Modi in sinking sands

After four years of relentless globe-trotting to build up his image as a world leader, Mr Modi's reputation overseas has taken a severe beating

Outside the Palace of Westminster there was a storm of protestors. Inside Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in full cry in one of his well-orchestrated chat shows. The irony of this performance in London this week — titled Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath — seems to have escaped him and his interlocutor, the party’s favoured adman-turned-censor board chief Prasoon Joshi. Some unintentional gems were thrown up. Answering a question on how he stayed fit, Mr Modi said, "For the last 20 years, I’ve been on a special diet. I take 20 kg or 30 kg of criticism daily. That’s the