Pakistan, Feb. 16 -- To what extent Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi managed to excel in his hug-diplomacy would depend on whatsoever becomes of the prickly policies discussed in the White House. Much of the public appearances seemed dedicated to affirming their commitment to one another, with Trump applauding Modi as a "great leader" and Modi calling him a "friend." But while the fate of reciprocal tariffs and strict immigration policies (with military aircraft dropping illegal immigrants in Amritsar) is still in limbo, their excited collaboration marks a defining moment in international relations, one that could potentially reshape the region's power dynamics and Pakistan's place within them.

With military cooperation between the U....