Since May, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been on a triumphant world tour. In Sydney, as the Indian diaspora chanted Modi's name in an indoor stadium, Anthony Albanese, the star-struck Australian prime minister, said even Bruce Springsteen had not received such a reception at the same venue. 

“Prime Minister Modi," declared Albanese, “is the boss!”

In the United States in late June, Modi's visit was afforded the highest level of ceremony, with President Joe Biden describing the relationship between the two countries as one of “two great powers that can define the course of the 21st Century.” Just last week, Modi was feted at the Bastille Day parade in Paris and was awarded France's highest national honor. It was, Modi tweeted, evidence of the “deep affection” the French hold for India.  

Beneath the diplomatic platitudes and expressions of abiding friendship, though, were rumblings of discontent with how Western governments are choosing to ignore the facts of Modi's divisive reign in India.