Donald Trump's outburst may help government counter charge of 'surrender'

NEW DELHI: From being charged with surrendering to Donald Trump and suspending Operation Sindoor, to being attacked by the US President for not towing his line on the trade deal, events have moved fast for the Narendra Modi govt over the last 48 hours or so.

The US President's unsubstantiated claim that he coerced India into agreeing to cease its offensive against Pakistan embarrassed the Modi govt and gave its opponents a stick to beat it with.

Both PM Narendra Modi's statement that "no world leader" (read Trump) nor the external affair minister's assertion that Trump and Modi did not talk during Operation Sindoor were rejected.

But Trump's outbursts against India may serve to reinforce govt's refutation. India is missing among the countries which have acquiesced to his demands for tariff concessions to make - as the US President said on Truth Social, his megaphone - "the US extremely happy".

While this extractive mercantilist stance is sure to create complications for India, it also presents the Modi govt an opportunity to rebut the "surrender" charge.

The regime, which claims to know how to turn challenges into opportunities, seems to have already made the first moves. On Thursday, commerce minister Piyush Goyal, while using a restrained tone, made it clear that India is not going to compromise on the interests of farmers, dairy sector and micro and small enterprises, referring to the red lines which, sources said, India had drawn during the negotiations and has refused to move from.

The line is going to be sharpened if the stalemate drags on. The "not-at-the-cost-of national interest" bottom line publicly sketched by the Modi govt over the last 24 hours will require it to hold on to it; even at the cost of a US President who is not used to taking a "no" in stride.

A "non compromising" stand will also play well with the larger Sangh Parivar; especially risky affiliates like Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) as well as small traders and entrepreneurs. For BKS, it will be an opportunity to rebut the criticism that farmers' interest are not the priority for BJP. Modi govt enjoys the support of large sections of peasantry; thanks to stipends under Kisan Samman Nidhi and schemes like farm insurance which, after initial hiccups, are giving results.

But it has had to contend with challenges like allegations that were hurled when it tried to change the land acquisition law and bring in farm sector reforms.

Unlike BJP, SJM has always been suspicious of the US and always viewed engagements through the prism of wariness.

A confrontation with the US can also come handily to reassure the party's constituency among small and medium entrepreneurs.