Shashi Tharoor on Trump’s Return: A Predictable Transactional Leader for India

Introduction

In a recent discussion, Indian politician and author Shashi Tharoor shared his insights on the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency and its implications for India. Tharoor characterized Trump as a “predictable transactional leader,” suggesting a pragmatic approach to U.S.-India relations.

Key Insights from Tharoor

• Transactional Nature: Tharoor emphasized Trump’s transactional style, which could lead to straightforward negotiations and clear expectations between the two nations.
• Predictability: Despite Trump’s often controversial rhetoric, Tharoor noted that his actions tend to follow a predictable pattern, which could benefit diplomatic relations.
• Focus on Bilateral Deals: Trump’s preference for bilateral agreements over multilateral ones might align with India’s interests in strengthening direct ties with the U.S.

Potential Challenges

While Tharoor acknowledged the potential benefits of Trump’s leadership style, he also highlighted possible challenges:

• Unilateral Decisions: Trump’s tendency to make unilateral decisions could pose challenges for India in areas requiring multilateral cooperation.
• Volatility in Policies: The unpredictability in Trump’s policy shifts might require India to remain adaptable and vigilant.

Conclusion

Shashi Tharoor’s analysis of Trump’s potential return to power underscores a dual perspective: while Trump’s predictable transactional approach could facilitate direct and clear negotiations with India, it also necessitates caution due to possible unilateral and volatile policy decisions. Overall, Tharoor suggests that India should prepare for both opportunities and challenges in navigating future U.S.-India relations under Trump’s leadership.