Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has openly distanced himself from Rahul Gandhi’s endorsement of former US President Donald Trump’s remark labelling India’s economy as “dead.” While Rahul Gandhi welcomed Trump’s critique as a validation of his own economic criticisms against the Modi government, Tharoor took a more cautious and diplomatic stance, highlighting growing internal disagreements within the Congress party.
Speaking to reporters, Tharoor refrained from supporting Gandhi’s statement, saying, “I don’t want to comment on what my party leader has said. He has his reasons for saying so.” His restrained response signalled disapproval without directly confronting Gandhi, reflecting a broader rift between Tharoor and the party leadership.
Rahul Gandhi had earlier accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of destroying India’s economy to benefit businessman Gautam Adani. He claimed that Modi was undermining India’s interests in favour of one corporate ally and added that the government had also compromised on defence and foreign policy. Gandhi’s remarks came in response to Trump’s announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, along with a veiled threat targeting India’s continued trade and defence ties with Russia.
In contrast, Tharoor took a more measured approach, describing Trump’s tariff move as potentially a "bargaining tactic" in the context of US-India trade negotiations. He urged support for Indian diplomats and negotiators trying to secure the best possible deal and added that if a favourable agreement couldn't be reached, India should be prepared to walk away. His comments underscored a strategy rooted in pragmatism rather than political rhetoric.
This divergence adds to the growing friction between Tharoor and the Congress high command. Tensions have been rising, particularly after Tharoor publicly supported Operation Sindoor — a recent military action carried out in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack — even as the Congress remained guarded in its reactions. Tharoor has repeatedly emphasised that "nation comes before party," further highlighting his ideological distance from his party’s official line.
The rift widened further when the central government appointed Tharoor to lead a delegation promoting Operation Sindoor in the United States, a move made without Congress’s consent. His acceptance of the role was widely perceived as a challenge to the party’s authority and a reflection of his increasingly independent political posture.
Meanwhile, Trump's original comment labelling the Indian economy as "dead" has sparked a political storm in India. Beyond the rhetorical war, the US move to impose new tariffs and the implied threat of sanctions over India’s defence ties with Russia has raised concerns in New Delhi. While the Modi government has yet to officially respond, opposition reactions remain divided — some seeing Trump’s words as validation, others viewing them as strategic pressure tactics.
The episode reflects not only India’s shifting geopolitical landscape but also deepening divisions within its principal opposition party as it struggles to present a united front ahead of crucial national decisions and diplomatic engagements.
