Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shares a witty comeback during an online exchange amid ongoing US-India trade negotiations (PTI)
Though Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is recognized for his articulate command of English, he amusingly found himself this week when some social media user challenged him something quite ridiculous with an over-complicated question on purpose.
This happened alongside Tharoor making comments about the ongoing trade negotiations wherein US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described India as a bit recalcitrant.
Many underlines support Tharoor for defending India's ends. Nevertheless, a user threw a mockery at him using a string of words that was detrous such as "He didn't...".
Tharoor replied instantly in Hindi: "Bhai,aap kehna kya chahte ho?" a funny-looking one-liner that gained enough resonance among netizens.
The lighter moment came but alongside Tharoor's very stern defense of India's negotiation approach. Tharoor posted on X (formerly Twitter):
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"It is far better to be recalcitrant than to be tractable, submissive, or acquiescent to injustice."
Tharoor's piece reacts to Bessent's alleged statements on Fox Business that India has remained slightly resistant in compromising trade agreements.
Born from the wrangling in the new tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump-an imposition of 50% tariff on goods from India and of a 25% tariff on imports of Russian oil with the imprint Delhi attachments to impose more upon taking effect toward August 27.
The measures have quickly been titled "unjustified and unreasonable," according to India's Ministry of External Affairs without adding, and that the country would take all necessary steps to protect its economic security.
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Notably, these tariffs have come just days before a US trade delegation is set to visit India (August 25) for the sixth round of discussions on a proposed bilateral trade deal. Both countries hope to have the first phase of the deal finalized by October or November this year.
Tharoor's known ability to toggle between cutting comment on politics to light-hearted humor has been a mark of his public persona. In this instance, the light-hearted retort managed to bring about laughter as well as deliver a subtle bigger message against India's willingness to be telescoped easily in national matters.
It may be, "because negotiations on trade continue teetering amid tariff disputes," just what global negotiations are demanding for all that light humor with a firm tone.
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