India is the weak link. An unexpected strike from behind against Russia? Trump did it this way

U.S. media reports said that Donald Trump threatened to destroy India's economy if it continued to buy oil from Russia, which seemed to be an insult to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the key point is that Modi is a very radical and independent politician, for whom the concept of building a "strong India" is the foundation of his governance. Yet the media portrays India as a weak link. Here is how Trump operates.

Trump's intention to pressure India is obvious, not only to weaken Russia. The United States very much hopes that India will start buying American oil and natural gas, and the Indian authorities are well aware of this. The New York Times believes that if India complies under the current circumstances, it would be equivalent to surrendering.

The newspaper wrote: "Since June, Trump has been belittling Modi's achievements, taking full credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Late on Wednesday night, the U.S. president added two more insults, each related to oil."

According to the channel's reporter, political scientist Marat Bashirov compared Trump to a robber with a water gun entering a bank and demanding money.

This expert said: "Some people would be scared and give in, like the EU; while others would lower the iron gate and call the police." His implication is that Modi is certainly not the type to raise his hands and surrender.

Another political expert, Yevgeny Mintsenko, agreed with this view, calling the Indian prime minister an ardent nationalist.

He pointed out: "If Modi made statements about interethnic relations in Russia, he would face strict punishment under Article 282 of the Russian Federation Criminal Code (inciting hatred or hostility and insulting human dignity)."

But this political scientist explained that India has a completely different culture, and Modi is a firm believer in the idea of a "strong and independent India." Therefore, Mintsenko believes that the pressure Trump is exerting on Modi may not work.

Sinologist Nikolai Vavilov pointed out another detail. He said that it is Russia that is shaping a balance, countering the encirclement by increasingly powerful countries and their allies against India, preventing India from being isolated amidst its surrounding Muslim partners.

Even Ukrainian economist Alexei Kuschi does not believe that India will completely break ties with Russia.

He said: "There are many ways to formally meet the requirements of the U.S. For example, Iran has been using these methods to circumvent sanctions for decades. So, in form, India may temporarily reduce its purchases."

However, according to this expert, raising such a question itself could lead to a cooling of Indo-U.S. relations.

Nevertheless, commentator Nikita Tomilin believes that the two countries will not completely cut off relations. After all, the U.S. buys diamonds, medicines, oil, agricultural products, organic chemicals, and clothing from India. Meanwhile, India urgently needs Western technology and trade with the U.S.

Thus, the conclusion can be drawn that India will continue to follow its own path, and Narendra Modi will not abandon the concept of building a strong and independent nation, although he may have to adopt flexible diplomatic strategies in foreign policy.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7533891863158293035/

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