Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Member of Parliament, has recently voiced strong opinions on both India's international relations and the upcoming Bihar elections. Tharoor asserted India's autonomy in deciding its policies, commented on US President Donald Trump's remarks regarding India's oil purchases from Russia, and expressed his support for Tejashwi Yadav as the Chief Ministerial face for Bihar.
India's Policy Independence
Tharoor firmly stated that India would determine its own policies, regardless of external pressures. This statement came in response to claims made by US President Donald Trump that India would significantly reduce its Russian oil imports. Trump had cited assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that India would bring these imports "down to almost nothing" by the end of the year. However, India has denied any such agreement, emphasizing its focus on stable prices and secure energy supplies to protect its consumers. Tharoor criticized Trump's announcements on India's decisions, stating that "It's not appropriate for Trump to be making announcements about India's decisions". He further added, "We don't tell the world what Trump will do. I think Trump should not be telling the world what India will do".
Tharoor has previously cautioned against alienating India, emphasizing that the country is "not just a partner of convenience — it is a partner of consequence" and that weakening ties could destabilize the Indo-Pacific region and the Quad alliance. He has also criticized US policies towards India as unjustified, stressing India’s sovereign right to make its own decisions.
Support for Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar
In the context of the Bihar elections, Tharoor welcomed the announcement of Tejashwi Yadav as the Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial candidate. He described this as a positive development, noting that voters often prefer a recognizable face. Tharoor cited examples such as Jayalalithaa in Tamil Nadu and MGR, emphasizing that voters like to know who they are voting for. He highlighted the significance of the Congress party's early participation in naming a CM candidate, signaling clear support for the alliance. The Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar has reached a consensus on Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate and plans to campaign with the slogan, “Chalo Bihar... Badle Bihar”.
Broader Implications
Tharoor's statements reflect a broader sentiment regarding India's role in international affairs and its domestic political landscape. Regarding India-US relations, Tharoor has, in the past, warned that prolonged tensions could permanently damage bilateral trust and stall investment. He has also urged the Indian-American community to take a more active role in shaping public discourse, advocating for them to press their political representatives to stand up for India.
The Bihar elections are witnessing the opposition INDIA bloc declaring Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial face, shifting the spotlight onto the ruling NDA, which has yet to announce its leader if it retains power.
