"India, Japan chalk out a roadmap for coming years," says Modi ::: "Political stability, policy predictability, commitment to reforms and Ease of Doing Business gave confidence to investors in Indian market"

 India-Japan ties scale new heights :  

At meeting with Modi, Japan says it will invest $68 billion in India over 10 yrs 

The two Prime Ministers Ishiba and Modi launched the Economic Security Initiative at their annual bilateral summit in Tokyo to ensure supply chain resilience in strategic sectors.

Key focus was on semiconductors, telecom, pharmaceuticals and emerging technologies. Both sides also finalised a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to guide joint efforts to respond to contemporary defence challenges.

"The 15th India-Japan Annual Summit was held in Tokyo earlier this evening. PM Ishiba and I reviewed the full range of bilateral ties between our nations and agreed to further strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. 

We chalked out a roadmap for the coming years which will focus on sectors like investment, innovation, environment, technology, health, mobility, people-to-people exchanges and state-prefecture partnerships," PM Modi tweeted.   4. 

Prime Minister Ishiba, in his address, noted the interest of Japanese companies in forming partnerships between Indian talent and Japanese technology to build resilient supply chains. 

He underlined three priorities between India and Japan: 

- Strengthening P2P partnerships, 

- Fusion of technology, green initiatives and market, 

and - Cooperation in critical sectors of high and emerging technologies, in particular semiconductor.  

External Affairs Ministry explains key takeaways

Both sides launched an economic security initiative, which identifies five priority sectors that will receive concentrated attention from the two sides, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

These sectors are semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, information and communication technologies, and clean energy. Both Prime Ministers launched the 'Japan-India AI Initiative', which will strengthen collaboration on large language models, data centres, and AI governance.

PM Modi also invited Prime Minister Ishiba for the AI Impact Summit, which India is hosting in February 2026. Both the Prime Ministers decided to launch the India Kansai Business Forum and the India Kyushu Business Forum to induce more energy into our business linkages at the grassroots level, he added. 

"Political stability, policy predictability, commitment to reforms and Ease of Doing Business efforts gave a new confidence to investors in the Indian market," said Modi.   

Both PMs referred to Japan’s target of 10 trillion yen in private investments in India over 10 years, with Ishiba saying that Tokyo would promote cooperation in space, next-generation mobility and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway, a flagship project for the two sides. 

Japan’s earlier investment target of 5 trillion yen ($34 billion) during 2022-26 was achieved two years ahead of schedule.

According to a joint statement, Ishiba requested the Indian side to continue its regulatory and other reforms to allow Japanese companies to deepen their supply chains in India. Modi “recalled his intent to carry out additional regulatory and other reforms to facilitate investment into India and invited more Japanese businesses to avail of these,” the statement said.

Gujarat -- as always on the move --- Ahmedabad gearing up for 2030 Commonwealth Games

Remember the Commonwealth Games hosted in New Delhi.

It will be probably remembered for Corruption. 

Now all eyes for 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad 

Reports say Ahmedabad -- the traders' paradise -- is expected to stage many tournaments in the years ahead as the city prepares to showcase its preparedness to stage the 2036 Olympics.

It is also learnt that the union cabinet is likely back the moves for bringing the 2030 Commonwealth Games to India.

Ahmedabad is likely to be the host city and hence "fresh momentum" is visible in the efforts to expand the city’s world class sports and urban infrastructure.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave will be the central venue of the Commonwealth Games 2030, reported 'Hindustan Times'.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave will be the central venue, anchored by the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, the world’s largest cricket ground with a capacity of over one lakh.

The city has already started demonstrating its capability to host global events. 

The weeklong Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship 2025 opened on August 24 at the newly completed Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura.

About 300 lifters from 30 Commonwealth nations and territories are competing across senior and age categories with 144 medals at stake. The competition serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

This complex has been developed as a multi-sport hub with an aquatics centre, an indoor multisport arena, a Centre for Sports Excellence, and community sports facilities built at a projected cost of around Rs 850 crore.

