What happens when diplomacy becomes performance? Leaders once negotiated behind closed doors. Today, hugs, handshakes, social media posts and public confrontations can be as consequential as formal negotiations.

It was Christmas Day in 2015. I had just finished lunch in Kabul and was wondering where I might find the high-quality Afghan almonds my wife had specifically instructed me to bring home.

Our official programme had concluded, and we were preparing to fly back to Delhi after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to Russia and Afghanistan. Suddenly, the PM’s Private Secretary burst into my room with an announcement that left everyone stunned.

“Change of plans,” he said. “We’re not going back to Delhi. The Prime Minister has decided to fly to Lahore instead. He wants to wish Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif personally on his birthday.”