Diplomacy Beyond the Tweet: Why Modi–Trump Redux Demands Substance, Not Sentiment

By Sanjeev Oak

President Trump’s sudden warmth toward Prime Minister Modi may soothe headlines, but as Shashi Tharoor argues, true healing in India–US ties demands far more than social media gestures. Trust, consistency, and policy deliverables—not tweets—will determine the future of this partnership.

A social media olive branch is welcome—but rebuilding a strained alliance requires more than 280 characters.

When President Trump declared he would “always be friends” with Prime Minister Modi—after calling India “lost” to “deepest, darkest China”—it felt less like diplomacy and more like drama. The chasm between his incendiary remarks and conciliatory tone only underscores the volatility of personalized diplomacy.

“True healing will need more than a tweet.” – Shashi Tharoor

Tharoor’s observation cuts to the heart of the matter: platitudes do not erase tariffs, nor do they reverse strategic fatigue. What is required now is not optics but outcomes.

The Limits of Digital Diplomacy

Twitter or Truth Social deliver immediacy—but they cannot recreate trust. Modi’s response on X, acknowledging Trump’s sentiments and reaffirming the “Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” was graceful. Yet, beneath the digital civility lies a strategic treadmill: massive tariffs still hurt Indian exporters, while erratic rhetoric continues to shape uncertainty.

“Diplomatic warmth cannot substitute for policy coherence.”

Consistency Over Charm

India’s response shows a classic contrast between image and substance. While Trump’s warmth is fleeting, New Delhi’s approach remains grounded—guided by national interest and institutional continuity. Its multipolar engagements, measured energy policy, and economic independence reflect strategic autonomy—immune to the heat of verbal shifts.

Roadmap to Real Healing

Tharoor reminds us that true thaw calls for:

• Policy Continuity: A return to structured trade and technology dialogues.
• Strategic Consistency: Deepening Quad and defence cooperation beyond the tweet.
• Institutional Stability: Engaging Washington not for optics but for deliverables.

“Tweets can open doors, but only sustained dialogue builds corridors of trust.”

Why India Doesn’t Chase Tweets

Trump’s inconsistency—from “friendly” overtures to heavy-handed tariff threats—cannot anchor India’s diplomatic strategy. Delhi’s measuring, not mirroring, of tone shows it will neither chase goodwill nor retreat to sentiment. It seeks reciprocity, not recognition.

From Twitter Trenches to Strategic Trust

In his concluding line, Tharoor adds a rich metaphor: politics isn’t T20, but a Test match—India must play the long innings, not swing at headlines. Warmth may pave the way, but only policy, respect, and patience will rebuild a durable alliance.

“This is a starting point—a test of how much the past can be forgiven, and how quickly trust can be rebuilt.”