Sat Feb 15 08:27:43 UTC 2025: **Congress MP Tharoor Lauds Modi-Trump Meeting, Highlights F-35 Deal and Trade Progress**
BENGALURU – Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed optimism Friday following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, praising the outcomes as largely positive. Speaking at the Global Investors’ Meet in Bengaluru, Tharoor highlighted the US commitment to sell India F-35 stealth aircraft as a significant achievement, stating it would greatly enhance the Indian Air Force’s capabilities.
Tharoor also voiced approval for the progress made on trade and tariffs, noting the agreement to hold further negotiations by September/October. He viewed this as a positive development, averting potentially hasty decisions that could negatively impact Indian exports. While acknowledging the success in securing the return of Indian migrants from the US, he expressed concern about the manner of their repatriation, urging for more humane treatment. He suggested that this issue may have been addressed privately during the summit.
Tharoor concluded by emphasizing his positive assessment of the meeting, particularly praising President Trump’s acknowledgment of Prime Minister Modi’s superior negotiation skills. He stated that the summit’s outcomes largely met India’s expectations, aside from concerns regarding the treatment of returned migrants. He further anticipates a detailed briefing from the Ministry of External Affairs.
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