Not long ago, Donald Trump was the most adorned American personality in India.
Among Modi Bhagats and the wider BJP Parivar, Trump wasn’t just a leader; he was a living deity. He was the crown jewel in the BJP Parivar’s imported idol collection.
Special havans and yagnas were organized for his victories in 2016 and again in 2024. In Telangana, a six-foot idol of the man with the famous hair was installed—a hairstyle even temple priests must have found hard to bless.
Prime Minister Modi, meanwhile, wasn’t shy about wearing his Trump affection on his kurta sleeve. On stage in Houston, he hailed Trump as a “true friend in the White House” with hugs so tight, they could have doubled as diplomatic bear traps.
But the bromance soured faster than leftover paneer in peak summer heat. Just days before Modi’s planned trip to Washington for Trump’s second-term inauguration, planeloads of Indian immigrants were deported from the U.S.—in shackles. So much for the “special relationship.”
Then came the real body blow: tariffs. First 25%, then hiked to 50%, covering everything from electronics and pharmaceuticals to Basmati rice and Baba Ramdev’s miracle potions. Trump’s latest economic “America First” move now doubles as an economic “India Last” strategy, punishing New Delhi for daring to buy oil from Russia, and fueling Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Bhagats, once singing Trump bhajans, are now muttering curses under their breath. The idol in Telangana is gathering dust, and its caretaker is reported to be dead.
Was this hero worship just Modi’s gamble to curry favor with Washington? If so, it has backfired like a cheap Diwali firecracker—loud, smoky, and leaving everyone coughing.
Now, Modi is left holding not just the tariffs, but a cold diplomatic handshake where a warm hug used to be. And Trump’s Indian followers and overseas in their blind faith feel equally betrayed.
-Promod Puri
Promod Puri.com 