Shashi Tharoor on Trump: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has struck a measured note on the evolving India–US relationship, cautioning against rushing into optimism despite former US President Donald Trump’s recent friendly remarks.
Speaking to reporters at Parliament premises in New Delhi on Sunday, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said that while Trump’s “new tone” was welcome, one cannot simply erase the past. “One can’t just forget and forgive so quickly because there are real consequences that Indians are facing on the ground,” Tharoor said.
He was referring to the steep 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Indian exports, alongside disparaging remarks from Trump and his aides, which left diplomatic scars.
“Repair work” needed between India and the US
Shashi Tharoor noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded quickly and warmly to Trump’s recent overtures, underscoring the importance of India–US ties. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also emphasized the strength of the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
But Tharoor reminded both governments that words alone won’t suffice.
“There is some serious repair work that needs to be done by governments and diplomats on both sides. I would welcome this new tone with a spirit of caution,” he said.
#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram: On PM Modi's response to US President Donald Trump speaking positively on India-US relationship, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "The Prime Minister was very quick to respond, and the Foreign Minister has also underscored the importance of the basic… pic.twitter.com/KCi1ZcjBPh
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025
Why Tharoor is urging caution
Tariffs and their fallout
The 50% tariff, enforced from August 27, has already disrupted India’s exports to the United States, valued at more than $48 billion annually. Exporters say the move makes Indian products less competitive compared to goods from Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which face much lower duties in the US market.
- Impact on Indian exporters: Higher costs, reduced competitiveness, risk of losing contracts.
- Impact on bilateral trade: Strain on a partnership projected as “forward-looking” by both governments.
- Impact on public perception: Offence caused by Trump’s rhetoric continues to linger in India.
Diplomatic wounds
Tharoor also highlighted the “insults” and harsh language Trump often directed toward India. “Trump has a fairly mercurial temperament, and what he has been saying has caused some hurt and offence in our country,” Tharoor remarked.
For him, repairing relations is not just about trade balances but also about restoring dignity in the partnership.
Trump and Modi’s friendly exchange
On Friday, Trump described the India–US relationship as “very special” and assured that he and PM Modi “will always be friends.” He stressed that there is “nothing to worry about” between the two nations.
PM Modi quickly responded with warmth. “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Expert analysis: Can words heal trade wounds?
Experts believe Tharoor’s caution reflects a broader sentiment within India’s political and business circles.
- Trade experts argue that removing or reducing tariffs must be the first step toward restoring trust.
- Foreign policy analysts suggest that Trump’s statements often fluctuate, and India should not take the new tone at face value.
- Business leaders warn that Indian exporters are already scouting alternative markets to mitigate risks from the US tariff shock.
Dr. Ananya Gupta, an international trade expert, told The Chandigarh News:
“Diplomatic friendships are important, but at the end of the day, businesses suffer if tariffs remain high. No amount of positive rhetoric can undo the financial strain exporters face.”
Background: A rocky trade history
India–US trade relations have seen highs and lows in recent years:
- 2019 – GSP Withdrawal: The Trump administration withdrew India’s preferential trade status under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), impacting billions in exports.
- 2020 – Tariff disputes: Both countries engaged in tit-for-tat tariff measures, with India imposing retaliatory duties.
- 2024 – 50% tariff shock: The latest move, effective August 27, has become one of the steepest tariff hikes in recent years.