Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision not to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur on account of Diwali-related engagements has raised eyebrows, though it has surprised few in the diplomatic circuit. The reason is not far to seek. His absence conveniently avoids an awkward meeting with US President Donald Trump, who is attending the summit. This is not the first time that Modi has chosen to sidestep Trump. On a previous occasion, while addressing a rally in Odisha, he famously told the crowd that he preferred to spend time with the people of Odisha rather than attend a White House event with the US President. Behind such political theatre lies a serious diplomatic dilemma.

Trump has been persistently embarrassing the Indian leadership with his

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