On July 29, 1982, Ronald Reagan and Indira Gandhi delivered a joint speech at the lawns of the White House. Here's excerpts of their speeches, first Reagan's, then Gandhi's. The date is important. (1/7)

1982 was one of the Cold War's most dangerous years and America and Soviet Russia were investing every ounce of their might into expanding their respective clouts on the global scene, America through NATO, USSR through Comintern. (2/7)

India, given its geographical proximity to the Cold War's Afghan theater, was sought after by both blocs. The country, however, had ever since independence, maintained its non-alignment under Nehru despite the latter's socialist leanings. (3/7)

At the peak of such hostilities, Ms. Gandhi makes a trip to the US. When the country's under one of its most Rusophobic President ever. And responds to a tacit call for alignment with this:

"One friendship does not come in the way of another. This is not a new stand." (4/7)

All of this without once invoking cheap catchphrases to bolster her image. No 56, no vishwaguru, no crocodile hunting. Just plain, old school leadership. Unadulterated swag, if you will. The only time this swag had a redux was when MMS stood his ground in Iran. (5/7)

You may like Indira Gandhi, you may despise her, or you may be indifferent to her. But do know that this here was a leader that walked into the belly of the beast, made a speech, reiterated her stance, refused to submit, and walked out smiling. (6/7)

Read this thread in the backdrop of what happened between Trump and Modi today. And feel nostalgic about a time we had statesmen and not cheap circus animals running our affairs. Here's the complete video of the White House address:

(7/7)