In an era where diplomatic exchanges are increasingly conducted in the public eye, the conspicuous silence from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in response to US President Joe Biden’s recent “xenophobic” remark about India has raised international eyebrows. This silence is not merely a diplomatic choice; it’s a strategic and calculated move shaped by a complex web of political, economic, and social factors. What drives this silence, and what does it reveal about India’s current political landscape?

At the heart of Modi and Jaishankar’s silence is a strategic calculation about the nature of India’s relationship with the United States. The US is not only a significant trade partner but also a crucial ally in the geopolitical chessboard of the Indo-Pacific region. Escalating a diplomatic spat with the US over Biden’s remarks could jeopardize vital collaborations in defence, technology, and trade.

Moreover, the Modi administration is acutely aware of the broader geopolitical dynamics. The US’s Indo-Pacific strategy seeks to counterbalance China’s rising influence, and India plays a pivotal role in this framework. A public confrontation with the US might weaken this strategic partnership, which is essential for countering regional threats and fostering economic growth.

Domestically, the Modi government faces a delicate balancing act. India is a diverse nation with a complex social fabric, and issues related to minority rights and social cohesion are politically sensitive. Addressing........

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