The Asian Aquatics Championship is also scheduled for September-October at facilities within the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel enclave, a 300-acre complex.

The enclave will include a football stadium, aquatics centre, 18,000-seat indoor arena, Athletes Village and hotels. The enclave can serve as an Athletes’ Village for 3000 athletes.

Gujarat Sports Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (GSID), the nodal agency for the development of sports infrastructure in the state, will build six sports complexes at a budget of around Rs 6000 crore, a majority of which will go for the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave in Motera.  

A multimodal transport hub is being built in Ahmedabad and state capital Gandhinagar, which includes Western Railway tracks and city bus services. 

Apart from this, mega sports infrastructure has been planned in an area of one lakh square meters on SG Highway, which will connect areas like Ambli, Ghuma, Jodhpur, Shella and Vejalpur.

There is also a plan to develop five small cities around Ahmedabad (Kalol, Sanand, Dahegam, Bareja, Mehmedabad) as satellite towns, which will give a boost to the preparations for the mega sporting event.

Apart from the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave and Naranpura stadium, work is on at the Gujarat Police Academy in Karai where a 143-acre site is being transformed into a sports hub. 

It will house an athletics stadium and facility for hosting Rugby 7s and football. An indoor multipurpose arena is designed for weightlifting and other events, alongside an integrated shooting centre for amateur and professional shooters.

With the Sabarmati riverfront currently under construction in Phase-II, it can be a suitable place for events like water sports.

It is planned to build international standard infrastructure on a stretch of 2 km on the riverfront, in which a water barrage is being constructed, he added. At Sanskardham educational institute in Ahmedabad, infrastructure is being developed for combat sports.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) also plans to build five large sports complexes with an estimated budget of ₹200 to 250 crore.

In 2026, the city will host the Asian Weightlifting Championship and the Archery Asia Para Cup, while in 2029 it will stage the World Police and Fire Games across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Ekta Nagar. 

From November 22 to 30, 2026, The Arena by TransStadia in Ahmedabad will host all Group D matches of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

** 

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences to promote local investments and boost district economies, with the first event in Mehsana.

Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday launched the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences, aiming to take the flagship Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit to the grassroots level.

The initiative is designed to promote local investments in line with the Centre’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel said, addressing the gathering in Gandhinagar. The initiative is designed to promote local investments in line with the Centre’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, he said, addressing the gathering in Gandhinagar.

“The regional conference will provide opportunities to establish industries in districts with strong development potential. This will not only boost local economies but also help create quality products that improve each district’s brand image. 

Thus, the benefits of development will truly reach every part of the state, fulfilling the vision of Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas, Sauno Vishvas, Sauno Prayas,” Patel said.

The launch event, attended by industry minister Balvantsinh Rajput, agriculture minister Raghavji Patel, and minister of state Bhikhusinhji Parmar, also saw the unveiling of the conference’s logo, website, and mobile application. 

These digital tools are designed to serve as a one-stop solution for updates, registrations, and information on regional events.

ends 

World is changing :::: So are Nagas !! Naga Students' Federation (NSF) gets its first Zeliagrong President .... Path breaking in more ways than one in ritual-tribal sense of the term :: "It opens windows of the mind"

For long in our contemporary world the US dollar has been considered to be the second safest asset after Gold. 

In the world of the human race - there has always been a third element 

- 'my own man ... my villager' and so on.

In the land of the Nagas - no Zeliangrong youth ever made it to the presidentship of the influential Naga Students' Federation (NSF).

                                                           New NSF President ::: Mteisuding Zeliang

The NSF was established on Oct 29, 1947.

The circa 2025 has proved to be an exception.

One veteran north-east watcher in the national capital region declined to comment (on record) on the seismic episode. He merely said -- 

"Like some good books, this chapter in Naga life should open windows of the mind". 

Quite a powerful statement.

In any kind of elections - the real polity comes into play. That's 'power politics' in the corridors of movers and shakers. Hence students' union (federation) elections in Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam have been key socio-political episodes in the past too.

