NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said that US President Donald Trump’s presidency promises to be anything but uneventful, judging by his initial statements since taking office.
Expressing optimism amid potential challenges, Tharoor voiced hope that Indo-US relations would continue to remain in “good shape” during Trump’s tenure.
Tharoor, commenting on Trump’s return to power, said, “It is going to be a very interesting time. Judging by his initial statements, there is never going to be a dull moment while he is president. All of us who follow world affairs will have a lot to be kept on our toes.”
The former minister of state for external affairs highlighted that Indo-US relations are in a strong position, despite some challenges during Trump’s first term.
Tharoor also mentioned reports suggesting that Trump may visit India as early as April. “If that happens, it will be a very positive sign,” he said.
On trade policies that may affect India, Tharoor emphasized the pressure India could face regarding tariffs. “There will be pressure on India to either remove tariffs on American goods or face high tariffs on Indian exports to America,” he said.
Immigration issues were also a concern for Tharoor, particularly regarding illegal migrants in the US. “Indian legal migrants should not be affected, but many illegal migrants could be at risk due to Trump’s policies,” he warned.
Additionally, Tharoor raised concerns about the depreciation of the Indian rupee, which has been a topic of recent discussion. “The only advantage for India would be if our exports increase. But if exports are affected by new tariffs, we will have a cheaper rupee and no increase in exports, and that would be a calamity,” he concluded.
Trump took the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, vowing to usher in a new “golden age” for America. In his inaugural address, the 78-year-old leader declared January 20 as “liberation day” for the US and promised rapid changes aimed at reversing America’s decline.
Trump highlighted his commitment to ending the “weaponization” of the Justice Department, promising a new era of fairness and accountability. Vowing to “put America first,” he declared, that America will flourish and be respected again all over the world.