Shashi Tharoor Calls for Caution as Trump Eases Position on India
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called for a measured and vigilant response to former US President Donald Trump’s softened diplomatic tone towards India, openly cautioning against forgetting recent wounds. Tharoor, while welcoming Trump’s more conciliatory words about the India-US partnership, stressed that the deep hurt and practical damage from the imposition of 50 percent tariffs and public criticism by Trump and his administration cannot be easily excused or forgiven. He described Trump’s style as “fairly mercurial,” and emphasised that the recent dramatic policy swings have imposed genuine economic hardship on Indian businesses and workers, requiring serious repair work by both governments.
When US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated India would “come back to the table and say sorry” for trade with Russia, Tharoor retorted that India’s approach has been mature and resolute. He pointed out that many other nations—China, Turkey, and various European countries—maintain much larger volumes of Russian trade and are not subject to the same scrutiny or punitive actions, questioning the fairness of Washington’s critique. Tharoor also highlighted that previous American administrations had encouraged India to buy Russian oil to help stabilize global prices, making the current stance appear inconsistent and politically motivated.
Public opinion across India remains largely skeptical about Donald Trump’s recent overtures, with many insisting that the bitter experiences and humiliations under his administration must not be forgotten or excused. People highlight Trump’s open fraternisation with figures such as Pakistan’s Munir, interpreting it as undermining India’s concerns while cozying up to its adversaries. On social media and in everyday conversation, many Indians recall Trump’s history of dismissive remarks and policies that targeted the Indian community—both economically and personally—with some recounting episodes of public humiliation and discriminatory rhetoric directed at Indians in the US. The prevailing sentiment is that India must not yield to pressure tactics, nor allow itself to bend for the sake of diplomatic appeasement. Instead, a growing chorus insists: engagement with the US should only happen if there is genuine respect for Indian interests and dignity; otherwise, India should be resolute. According to these voices, diplomatic strength and national pride matter more than superficial attempts at reconciliation from a leader who has repeatedly belittled India and its people.
The message is clear: while India welcomes positive shifts in tone, it will maintain vigilance and stand firm to protect its sovereignty and dignity in its relationship with the United States.