In Assam, the AASU leaders floated AGP after they inked the famous Assam Accord with the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1985.     

List of office bearers (initial reports reaching Delhi)

NSF executives for tenure 2025-2027

President : Mteisuding Zeliang

"Congratulations to Mr Mteisuding Heraang on being elected as the President of the Naga Students’ Federation for the tenure 2025–27. May he lead with dedication, vision, and strength, and may his tenure bring meaningful progress for the student community and the society at large," 

- tweeted Nagaland deputy chief minister Y Patton. 

Vice PRESIDENT: Vimeyiekho Vitso

General Secretary: Kenilo Kent 

Asst. gen secy - Veze Tunyi 

Secretary Social and Culture : Thejalhoukho Thomas Khawakhrie

Secretary Education: Ajo Tsela 

Secretary Finance : Katho P Awomi 

Secretary Publicity & Information : Temjentoshi 

Speaker Federal Assembly : Mariko O. Leriina 

In the fiercely contest for NSF president's post there were four candidates.

Mteisuiding from All Zeliangrong Students' Union (AZSU) could humble three others in the four-cornered contest as he polled 14 votes, reports said.

Chumben from Lotha Students' Union managed 2 votes

Ineka Awomi from Sumi/SKK was the nearest rival of the new president as he polled 12 votes 

and Benjong Lonchar from the Ao Students' Conference (AKM) finished third having bagged 6 votes.

There must be some long-term and short-term messages of this year's election for the NSF office bearers. 

All eyes were on two candidates - as reports suggested - Ineka Awomi and Benjong Lonchar. And certainly they gave a good fight.

All elections leave an impact.

This year's election for NSF top executives assume significance as with any kind of electoral battle (small and big at the level of pressure groups like student bodies or business chambers) -- there may be a possibility of introducing 'untended' changes along with the intended transitions. 

ends 

Outwitting the Stars !! Trump's 'personal whims' behind Tariffs game ::::: First few months in new fiscal ... India's GDP growth accelerates to 7.8% ::::: Past and Future colliding yet again for Narendra Modi

Denied 'credit' for brokering Peace with Pakistan ... Trump taking out his grudge on India and Narendra Modi, says US financial services Jefferies group.  

Japanese tech and Indian talent a winning combination, says Modi in Tokyo

At the core of our vision are: investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and state-prefecture partnerships," PM Modi said in presence of Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba.

India's GDP growth accelerates to 7.8% in Q1 FY26, beats estimates

The latest GDP data shows that India's economy started the financial year 2025-26 on a strong note, with overall GDP growth ahead of expectations amid global headwinds. 

The good news came at the right moment. PM Modi is exploring new roadmaps with Japan.

He will soon visit China and meet Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin besides other SCO players.

At such a juncture came the news -- India’s economy grew at 7.8% in the first quarter of the financial year 2025-26.

The data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) comes amid global headwinds, especially the 50% tariff from the US.

This is higher than the 6.5% growth recorded in the same quarter last year. The strong performance was led by the services sector, which supported the overall Gross Value Added (GVA) growth of 7.6% during the April to June quarter.

India has multiple challenges almost throughout its history. It is often hit by instabilities in the neighbourhood  - Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and also Nepal. In other times; it is held hostage to its own history. The history of multiple issues with Pakistan, Bangladesh and also China. 

Yet the journey continues. It has to continue unabated. In May this year, it attacked Pakistan to eliminate terror hubs - responsible for massacre of 25 Hindu tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. Around the same day -- India concluded a landmark trade pact with the United Kingdom.

Now on Aug 29th-30 and beyond ... PM Modi is again besieged with the Future and the Past colliding.

India is now keen for an enhanced ties with Japan and Russia and it wants a mega improvement in relations with China.  

Some news have a soothing touch and yet have an impact that should take you back to the policy engine rooms. 

One such episode is a claim made by Jefferies services.

The latest report by Jefferies says Donald Trump's 'personal pique' saw the US impose a 50% tariff on India, the highest among American trading partners.   

