Pomp and Circumstance: The Challenge and Complexity of Engaging India

Pundits, scholars and even decision makers following President Obama's visit to India might have gotten the impression that the president's trip was a little short on substance. India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, had invited Barack Obama to attend the colorful Republic Day Parade, which celebrates the adoption of India's constitution. Prior to attending the parade, which was enough of a show in itself, President Obama also paid a visit to the shrine that holds Mahatma Gandhi's ashes. A stop-over at the Taj Mahal, India's renowned monument, was cancelled because the president wanted to attend King Abdullah's funeral. In light of this schedule, one inevitably has to wonder whether symbolism was valued over substance....

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