Tharoor Welcomes Modi-Trump Meeting, Highlights Key Issues
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Synopsis
Shashi Tharoor expressed his satisfaction regarding the Modi-Trump meeting, highlighting critical issues like defense commitments and trade negotiations, while emphasizing the importance of careful treatment of returning Indian migrants.
Key Takeaways
- Shashi Tharoor praised the Modi-Trump meeting.
- Commitment to sell F35 stealth aircraft was highlighted.
- Trade negotiations are set to conclude by fall 2023.
- Concerns regarding illegal immigration were addressed.
- Tharoor noted Trump's surprising compliment to Modi.
Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) Delighted by the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, Congress MP and writer Shashi Tharoor expressed on Friday that significant concerns seem to have been addressed.
“The commitment to sell us F35 stealth aircraft is highly appreciated,” he emphasized.
Speaking with media representatives in Bengaluru during the Global Investors’ Meet (GIM), Shashi Tharoor remarked, “On the defense front, the pledge to provide the F35 stealth aircraft is immensely valued. This cutting-edge aircraft, in addition to the Rafale, will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force.”
“Reflecting on the primary issues discussed so far, I feel quite encouraged and eagerly await further details upon the Prime Minister's return and anticipate a briefing from the MEA in the standing committee,” he mentioned.
Tharoor added, “The statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are promising. It appears that many of our major concerns have been addressed, particularly regarding trade and tariffs. They have agreed to engage in serious negotiations, which are expected to conclude by this fall, specifically September and October of this year. This is a positive development as there were worries about potentially rash decisions from Washington that could impact our exports.”
“This timeline allows for negotiations, which I fully support. Furthermore, regarding the issue of illegal immigration, the only aspect missing from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments was how these individuals were treated upon repatriation,” he pointed out.
“Otherwise, his stance was entirely correct. These are misguided youths who were either encouraged or induced to migrate illegally, and they should be repatriated. They are Indian citizens and rightfully belong here,” he emphasized.
“However, I hope that discussions took place behind closed doors regarding the manner of their treatment during repatriation—specifically avoiding handcuffs, mistreatment, and insults, as well as the use of military aircraft in the future. I trust that if the Prime Minister addressed this, the Americans would be receptive,” he added.
Tharoor expressed, “I am looking forward to constructive discussions. It seems we have garnered almost everything we could have hoped for this time, except for assurances regarding the treatment of our returning migrants.”
He concluded, “Donald Trump referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a better negotiator than himself is remarkable, considering Mr. Trump takes pride in his negotiating skills. His supporters, including yesterday’s US Secretary of Defense, have called him the greatest negotiator globally. For Trump to say Modi is better reflects a significant compliment from someone who is not known for offering praise. This is indeed encouraging news.”
