Tharoor Sees Positive Outcomes From PM Modi's Us Visit, Congress Respond
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor extended rare praise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his recent visit to the United States, acknowledging significant achievements, particularly in trade negotiations and defense cooperation. Tharoor hailed the progress made in trade discussions and expressed optimism about India’s diplomatic engagements. He appreciated the steps taken to avoid the imposition of tariffs by the US, which could have hurt Indian exports. He regarded the trade negotiations as a positive step forward, acknowledging that a fairer approach had been gained, which he saw as advantageous for India.
Acknowledging Efforts, Regardless of Political Affiliation
Tharoor reiterated that his praise for the PM was not motivated by political affiliation but by the recognition of good governance. He mentioned that he had been in politics for 16 years and believed that good actions should be acknowledged, regardless of the party in power. According to Tharoor, the practice of praising positive actions and criticizing wrongdoings helps maintain a balanced approach in democracy. He emphasized that such an attitude should transcend political lines and be grounded in constructive feedback.
Questions Over Treatment of Indian Immigrants
Tharoor addressed the sensitive issue of illegal immigration, particularly the deportation of Indian nationals from the US. While he agreed with Modi's stance on accepting these individuals back, Tharoor expressed concern over their treatment during deportation. He questioned whether the prime minister had raised this matter in private talks with the US, emphasizing the need to prevent such mistreatment in the future. Tharoor called for improvements in handling these returns to ensure that Indian citizens are treated with dignity and respect.
Trump’s Unexpected Praise for PM Modi’s Negotiation Skills
Tharoor found Trump’s comment about PM Modi being a better negotiator than himself to be remarkable.
He expressed surprise at this rare acknowledgment, particularly because Trump is known for his self-promotion as a master dealmaker. Tharoor pointed out that it was unusual for Trump to compliment others in the realm of negotiation, making his comment about Modi’s skills all the more notable.
Congress Clarifies Party Stance
Following Tharoor’s remarks, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified the party’s position on the matter. Ramesh stated that while Congress members are free to express their individual views, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the party's official stance as a whole. He explained that the party’s collective stance on issues is paramount and that individual statements may differ from the party’s perspective. This clarification sought to ensure that Tharoor’s personal views were not misinterpreted as the party's official position.
Shashi Tharoor's remarks highlight the importance of acknowledging positive governance, regardless of political affiliation. His balanced approach highlights the need for constructive dialogue while addressing sensitive issues. Tharoor's comments, combined with the clarification from Congress, reflect the nuanced nature of political discourse in India, emphasizing the value of personal perspectives and party unity in shaping the country's diplomatic and domestic policies.