"Tariffs are primarily the consequence of the American president's personal pique that he was not allowed to play a role in seeking to end the long-running acrimony between India and Pakistan," the report said. 

India has repeatedly maintained that it is not open to any sort of third-party mediation, particularly in its long-running dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir.

Despite being well aware of India's position, Trump, a master of political theatre, went on to boast that he had prevented a "nuclear war" between nuke-powers India and Pakistan by threatening to impose tariffs if they did not agree to a ceasefire. 

Such a stance was unacceptable to India.  There has been a limited appetite for New Delhi to entertain such a stance even it came from world's most powerful president.  

The Jefferies report claims Trump’s desire to position himself as a global peacemaker, potentially a Nobel Peace Prize candidate, was thwarted when India negated his claim.

New Delhi stuck to its long-standing policy of rejecting any third-party intervention in its issues with Pakistan.  

“India has never accepted third-party intervention in its relations with Pakistan, and this remains a ‘red line’ despite the economic costs of depriving the 47th American president of one of his opportunities to win the Nobel Peace Prize,” the report noted.

ends 

Storm Clouds Spread !! Nagaland CM Rio is 'fourth richest chief minister' ... but my Angami friend counters "misa na kobi na"

Recently I shared a data with an Angami friend from Southern Angami.

I said Nagaland Chief Minister is the 'fourth richest' Chief Minister in India. "Misa na kobi na" -- he responded.

He reminded me our old friend in All India Radio, Kohima -- of 1990s. -- Mr Zhasa.

Once 'evening hours' he lost cool with a Bihari typist for typing Jamir -- with small 'j'.

Zhasa screamed - "Do not insult Nagas". The typist was a smart operator. He kept silent and gazed towards me. I indicated that Zhasa was already in 'evening mood'. He continued to keep silent. Zhasa smelt the rat and he turned towards me and said "Mr Nirendra ... you pay me Rs 100 for drink. I am angry. This typist has insulted Nagas".

The matter ended.   

Now my new friend from Southern Angami is not at all convinced that Chief Minister Rio has properties and cash - worth Rs 46.95 crore. He countered - Indian media is always biased.

"Do not insult Nagas ..," he said suggesting such a paltry sum may be even with half a dozen MLAs.

I still tried to convince him saying that the data has come Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), -- and its not a media house. It is not linked to the RSS or any temple trust.

It deals with all these statistics throughout the year and goes by whatever is available on papers. I told my friend - as a north-easterner he should be happy that --  

Pema Khandu, at just 44, is the wealthiest politician in the Northeast and the second richest CM in India. 

My friend gave another googly -- "Pema Khandu is an ex Congressman and joined BJP. Rio is also an ex-Congressman but he joined regionalist and is still leading and financing NDPP - a party floated only in December 2017".  

My experience with Nagas has been; if you open up the other side will surprise you with pots full of information.

The dialogues then have the 'keys' on the locks of imagined thoughts as well. But there will be pre-condition in most cases -- the philosophy and ideology could be 'conditioned' too. 

He my friend lament was - many northern Angami business people and contractors have grown 'richer' since 2003 but "nothing much happened with Southern Angami people".  

Coming to ADR revelations -- Khandu has declared assets worth Rs 332.56 crore, and is the nation’s second-wealthiest chief minister. 

Neiphiu Rio with assets amounting to Rs 46.95 crore, occupies the fourth position in the national ranking.

According to ADR, TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu tops the list with assets of over Rs 931 crore. 

A happy cabbage farmer in Garo Hills, Meghalaya - my discovery in 2023

At present there is a challenge before the Modi government on economic front. This is also the time when stakeholders in Delhi and in India's security establishment are talking much about 'shadow economy' that is driving insurgency 'again' in the north east. Obviously the Govt of India wants to fight that strongly. There is an old saying -- Every crisis in effect can produce a system with greater resilience and stability.

India is looking for that 'resilience' and effective leadership at this moment. But all these may come at the cost of some flexibility, as they put it. 

** 

Notably, the Northeast India’s representation in the list of rich chief minister does not stop with these two. 

