There's something to be said about politesse in politics and being diplomatic in diplomacy. And one is not just speaking of Donald Trump's message - bereft of any customary words in all-caps - on Wednesday, announcing that he 'looks forward to speak with [his] very good friend, Prime Minister Modi', and that he feels 'certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion' for both countries. One is also talking about the dignified finesse by which Modi, along with members of his government, have reacted over the weeks to the noise, threats and bullying that have emanated 'on tap' from the other side of the fence. The PM responded to this welcome incarnation of the president with the same composure that he has shown all this while, by stating that he was 'confident that [their countries'] trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership', reciprocating with the pixie dust of personal touch that he was 'also looking forward to speaking with President Trump'. Such a composed entete-a-tete deserves (quiet) applause.

Of course, it's too premature to pop the bubbly. But for the unidirectional torrent of hostility to be replaced - at least, as of now - by level-headedness can be interpreted as Washington realising the futility of wanting a major strategic partner to be a pliable stooge. In this, GoI has stood its ground with aplomb. Not only has it held forth against MAGA-bullying, but it also refused to succumb to geopolitical peer pressure, in the sense of towing the Trumpian line some like-minded countries in the EU and Japan have.

While countries - and within the US, companies, especially tech ones - may have resorted to short-term pragmatism by falling over each other to praise Trump to high heaven, they may have dented their own brand equity, and signalled even more pliability. India's sangfroid in the face of Trumpian sound and fury, on the other hand, has been its strongest suit. It has also brought back some sanity to this saloon's poker table.