Priyanka Chaturvedi Responds to Trump's Praise for Modi: Diplomacy is Just Flattery

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump praised Modi as a better negotiator.
- Chaturvedi considers diplomatic compliments normal.
- India's military reliance on the US is increasing.
- Calls for immediate justice for 26/11 mastermind.
- Condemns inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants.
New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) Following US President Donald Trump’s declaration that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "better and significantly tougher negotiator" than himself, this statement captured global attention and provoked a variety of responses. Nonetheless, Trump's commendation of PM Modi did not resonate well with opposition parties domestically, who interpreted it as a mere "courteous exchange" rather than sincere admiration.
The Shiv Sena (UBT), an integral part of the INDIA coalition, commented that such exchanges of niceties are commonplace in diplomacy and nothing extraordinary should be inferred from them.
Rajya Sabha MP and party spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi asserted that diplomacy inherently involves exchanges of praise and downplayed the importance of the high-profile meeting between these two globally recognized leaders.
In her conversation with IANS, Chaturvedi stated, "When discussions occur and diplomacy is at play, praises are exchanged as part of the process. Hence, this is a diplomatic norm and not a significant event."
She also pointed out that India’s military reliance on the US has been on the rise, despite the government's initiatives like "Make in India."
"The US is boosting its military sales to India, including F-35 fighter jets. Despite our commitment to enhancing domestic defense production, we remain heavily dependent on American arms. This contradiction must be addressed," she remarked.
On the anticipated extradition of the mastermind behind the 26/11 terror attacks, Tahawwur Rana, to India, she emphasized the need for immediate justice.
"After a prolonged struggle of 18 years, we are finally seeing one of the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack being returned. I welcome this development and urge for swift legal action against him," she stated.
Chaturvedi reiterated that true justice for the victims of Mumbai will only be achieved when all masterminds, including David Headley and other Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, face legal consequences.
"This is merely a step in an ongoing battle. The real culprits, including those still residing in Pakistan, must be brought to justice. It has taken 18 years to extradite Rana, and I hope for strict measures against him soon," she added.
Following bilateral discussions with PM Modi in Washington, US President Trump announced that Tahawwur Rana would be extradited to India, where he is currently incarcerated in a high-security facility in the United States. Recently, the US Supreme Court denied his appeal regarding his conviction related to the terror attacks, facilitating his extradition.
Chaturvedi also condemned the inhumane deportation of illegal immigrants, stating that the government's silence on the issue indicates a view of Indian lives as a "tradable commodity."
While advocating for stringent measures against illegal immigration, she also underscored the importance of upholding human rights. "Those responsible for illegal migration, such as agents and intermediaries, must be held accountable. Concurrently, human rights standards should be maintained, which the US has failed to uphold," she emphasized.