Latest news with #Tharoor
News18
5 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Shashi Tharoor Hails India-UK Trade Deal, Calls It 'An Inflexion Point'
Last Updated: The FTA's true significance, he says, lies not just in the immediate economic uptick, but in its potential to shape a qualitatively better relationship for future generations The India-United Kingdom trade deal is an inflexion point, a strategic pivot that promises to redefine the contours of a historically rich yet often complex relationship, Congress leader and former external affairs minister Shashi Tharoor has said. The Free Trade Agreement, he wrote in an opinion piece for NDTV, is a profound testament to a maturing partnership and a critical investment in the prosperity and opportunities for future generations in both nations. 'For too long, the narrative of Indo-UK relations has been shadowed by the echoes of a colonial past," he said. 'While that history must never be forgotten, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the evolving dynamics of a modern, democratic India and a globally engaged Britain." From India's perspective, the agreement offers unprecedented market access to one of the world's most sophisticated economies, Tharoor pointed out. 'With 99% of Indian exports gaining duty-free access to the UK market, sectors like textiles, leather goods, marine products, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods stand to gain immensely," he wrote, calling it 'a powerful enabler of the 'Make in India' initiative". The true significance of the agreement, the Congress leader wrote, lies not just in the immediate economic uptick, but in its potential to shape a qualitatively better relationship for future generations. 'By institutionalising frameworks for cooperation in areas beyond traditional trade, such as innovation, research, climate action, and education, the CETA lays a robust foundation for a truly comprehensive partnership. The 'Vision 2035' roadmap, agreed alongside the CETA, emphasises collaborations in defence, technology, and green energy, recognising the shared strategic interests and global challenges both nations face," he said. According to Tharoor, the trade deal stands as a powerful testament to the enduring value of international cooperation and open markets. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the significance of the trade agreement for future generations. Indeed, for the young, this agreement is not just a trade deal; it is an inheritance of enhanced opportunities, deeper cultural understanding, and a more interconnected and prosperous world. It is an inflexion point—indeed, a turning of the page—to a qualitatively better, and brighter, shared future," he wrote. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India taking active interest in Arctic, Antarctic: Shashi Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Wednesday that India is taking active interest in the polar regions of Arctic and Antarctic as he chaired a meeting of Parliament's Standing Committee on External Affairs. Senior officials of the ministries of external affairs and earth sciences briefed the committee members. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Though developed countries are ahead of India in terms of presence in the two regions, which carry increasing geopolitical significance, India has also become involved and is taking active interest in both places, Tharoor said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It was a very unusual and interesting topic, he said, noting that Arctic and Antarctic are very important for scientific exploration. While Arctic has faced some geopolitical conflict, Antarctic is considered a "global common", he added. India has been particularly active in Antarctic and has a station there as well, he added. Live Events The agenda of the meeting was "India's Role and Presence in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions".
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Tharoor may succeed Dhankar as next V-P
Dubai: Shashi Tharoor as the next Vice-President of India? If so, does it mean a final parting for Tharoor and the party he currently represents, the Indian National Congress? If the buzz on Indian social media channels – and talk within the country's political circles – are anything to go by, Tharoor stands a good chance to be elevated to the role of 'second citizen'. The speculation comes as the incumbent VP of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar surprised all by announcing late last night (July 21) that he's stepping down from the role. A new candidate must be elected within the next 60 days, according to the rules, according to The Gulf News report. Tharoor's name is reportedly high on the list of possible names to replace Dhankhar, with a decision expected soon. Now, even before Dhankar made the surprise move – he's stepping down because of health issues – Tharoor had been mooted as a possible 'future' VP of the country. Now that future is likely to happen a lot sooner, if all the speculation is based on facts. Tharoor is currently a Member of Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala, having won a narrow victory in the 2024 elections. But what he has been doing in recent weeks is what's fueling the fevered speculation about Tharoor as the next VP pick. Tharoor has been one of the more vocal proponents of India's stance on 'Operation Sindoor' in trips to the US and elsewhere. And that's brought him visibly closer to the BJP government - and sharing quite the rapport with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Three more names are doing the rounds. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The JDU leader's name is doing the rounds as reportedly, the BJP is looking to name one of its own as Bihar's chief ministerial candidate ahead of the state polls. Union Health Minister and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda. A BJP veteran, he is known to be close to PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. JDU MP and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh . As per the rules of the Constitution, Singh took over the duties of Rajya Sabha chairman (VP) starting today (July 22). He shares cordial relations with both Nitish Kumar and PM Modi, making him a prime contender.
