Shashi Tharoor Praises Modi-Trump Meeting: Tariffs Negotiated, F-35 Jets Offered
In a significant turn of events, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has given a thumbs up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent dialogue with US President Donald Trump, describing the outcomes as “encouraging.” The high-profile meeting at the White House was pivotal, coming right after Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs, which initially raised alarms in India.
PM Modi’s visit focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the US, touching upon critical areas like trade, defense, and immigration. One of the key highlights was the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, linked to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, to India, showing progress in bilateral cooperation on terrorism. Additionally, the US offered to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to India, a move welcomed by Tharoor for enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
Tharoor appreciated the decision to engage in negotiations over tariffs, avoiding hasty decisions that could impact Indian exports. “This way, there is time to discuss and negotiate,” he remarked, indicating a sigh of relief for Indian businesses.
ALSO READ | Ranveer Allahbadia Moves To Supreme Court’s Over Multiple FIRs in ‘India’s Got Latent’
On the contentious issue of illegal immigration, Tharoor supported Modi’s stance but pointed out the harsh treatment of Indian deportees, advocating for more humane procedures. Modi himself acknowledged this concern during the joint press conference, stating, “The only thing missing was the manner in which they were sent back.”.
Tharoor also praised the defense aspect of the talks, highlighting the F-35 deal as a major boost for the Indian Air Force, already equipped with Rafale jets. “With F-35, the IAF should be in very good shape,” he confidently stated, suggesting a significant upgrade in India’s military prowess.
However, Tharoor’s praise came with a caveat regarding the immigration issue, hoping for private assurances on humane treatment in future interactions. Despite this, the overall assessment of the meeting was positive, with Tharoor noting, “We have got all that we could have expected, except for an assurance in the way the migrants were sent back.”
This meeting not only marks a step forward in US-India relations but also sets the stage for continued cooperation and negotiation, particularly in trade and defense. The public and analysts alike will watch closely how these agreements unfold and what they mean for India’s strategic position globally.
