**Shashi Tharoor’s Candid Take on Trump and US-India Relations**
In a recent interview with India Today’s Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shared his unfiltered views on how to approach dealings with former President Donald Trump. When asked about strategies for engaging with Trump, Tharoor humorously suggested, “You have to ask Melania Trump,” highlighting the complexities of navigating political discourse with the controversial leader.
Tharoor characterized Trump as a “schoolyard bully” and expressed concern that the United States has “picked the wrong target” in its dealings with India. He firmly stated that India’s self-respect is “simply not up for bargaining,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity in international negotiations.
As the US negotiating team prepares for talks in Delhi on August 25, Tharoor called for calm and rational discussions, particularly regarding India’s agricultural sector. He stressed the necessity of defining India’s red lines, especially in light of the significant number of people dependent on agriculture in the country. “We cannot sell them down the river with subsidized American grains flooding our market,” he asserted, advocating for a balanced approach that allows for some flexibility in other areas.
Tharoor also warned that if India remains one of the few nations facing a 50% tariff after negotiations, it should be prepared to respond in kind. He criticized the US for its perceived hypocrisy, pointing out that while it accuses other nations of fueling the Russian war machine, it continues to import significant quantities of fertilizers and uranium from Russia. “Isn’t this sheer hypocrisy – completely unfair and unjustified?” he questioned.
In conclusion, Tharoor underscored the importance of India standing firm during the upcoming negotiations. He suggested that if unfair practices persist, India may need to explore alternative markets to protect its interests.
**FAQ**
**What is Shashi Tharoor’s stance on US-India negotiations?**
Shashi Tharoor believes that India must maintain its self-respect and clearly define its red lines in negotiations with the US, particularly regarding agriculture, while also being prepared to respond to unfair trade practices.