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Shashi Tharoor dares Kerala Congress over 'pro-Modi' snub, asks 'who are they?'
A significant rift has emerged between Shashi Tharoor and the Kerala Congress, with the state unit boycotting the Thiruvananthapuram MP over his alleged 'pro-Modi' position. The Kerala Congress has stated it will not cooperate with Tharoor, accusing him of attacking the party, Indira Gandhi, and opposing Rahul Gandhi's statements. In response, Tharoor has challenged his critics, asking, "Who are they? What is their party position?" He maintains there is no basis for the allegations. This internal conflict intensifies as the state unit calls for the Congress High Command to intervene. The friction is also reportedly linked to Tharoor's expressed interest in being the Chief Ministerial candidate for the next Assembly elections, a move that has caused friction with some state leaders.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Don't Talk To Me About Others...": Congress-Shashi Tharoor Rift Widens
New Delhi: The Congress ' Shashi Tharoor problem seems to be just getting bigger, and it exploded again Tuesday afternoon after the Lok Sabha MP snapped back at critics, in this case K Muraleedharan - though he did not name the senior Congress leader from Kerala - and his "he is not with us" declaration. "The people who are saying this should have some basis for saying so. Who are they? I want to know. Then we will see. Don't ask me about the behaviour of others. I can (only) talk about my behaviour," an irritated Mr Tharoor told reporters in Delhi. He did not name those critics, but the reference was clear. On Sunday K Muraleedharan, a four-time former MP and two-time ex-MLA, said Shashi Tharoor would no longer be welcome to party programme in the state till he reverses comments made after the Pahalgam terror attack in April and India's subsequent military response, i.e., Operation Sindoor. #WATCH | Delhi: On statements by Congress leaders against him, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "The people who are saying this should have some basis for saying so. Who are they? I want to know. Then we will see. Don't ask me about the behaviour of others. I can talk about my… — ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2025 "Till he (Tharoor) changes his stance, we will not invite him to any party programme held in Thiruvananthapuram. He is not with us... so there is no question of him boycotting an event." Mr Muraleedharan also slammed Mr Tharoor over a contentious survey that indicated the latter was the 'preferred choice' to replace Pinarayi Vijayan as chief minister after next year's election. The Congress later rubbished that "cooked up" survey; "Such surveys have no credibility. They are all cooked up. You will see many such surveys come up before the election (next year)," the party said. \READ | The critical remarks followed Shashi Tharoor saying he prioritises development over politics and political parties. He was heavily criticised, as he was for comments about the Emergency and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and others praising PM Narendra Modi's leadership after the Pahalgam attack - but insisted he would not back down "because I believe this is the right thing for the country". READ | Shashi Tharoor Praises PM's Terror Response, Gets Congress 'CC' Strike Shashi Tharoor's relationship with the Congress - uncertain since 2021, when he joined a group of 'dissenters', i.e., the G-23, and questioned the Gandhis' leadership after a string of election defeats - has taken a sharp downturn over the past few months. The Congress expressed its unease over positive comments about Mr Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, comments amplified after he was handpicked as one of the few opposition MPs chosen to brief 'partner nations' on the Pahalgam attack and India's military response. READ | Tharoor Calls PM "Prime Asset For India" In New Provocation For Congress Mr Tharoor has acknowledged differences of opinion between himself and the Congress leadership; he even met Rahul Gandhi, but nothing seemed to come of that meeting. Speaking to NDTV last month, he played down, again, any talk of friction with the party, calling such incidents "differences of opinion... with only some elements of leadership". When NDTV asked him how he would define his relationship with the Congress today, he pointed out he had been loyal to the party and its ideology for the last 16 years. Mr Tharoor has also firmly denied any talk of a switch to the BJP, a move that could re-align and re-shape India's political lanscape. "It is not a sign of my leaping to join the Prime Minister's party... as some people have been implying..." he said after his remarks about Mr Modi's "dynamism".