Assam’s Himanta Biswa Sarma, with Rs 17.27 crore in assets, ranks ninth.

Meghalaya’s Conrad K. Sangma, with Rs 14.06 crore, completes the top ten list. 

In comparison, Tripura’s Manik Saha declared assets worth Rs 13.90 crore, 

Mizoram’s Lalduhoma has around Rs 4.13 crore.

Sikkim’s Prem Singh Tamang approximately Rs 6.69 crore. 

A report in 'Ukhrul Times' states another interesting line --

"These figures highlight both the concentration of wealth among some leaders and the wide disparity among others in the region." 

My southern Angami friend refers to these points and said in his unique style:

"Problems are complex. We have to approach the problems in the spirit Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.... and also Right (correct) is right even if No One is doing it". 

I think overall - I understood what he implied and hence I started appreciating his understanding of the issues and especially the manner he explained it to me. 

Our discussions went on.

He then tried to give his reasoning. 

My friend said there is a "sharp dichotomy". It is like rules-driven lives of hostel boys. In public life -- everybody will talk about fighting corruption. Everybody will say Corruption in north east is a 'discovery' from India as a menace. But in private life at home --

the wrong-doer child and a father will be "pampered and protected and hence will be further spoiled". 

And then he almost flattered me when he said -- 

"I like Nirendra when you keep talking about Boleros. This is where we have gone wrong. Even my wife has cousins with multiple Boleros and she curses me. And look at me -- I do not have a good house even".  

I could sense - a sense of hurt in his heart. A sense of defeatist. 

Some where our discussions had to come to an end.

I said - "I am getting late..".

He smiled. This time there was little bit of Vodka impact. 

"Well, what's happening around Putin and Modi may be good. What's happening in Nagaland ... may be like a blessing in disguise. My state may soon get a wake up call ... fro heaven or hell only time will answer".

"Safe journey Dev.... Namoskar", he said with sincere love and affection in his voice and eyes --- something I miss a lot in India's national capital.

 

ends 

 

Unmasking Real Polity - Time for a new Quad -- J-RIC :::: India needs Tech to exploit Rare Earths :::: Modi's detractors cannot digest that he 'survived' after 10 years and Covid19 ::: They do not see why India will not 'give in' to bullying ::: Russia and China may benefit, but will also bring in gains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan for bilateral talks and Tianjin in China for a regional security (SCO) summit come close on the heels of the US President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian exports to 50%. The American argument being New Delhi’s refusal to stop buying Russian oil. 

If one takes a closer look; India is now at three key countries Russia, China and also Japan to play major role in the global geopolitics. 

Experts say India is believed to hold substantial deposits of rare earths. These are useful in everything -- from smartphones to solar panels. But India will need technology to mine and process them. 

"Namaste, Konnichiwa, Japan," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he addressed the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum in Tokyo on Friday, Aug 29th.

This marks his first standalone visit to Japan in seven years. During talks with the Japanese leadership Modi will push to advance India's national interests, strengthen bilateral ties, and build momentum for broader regional and global cooperation. 

Time for a new Quad -- J-RIC -- Japan, Russia, India and China 

New Delhi is persistently exposing the double standards of the American policy makers as China - the largest importer of Russian oil - has not been taxed.  

Indian officials are not against good ties with the US. But the trust about a grand partnership between world's largest democracy and the most powerful democracy has been shattered. 

Thus, New Delhi will look for avenues to “diversify its partnerships”. This is difficult time no doubt and hence some of these things are easier said than done.

India will never give in to the US pressure on oil imports. Forget the Namo doctrine - a great mix of Moditva style of functioning and a vision to be 'independent power in future'. Even the general public anger in India now against America is high.

The central government has fired its first shot to offset the US tariffs, rolling out an export drive across 40 countries from the UK to South Korea to boost its textile trade.

Modi's first counter to Trump's 50% tariff: Govt moots outreach plans in 40 nations to push textile export. 

