Track I imagination and Track II orthodoxy: How and why New Delhi and Washington, DC, are betting on each other | My piece in @EconomicTimes with a short thread in the following tweets

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Among the earliest sociological studies of Indian cricket was "Patrons, Players and the Crowd", authored by Richard Cashman in the late 1970s. Cashman, an Australian academic and sports fan, wrote the book after being struck by the cricket phenomenon during his stay in India 1/6 Cashman was in India in the 1970s for a very different purpose. He lived in Maharashtra to research his Phd thesis on Tilak and his politics. This was later published as "The Myth of the Lokamanya: Tilak and Mass Politics in Maharashtra". It began a prolific writing career 2/6

On this day 60 years ago, Major Shaitan Singh and 120 immortal soldiers of the C Company of 13 Kumaon, fought to the last man and last bullet in the defence of India. Their incredible valour in the Battle of Rezang La remains one of the most iconic events in military history 1/5 Lacking everything except courage and a sense of duty to India, the men of 13 Kumaon fought off several waves and literally thousands of Chinese. When the bodies were recovered, at least one Indian soldier was found to have died with a grenade in his hand, pin pulled out ... 2/5

After a week of business engagements in the US, I can only marvel at the optimism about India’s economy. It isn’t without problems, but stands out as an outperformer and growth tonic in a tepid global mood. The 2020s are poised to be India’s decade of transformation 1/6 While opportunities abound so do challenges. Unlike China, which grew in a benign post-Cold War environment, India’s rise will intersect with a decade — the Turbulent Twenties, if you will — when geopolitical risk will be appreciable and at its highest in a long time 2/6

As I move out of @MEAIndia after close to three years as Policy Advisor (and about five years in government overall), I must acknowledge the unstinted support and generosity of my seniors and colleagues, led by EAM @DrSJaishankar, FS @AmbVMKwatra and former FS @harshvshringla 1/8 I leave the MEA amid unusual warmth, emotion and goodwill. Whatever course my professional life may take, the principles and strategic priorities of the Ministry will always be with me. Even absent a formal linkage, I will continue to think of myself as part of the MEA family 2/8

Prime Minister @narendramodi's CoP 26 speech was at once realistic, responsible and ambitious. A net zero target year of 2070 means India will among the shortest (if not the shortest) gaps between peak emissions year and net zero year for any major economy or country 1/5 PM Modi's pledge to attain renewables capacity of 500 GW by 2030 needs to be seen in context. Today, India's entire installed capacity is about 390 GW, of which renewables is less than 40 per cent. Essentially India is better on a renewables-driven incremental power capacity 2/5

Some thoughts from the @narendramodi visit to Houston and the upcoming Howdy Modi! event follow. I spent the day at the NRG Stadium watching preparations and rehearsals for the event and it’s cultural component. Also interacted with volunteers from all parts of the US 1/n While @realDonaldTrump will be the obvious star among those on stage with the Indian PM, Modi will also meet and have lunch with some 25 members of Congress, Governors and elected officials representing both Democrats and Republicans. The celebration of India is bipartisan 2/n