Richard Wellesley famously said that India needed to be governed from a palace instead of a country house. That happened and the President of India lives there today.
US President @realDonaldTrump's cavalcade arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan for ceremonial reception@POTUS @PMOIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @USAmbIndia @PressSec@robertcobrien@Scavino45#TrumpIndiaVisit— DD India (@DDIndialive) February 25, 2020
Watch #TrumpIndiaVisit on DD India LIVE: https://t.co/FIqrREvyOE pic.twitter.com/Uw2tyuOx1Q
President Trump and America's First Lady were welcomed to Rashtrapati Bhavan by a ceremonial guard of honor and a 21 gun salute. The spirit of the Raj loomed large and you have to wonder at the thing; the Mall, Rotten Row, an Edwardian Baroque Blenheim Palace (?) and the Cotswolds all supersized and rolled in with India to fit the dignity of their Imperial Majesties and Viceroy.
So 45 was welcomed by Lancers, yes they still exist, Gurkhas and a formation made up of members from the three services. Stirring, at least for me, at every level. But was anything missing?
US President @realDonaldTrump greeted with 21- GUN in an honourable welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan@POTUS @PMOIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @USAmbIndia @PressSec@robertcobrien@Scavino45— DD India (@DDIndialive) February 25, 2020
Watch #TrumpIndiaVisit on DD India LIVE: https://t.co/FIqrREvyOE pic.twitter.com/8bztoQ5Bwz
Yes, surely Trump and the First Lady would've looked better in uniform and in a carriage, more in keeping with their cavalry escort than the Beast, awesome as that is. Also, and it's a big also, the Viceroy wasn't there because there isn't one.
Too bad, Great Britain, for not realizing the Commonwealth vision that could have been and might still be. In the meanwhile, well done President Trump and Melania for flying the flag and keeping America great. Well done India too, for such a welcome.
Your Old Friend,
LSP
