Srinagar, Feb. 11 -- Last time Donald Trump was president, ties between the United States and Indiaflourished. But the bilateral relationship began tofrayduringJoe Biden's presidency, owing not least to divisions over the Ukraine war. Will Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest meeting with Trump at the White House mark the first step toward restoring this critical relationship?

Trump hasmade no secretof his conviction that personal bonds between leaders can underpin stronger bilateral relationships. And he and Modi certainly share an affinity: both are nationalist politicians who love little more than to please a roaring crowd with elaborate theatrics. In September 2019, the two came together for apublic rallyin Houston, attended ...