February 16, 2025, New Delhi — In an uncommon gesture, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States, highlighting positive outcomes in trade negotiations and defense cooperation. Tharoor emphasized that acknowledging governmental successes is essential, regardless of political affiliations. However, the Congress party promptly clarified that Tharoor's remarks reflect his personal views and not the party's official stance.

During the visit, President Donald Trump praised PM Modi as a formidable negotiator, stating, "He is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me."

Tharoor interpreted this as a significant endorsement of Modi's diplomatic skills.

Tharoor also welcomed the progress on trade talks between India and the US, noting that an agreement had been reached to conduct negotiations over the next nine months. He stated, "It's far better than Washington hastily and unilaterally imposing some tariffs on us, which could have damaged and hurt our exports."

Despite Tharoor's commendation, the Congress party distanced itself from his comments, asserting that individual opinions do not represent the party's official position.

This episode underscores the complexities within political parties when individual leaders express views that diverge from the party line. While Tharoor's acknowledgment of the Prime Minister's successful diplomacy may foster bipartisan appreciation, it also highlights the challenges parties face in maintaining a unified stance.

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