Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has expressed concern over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s prompt reciprocation to former US President Donald Trump’s positive remarks on India-US relations. While acknowledging the importance of diplomatic courtesy, Tharoor cautioned that India must maintain balance and avoid appearing overly reactive to political statements made outside the official administration in Washington.
Tharoor’s Concern
According to Tharoor, India’s foreign policy must be strategic, measured, and bipartisan in its approach to the United States. Trump’s comments, though complimentary, come at a time when the US is heading into a heated electoral season. A quick response from India, he argued, could be interpreted as an alignment with a particular political figure rather than with American institutions as a whole.
India-US Relations in Focus
Tharoor highlighted that:
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Bipartisan Engagement is Crucial: India must remain equidistant from US domestic politics to preserve long-term trust.
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Continuity Matters: The India-US partnership has grown under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
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Strategic Prudence: Over-personalization of ties with one leader may undermine institutional depth.
Balancing Diplomacy
India’s foreign policy tradition, Tharoor emphasized, has been about engaging with nations, not individuals. While Trump’s praise of India is significant, it is important to remember that US policy could shift with electoral outcomes. Maintaining institutional rather than personal ties ensures stability in one of the world’s most crucial partnerships.
The Larger Debate
Tharoor’s remarks reflect a broader concern within India’s strategic circles—that excessive personalization of diplomacy may reduce flexibility. At a time when India is positioning itself as a global power, it must be careful in managing perceptions abroad while also acknowledging positive signals.
While Prime Minister Modi’s gesture may be seen as goodwill, Tharoor’s caution serves as a reminder that diplomacy is a long game of balance and strategy. As the US gears up for political shifts, India’s challenge lies in strengthening ties while remaining above partisan currents.
