Overview

• Shashi Tharoor said President Trump’s description of India as a “dead economy” was intended as an insult and urged taking his words seriously but not literally.
• He warned that Trump’s recent 25% tariff on Indian imports delivered a jolt to the economy and pledged efforts to restore momentum and preserve the U.S. strategic partnership.
• Tharoor argued that major powers’ involvement in conflicts is undermining global order and stressed India must remain clear on its priorities of development, prosperity, harmony and border security.
• He called for India to assert itself among international rule makers, citing its status as the world’s most populous nation and a soon-to-be third-largest economy.
• Tharoor reported that meetings of his Operation Sindoor delegation in Washington, including with Vice President J.D. Vance, were met with sympathy, understanding and respect.