Notably, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, 

Italy, Japan, Mexico, 

Poland, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Turkiye, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and the UK are in that list. This shows despite Peter Navarro's ridiculous and childish remarks - Modi's India will not give in. 

The problem for governing India lies elsewhere.

Indian 'intellectuals (guided by self-interests and ego mix) and hence the overwhelming English media and the Congress party's ecosystem and blatantly pro-Muslim and pro-Catholic schools of wisdom do not uphold national interests and pride.

They would rather like to see themselves as anti-Hindutva and anti-India (at times) because that offer provisions to appear as global Seminarists. 

That an Indian PM has turned down four tele calls from the US president in office do not enter their wavelength. That wavelength is blinded by Rahul Gandhi's half-baked tantrums.

The allegations from Congress leaders do not merit debate the manner it has been happening especially he declined to sign the affidavit. Rahul's lawyers are at least smarter guys in the town and are cautious !! 

Only global leader who survived Covid19 

Of course the coming Summit in China will be crucial in more ways than one. The bilaterals with Xi Jinping and probably also with Vladimir Putin could redefine many aspects of emerging global ties.  

Team Modi believes the photos of Indian Prime Minister and the bear hugs (likely) standing alongside Xi and Putin will send a pointed message to Donald Trump.

It is worth taking note that heading to China, Modi travels to Tokyo for the India-Japan annual summit.

Talks with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba; in the light of the US tariffs, will seek to deepen relations in defence, Artificial Intelligence, other areas of technology and bi-tech. 

In other words, enhanced investment from  Japan will signal a cushion vis-a-vis the 'blow' of lost US market access.

Japanese companies are set to invest up to ¥10tn ($68bn) in India in the next decade. The Suzuki Motor pledged to pump in about $8bn over the next five  years.

Recently, Modi visited a Suzuki plant for inauguration of a mega project. He said Japan and India were partners “made for each other”.  

Into other areas of debate --  Russia stands to benefit from India’s rift with the US.

New Delhi was sees the Indo-Russia relationship as more 'vital than ever' for balancing ties with the west.

Putin brings in ensured energy security and of course can diversify military hardware purchases rather easily. 

In terms of working out new ties both India and China will be cautious. All of a sudden - everything from the legacy memories cannot be junked.  

Historical mistrust will remain -- and both sides will do well to remember this.

But in circa 2025 things have changed a lot. If Delhi and Beijing can create a measure of stability and predictability -- that will be no small achievement.

Beijing and New Delhi should eye practical gains and try to get over this Washington-inflicted damages.  For Modi; Trump's new tantrumshave brought in immense economic blow.

The US is India’s biggest export market at $86.5bn a year. The data is four times larger than we have from trade with Russia and China put together.

Moreover; two-thirds of Modi's trade with the US -- about $60.2bn in goods – is now subject to the new duties.

Textiles to jewellery -- are labour-intensive sectors and hence Modi's worries have increased manifold.

But it is generally appreciated that even before the tariffs, India and China had been cautiously warming to each other. New Delhi has kept an eye on Beijing since 2017-18 as a source of investment and technology.

"Relations froze after a deadly clash along their disputed Himalayan border in 2020 but began to thaw when Modi and Xi met in person for the first time in four years at a BRICS Summit in Russia in October," says a report in London's 'The Guardian'. 

Now, the US-India crisis has given Modi good cause to accelerate efforts to ease tensions. An effort is under way to see if India and China can reach some sort of new equilibrium.

Both recognise that the world order is in flux. 

ends 

  

Another media survey has come ::: "India Today's" Mood of the Nation study claims Modi-led NDA may win 324 seats up from 293 in 2024; and Opposition seats could fall from 234 to 208

 Mood of the Nation with Modi, 300+ seats for NDA if Lok Sabha polls held today

Thus if the survey can reflect any pulse, as is claimed, Narendra Modi-led NDA (BJP and its allies) is likely to put up a dominant show and win 324 seats if the Lok Sabha elections are held today.

