'More interested in political points': Shashi Tharoor vs Congress after he backs Modi-Trump meet at G7

Shashi Tharoor, a prominent member of the Indian Congress Party, recently emphasized that the United States' relationship with Pakistan is entirely distinct from its relationship with India. This stance aligns with India's broader diplomatic policy, which advocates for maintaining independent and bilateral ties with various global powers without entanglement or dependency. Tharoor made these comments in response to ongoing discussions around U.S.-India relations, particularly following high-profile interactions such as the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit.

During his remarks, Tharoor highlighted that while Trump frequently praises Pakistan and its leaders, he simultaneously expresses admiration for Modi and India. This dual engagement underscores the complexity of international diplomacy, where nations must navigate multiple relationships without compromising their strategic interests. Tharoor pointed out that India has historically maintained a firm stance on keeping its diplomatic engagements separate from those involving neighboring countries, especially Pakistan. He referenced past communications with world leaders, emphasizing that visits to India should be strictly bilateral and not linked to visits to Pakistan.

The Congress leader also addressed the recent meeting between Modi and Trump, noting that it took place in a warm and cordial environment. According to Tharoor, the meeting contributed significantly to improving relations between the two countries, with Trump expressing particular friendliness in his statements—something that had not always been consistent in previous interactions. This development highlights the evolving nature of U.S.-India relations, which continue to grow despite occasional tensions.

Tharoor acknowledged the importance of the United States as an indispensable global power, stating that India cannot afford to ignore its significance, even if certain U.S. actions have caused discomfort. He emphasized that while India maintains its own independent relationships with countries like China and Russia, it still values its partnership with the U.S., hoping that the latter will act in ways that do not undermine India's interests. This mutual respect forms the foundation of their bilateral ties, allowing each nation to pursue its foreign policy objectives independently.

In addition to discussing U.S.-India relations, Tharoor was involved in a parliamentary committee examining various aspects of external affairs, including Indo-Pak relations and Sino-Indian dynamics. During a visit to Jammu and Kashmir, he clarified that the purpose of the trip was to study these geopolitical factors and the functioning of passport services in the region, rather than to assess local conditions. His comments faced scrutiny within the Congress party, with some members questioning whether he adequately represented the concerns of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite internal debates within the Congress, Tharoor defended his position, asserting that his focus remained on critical issues affecting national security and international relations. He criticized those who prioritize political gains over genuine concerns, particularly in light of incidents such as the loss of Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman. Tharoor argued that the safety of Indian citizens abroad should be a top priority, and he stood by his advocacy for ensuring that civilian seafarers are not targeted in conflicts.

As the discourse continues, the future of U.S.-India relations remains a topic of keen interest. Both nations are likely to maintain their respective partnerships with other global players while continuing to strengthen their bilateral ties. The evolving dynamics between India and the U.S. will undoubtedly shape regional and global geopolitics, influencing how both countries engage with their neighbors and address shared challenges.