Initial responses from across the border to the piece were steadied, cautiously praiseful, and deliberate

India is relevant to the world, not only in its size and girth but by its footprint and what matters to the world

Political disenchantment, dysfunction and extreme polarisation has left institutions fully compromised or in disarray

There was a time when years added respect if one hadn’t found it another way and acting old was the key to the mantle

Weak policies must not be let to stray us from what is critical to our needs

Relations with Afghanistan have mostly bordered on superficial, aspirational and delusional

The term ‘hybrid democracy’ gained currency and the army was frequently and openly maligned

The president did not throw the summary back at the PM; military did not take over to ensure only their man made it

People will vote for what and how they believe in the issues that face them

We are a nation de-tracked — socially, politically and economically