvited advisor is trying to lecture us, implying that standing with these two leaders poses a danger to global security, and suggesting that neither China nor Russia can be India’s true allies. He reminds us of the border disputes with China and argues that Russia, too, isn’t a genuine friend. But this reaction only reflects his own sense of frustration and dismay. Beyond that, there is no real significance to his statement. It lacks diplomatic weight.

• Before we continue with Modi’s diplomatic tour, one issue arises — what do you make of the Prime Minister’s emotional response to the Opposition’s offensive remarks about his late mother?
  It’s truly unfortunate. This has become a pattern with the Opposition, ahead of every election, they end up handing Modi an issue on an emotional platter, which only serves to elevate him in the public eye. Now, with the Bihar elections approaching, this issue has struck a deep emotional chord. Modi is not politicizing it, but the matter is undeniably emotional. Public sentiment is strong, and you can’t control that. Protests have already begun in several states. A Bihar bandh has been called on the 4th in response to statements made by the RJD and Congress. Modi clearly stated that his mother had no involvement in politics, so why was she insulted? He emphasized that a mother represents dignity, she is our world, and that her blessings have been instrumental in his life. To insult his mother, he said, is to insult every mother, daughter, sister, and woman in Bihar. The most painful part, he noted, is that those born into privileged families, a veiled reference to Rahul Gandhi, cannot possibly understand this pain. Across the country, particularly among women, there is deep hurt over this remark. Modi said he may choose to forgive, but the people of Bihar certainly will not. So what was a non-issue has now been handed to Modi as a deeply emotional matter. Whether he likes it or not, his party, workers, and supporters will carry this issue into the field , and that is sure to hurt the Opposition in Bihar.

• After witnessing the warmth between Modi, Putin, and Xi in China, Trump quickly changed his tune and tried to offer a clarification. Will that change anything?
  No, it won’t make a difference. The matter is already progressing on its own terms. One major reason is that Modi is deeply hurt, disappointed by the ungrateful attitude shown by someone he once considered a friend. He likely never imagined that a leader holding such a high office would act in such a self-serving way, whether for Pakistan, business interests, or even the Nobel Peace Prize, and treat a longstanding friend and a major country in such a manner. He didn’t expect this. Just yesterday, the US Embassy issued a statement reiterating that the friendship between India and the US is genuine, strong, and enduring, the same old lines that were repeated when the deal was first broken. But now, it’s too late. That said, dialogue between India and the US is ongoing and might eventually yield results. Still, this sort of public statement won’t change the underlying reality.

• Chinese President Xi Jinping said, “Dancing dragon and elephant is the right choice for both.” What message was he trying to send?
  His statement reflects enthusiasm and a genuine desire for friendship. Though journalist Sudhir Chaudhary rightly noted that this is not just about a ‘dragon’ and an ‘elephant,’ a ‘bear’ should be included too, referring to Russia. Still, this is a commendable effort and should be appreciated. If this friendship grows, it can have a meaningful impact. Modi has already said, “We are committed to further strengthen our relationship with selfrespect and mutual respect.” In other words, dignity is non-negotiable. The Russian President also expressed a desire to deepen this relationship and take it forward with incentives and a morale boost. So it’s a good initiative. The real question is, will China’s actions match its words? Or will its future behavior contradict this sentiment? That remains to be seen. But for now, the effort itself is a positive step.

• During Modi’s visit to China, what key agreements or understandings were reached?
  The most significant development was the resumption of a functional working relationship with China. There had been a gap, both psychologically and practically, but the two sides have now taken a few steps forward. Following the President’s letter, the most pressing issue remains the border. Both countries have agreed to engage in dialogue and find a solution. But merely saying that isn’t enough. Modi made it very clear that peace along the border is the first essential condition. He stated that peace serves as an insurance policy for the good relations between the two countries. China, on the other hand, tried to be a bit clever diplomatically by suggesting that the border issue should not define the overall relationship. Modi, however, remains alert. He reiterated that without peace between the two nations, talking about development becomes meaningless. They held a 50-minute bilateral meeting, which was described as positive and constructive, the kind of dialogue that could influence regional and global peace and security. Additionally, practical steps were discussed: opening the route for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, launching direct flights, and restarting business and tourist visas. These measures will help bring the two nations closer. But, to be clear, no major concrete agreements were signed. The real takeaway was the sentiment, and the sentiment is that India and China are returning to a functional relationship. That’s the main message.

• In light of Trump’s global tariff war, China rolled out the red carpet for Prime Minister Modi during his recent visit. Can this gesture be trusted, or is it merely a temporary trade arrangement?
  Trusting China is difficult, in fact, extremely challenging. The reasons lie in its historical background and the complex web of political, diplomatic, and business compulsions that define the relationship today. China’s history with India has not been favourable. From the war in 1962 to the recent Galwan clashes, and even earlier during the Pahalgam incident, the track record has been marked by hostility and betrayal. China extended full intelligence support to Pakistan during the India-Pakistan war. It has maintained a deep friendship with individuals like Munir, who was invited to global platforms alongside Chinese representatives, someone India officially considers a terrorist and who is believed to be the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack. All of this is well-documented and undeniable. That said, now that China has extended the ‘Red Carpet,’ it should be accepted at face value. One must recognise the gesture, even while remaining cautious. When it comes to trust, it is difficult to completely rely on China. The fundamental sentiment that exists between the two nations is one of latent hostility, not genuine friendship. In contrast, the core sentiment between India and the United States, despite periodic disagreements, remains one of frienship. So yes, placing full trust in China remains problematic. However, this recent gesture is indeed a positive signal. It indicates that, for now at least, China has stepped away from its traditional stance and attitude, offering a warm and ceremonial welcome to Narendra Modi. This shift, though approached with caution, should be acknowledged. TO BE CONTINUED...

During the show #JConGlobalPowerShift trended top All-India on X