Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, speaking at a real estate industry conference in Singapore, sharply criticized US President Donald Trump over the 50% tariffs imposed on Indian exports. The tariff package includes a 25% basic duty and an additional 25% penalty linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. Tharoor noted that the move has already caused severe economic distress, with 1.35 lakh workers losing their jobs in the gems and jewelry sector in Surat, alongside growing risks in seafood and manufacturing industries. He warned that these punitive measures have made Indian exports unviable in the US market, severely denting the country’s competitiveness.

Tharoor described Trump as a “mercurial” leader who disregards conventional standards of diplomacy, citing examples of the US President’s controversial remarks on world leaders, Nobel recognition, and dismissive comments about India and Russia’s economies. He stressed that the sanctions were “completely unfair” since other major buyers of Russian oil, such as China, were not subjected to similar penalties. While acknowledging ongoing Indo-US trade negotiations, Tharoor said the sanctions would continue to be a stumbling block, regardless of any tariff adjustments, and India had little choice but to brace for hardship while seeking alternatives.

Emphasizing the need for strategic diversification, Tharoor urged India to expand its export markets and strengthen political and economic ties with Europe, China, and Russia. He welcomed India’s recent trade pact with the UK and highlighted New Delhi’s efforts to reset relations with Beijing, while underlining that India’s long-standing ties with Moscow might also deepen further. According to Tharoor, building an Indo-European pole could give India the leverage it needs to withstand economic shocks triggered by US policies. He concluded that India must “tighten its belt and move on,” while carefully positioning itself within shifting global power equations.