“We Won’t Bow Down, Better to Be Stubborn”: Shashi Tharoor’s Sharp Response to U.S. Remarks
New Delhi, 14th August 2025: Tensions between India and the United States over trade relations have intensified after the U.S. Treasury Secretary described India as “stubborn.” Responding to the remark, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor delivered a sharp rebuttal, saying that being stubborn is far better than staying silent and surrendering in the face of injustice.
Posting on social media platform X on Thursday, Tharoor wrote, “I have heard that some people are accusing India of being stubborn. I say, being stubborn is far better than remaining silent and surrendering in the face of injustice.” He accused Washington of applying double standards, pointing out that the U.S. expects concessions from India while continuing its own protectionist policies.
This is not the first time Tharoor has clashed with American leaders over trade issues. Earlier, he had criticised former U.S. President Donald Trump for announcing a 50% tariff on Indian goods. At that time, Tharoor accused Trump of penalising India for purchasing oil from Russia, even though the U.S. itself continued to import several products from Russia.
The latest exchange underscores the growing strain in Indo-U.S. trade ties, with both sides unwilling to back down on tariff disputes.
