Ask Melania: Shashi Tharoor's cheeky fix on how India should deal with Trump
Tharoor compared Trump to a 'schoolyard bully' and stated that the United States had 'picked the wrong target' in India. He emphasised that India's self-respect is 'simply not up for bargaining.'The Congress MP urged calm and rational negotiations ahead of the August 25 talks with the US negotiating team in Delhi, stressing the importance of defining India's red lines — particularly regarding the agricultural sector."I don't believe it is right for Mr Trump to speak to India this way. Whoever is in the Indian government, whichever party is in power - our self-respect is simply not up for bargaining. As far as the substance is concerned, by all means keep a cool head, by all means try to negotiate over the next three weeks and try to explain to Americans why we have certain red lines. We have 700 million people in our country who are dependent on agriculture. We cannot sell them down the river with subsidised American grains flooding our market. There are other areas where we might be able to show some flexibility and some give," he said.Tharoor went on to say that if India continues to be among the few nations paying a 50% tariff by the end of discussions, 'at that point, we should make it clear — we will do it to you.'He also called out US duplicity in buying from Russia when it suits its national interests, pointing to American purchases of fertilisers and uranium."They have been importing significant quantities of fertilisers - in just five months, from January to May, purchases were worth USD 806 million. Over a year, that easily comes to USD 1.8 billion, maybe closer to two. Uranium imports from Russia have risen by 28 per cent since last year. Palladium, used in catalytic converters, accounted for almost USD 1 billion in imports last year. On top of that, they are still buying aircraft parts, engine components, chemicals. How can Mr Trump argue that our dollars are fuelling the Russian war machine, but American dollars spent in Russia are not? Isn't this sheer hypocrisy - completely unfair and unjustified?"Tharoor underscored the need for India to stand firm during the three-week negotiation window. If unfair practices persist, he suggested, 'we will have to find other markets.'- EndsMust Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
2 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Is he worthy of lunch with Trump': Congress slams Pak Army chief Asim Munir's nuclear threat from US
Congress on Monday slammed Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's nuclear threat against India, those who do not support India on 'Operation Sindoor' should also wake up. File photo: Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Asim Munir holds a microphone during his visit at the Tilla Field Firing Ranges (TFFR)(REUTERS) Pakistani military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, made a threat from the United States, saying that Islamabad would take down "half the world" with it, if his country faces an existential threat in future with India. 'We are a nuclear nation, if we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us,' reports quoted Asim Munir as saying at the event in Tampa. 'Direct threat to Trump', says Congress Backing Operation Sindoor and the Indian and the Indian Army, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said on Asim Munir's statement, 'We are very proud of our Indian army. Pakistan has been exposed. Now the whole world knows what intention Pakistan have. So the world should wake up. Those who do not support India on 'Operation Sindoor' should also wake up.' "We are confident that we will protect India, but this is a direct threat to Trump and Russia. Is the person who has threatened to destroy half the world worthy of sitting and eating lunch with you? Are you entertaining him? This is a dangerous statement. The United Nations Security Council should take cognisance of this," Tiwari said, speaking to ANI news agency. Another Congress MP, Sukhdeo Bhagat, said India knows its power, its limitations, and how to respond, adding that Munir's statement also threatens Donald Trump. "The clouds that thunder do not rain. India knows its power, its limitations, and how to respond. The way he (Asim Munir) is making all these statements while in America also threatens Trump. Speaking such violent words, and with Trump currently trying to portray himself as a peace messenger, raises the question of what Trump will say. Therefore, Trump should consider these things. India does not need to worry about them. India is capable of giving answers...," Sukhdeo Bhagat said. Addressing the Pakistani diaspora in Florida's Tampa, Asim Munir also repeated is anti-India rhetoric, saying "Kashmir is the jugular vein" of Pakistan". Weeks before the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Munir said Pakistan will not forget the issue of Kashmir, asserting, "It was our jugular vein." Trashing his comments, India had said, "How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a union territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacation of illegally occupied territories by that country."
Time of India
2 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘No To Dadagiri': Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Slams US Tariffs, Calls For Tech Power, Export Growth
'Will Take Half The World Down With Us': Pak Army Chief Munir's Nuclear Threat From U.S. Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his ongoing visit to the US, reportedly made provocative remarks at a private event in Tampa, Florida. Sources in India confirmed media reports quoting Munir as saying, 'We are a nuclear nation. If we go down, we'll take down half the world with us.' He also warned of destroying an Indian dam with 10 missiles if constructed, while commenting on the Indus Waters Treaty. Officially, Munir is in the US to attend the retirement of CENTCOM chief Gen Michael Kurilla and the change of command ceremony for Admiral Brad Cooper.#pakistanarmychief #asimmunir #nuclearthreat #induswaterstreaty #indopakrelations #usvisit #centcom #pakistannukes #indiapakistan #geopolitics #tampaflorida #michaelkurilla #toi #toibharat 276 views | 48 minutes ago
India.com
2 minutes ago
- India.com
Indian Rupee Strengthens Against Us Dollar Despite Tariff Concerns
New Delhi: The Indian rupee opened stronger on Monday, amid additional 25 per cent tariff proposed by US President Donald Trump on India, which is set to take effect from August 27. The rupee likely inched up higher on optimism that the Russia-Ukraine war will end following the upcoming US-Russia negotiations on August 15, leading to removal of additional tariffs on India. The local currency opened 13 paise stronger at 87.53 against the US dollar up from 87.66 on Friday. The immediate trading range is expected to be between 87.25 and 87.80, according to analysts. The Indian rupee was expected to open with small gains today at 87.51, while markets are awaiting US and domestic inflation data. Indian markets are focused on domestic CPI and WPI inflation data, set to be released on August 12 and August 14. Additional tariffs, if implemented, are expected to put pressure on the Indian rupee against the US dollar in the short term due to reduced export revenues, capital outflows, and inflationary pressures. US' new tariffs on India are expected to affect sectors such as textiles, leather, and seafood. India sharply criticised the tariffs, calling it "unfair and unreasonable". US has singled out India for the harshest tariff rate of 50 per cent, compared to 30 per cent for China and 15 per cent for Turkey, despite all three countries importing Russian oil. Brent oil prices dropped to $66.25 per barrel in Asian trade on Monday morning, continuing last week's significant declines as traders anticipated upcoming talks between Russia and the US will ease the Ukraine conflict. China released soft inflation data and economic indicators in July, indicating that the economy was recovering slowly, leaving oil markets largely pessimistic about future demand. FII selling persisted during the week in Indian equity markets, indicating broader risk aversion in emerging markets. However, ongoing purchases by DIIs helped mitigate losses.
