Tharoor Cautions on Modi’s Quick Response to Trump’s Remarks

• Shashi Tharoor says PM Modi reacted too quickly to Trump’s “special ties” remark.
• Warns that India cannot easily forget U.S. tariffs and humiliation.
• Stresses need for “serious repair work” by diplomats on both sides.
• Defends India’s oil trade with Russia, citing sovereignty and global precedent.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th Sep: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments on India-U.S. ties, cautioning that while goodwill is welcome, both governments and diplomats have “serious repair work” to do.

Tharoor noted that PM Modi had “very quickly” responded to Trump’s statement that India and the U.S. share a “very special relationship,” but warned that Indians cannot so soon forgive the “hurt and humiliation” inflicted by Washington’s recent trade actions, particularly the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian exports.

“Trump’s temperament is volatile, and his comments have caused pain and insult in our country. We cannot forget so easily, especially when people on the ground are facing the consequences,” Tharoor told ANI. He added that while the sentiment of friendship is appreciated, a cautious approach is necessary.

On the U.S. criticism of India’s oil imports from Russia, Tharoor defended New Delhi’s stance, saying India acted with “maturity” and was even encouraged in the past by Washington to stabilize global oil prices through Russian imports. “It is unfair to single out India when China, Turkey, and even Europe continue to trade far more with Russia,” he said, underscoring India’s right to sovereign decision-making.

Tharoor concluded that while U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s remarks about India eventually “coming back to the table” reflect pressure, India must assert its autonomy. “We are a sovereign nation, and like the U.S., we will take sovereign decisions,” he stressed.