As per the Mood of the Nation survey; the Congress-led opposition alliance, which "gave the NDA a run for its money in 2024", is projected to be down to 208 from 234. 

Hence Modi is retaining its hold.

These survey reports would be interesting as they come amid tariffs war with the US - a chapter that will leave adverse fallout on growth trajectory and also the job scene. But there are other factors which may help Modi sail through yet again.

Modi's tough image and of a decisive leader is coming to his rescue -- we can say without relating the opinion to the survey per se. 

A video in circulation from Morgan Freeman says -- the Modi Govt has "turned the table" on US president Donald Trump.

It was a tough call. "India has reminded the global community that it is not just the participant in history.

It is a creator of history" -- says Morgan in the video. His argument is not only that India took a path of defiance and going against worldly wisdom - but it showed an "audacity". Here its means determination and guts. 

"This was a move made without hesitation," says Morgan alluding to PM Modi's firm no to the US president on giving easy or free access to American goods in India.  

New Delhi also did not fear the 'consequences' of its actions. That means India is not looking for any nod or validation from external powers. 

The 'India Today' survey says -- if seen party-wise, the survey predicts that if a general election was held now, the BJP would secure 260 seats but still fall short of getting a simple majority of its own. 

This is a sharp fall from the 281 seats that the MOTN survey predicted in its February edition.

It has coincided with the NDA tally seeing a dip from the numbers projected by the MOTN survey in February - from 343 seats to 324.

According to survey; the NDA will also see a rise in its vote share to 46.7%. It got 44% of the votes in 2024. 

For the opposition; the survey predicts a 40.9% vote share.

"For the Congress, the MOTN survey predicts 97 seats - a minimal difference from the 99 it won in the 2024 polls. However, if compared to the February MOTN projection of 78 seats, it marks a gradual shift for the party that has gone hammer and tongs against the BJP over its "vote chori" claim," says the report i 'India Today' website. 

Analysts also say that the manner things have been handled show even the US is realizing the 'importance' of being India.

There was a time most allies of the US were 'clearly dependent' on Washington. But this model is now virtually destructed. And India's decision to reject Trump's hegemony is responsible for the new era we are in. The US understands the importance of 'independent powers' such as India. 

The fact of the matter is India has something that most American allies do not have. This is the real game-changer. And this is the reason for 'confidence' of the Modi government and its ecosystem -- often called the Modi Bhakts. It is argued by many across the world today that India's "ability to say know" will have a magical impact.  

This is something the Congress and opposition parties are not realising.

They forget that exactly 10 years back - in 2015 -- the Congress slogan was 'intolerance'. This and also much rhetoric on Sickularism (distorted and pro-Muslim secularism) have done vanishing act. 

So between India and the US -- a magical partnership was working so long.

The 'strategic independence' with democratic values.

Military capabilities combined with Defence doctrine(s)

Economic growth with Technological innovation and 

- Civlisational confidence combined with practical cooperation. 

(** Hence the take away is Modi is going strong because his has been a result-oriented leadership.   

Blogger in Parliament premises 

So Americans realise loosing out India will be a long term 'loosing side' game for the US. 

Prime Minister Modi's  handling of China is something that is applauded by experts.

 

During the ensuing SCO Summit; it’s possible to see meaningful moves on the sidelines. 

Back in 2017, at a Group of 20 (G-20) leaders summit in Hamburg, Germany, Modi walked up to Xi Jinping to "directly resolve" a standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers at Doklam near the border between the two nations and Bhutan.

Modi told Xi the border tensions weren’t in either country’s interest, .

Xi could not help agree more. The tense 74-day standoff ended a few days later.

"The frank exchange, one of almost 20 encounters over the years, has made Modi one of Xi’s most frequent interlocutors behind Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Even back when Modi was running the western state of Gujarat, Beijing hosted him several times, including at the Great Hall of the People," says a Bloomberg report.

Cui Hongjian, a former Chinese diplomat who worked in the Chinese consulate in Mumbai from 2004 to 2007, said he expects Xi will tread cautiously and only play a more important public role once relations are improved.

Ends