Congress MP and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor has delivered a sharp rebuttal to recent remarks made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who claimed India would soon return to the negotiating table “saying sorry” over its continued trade with Russia. Tharoor, speaking during the Monsoon Session and in a televised interview on September 7, 2025, asserted that India has “nothing to say sorry about” and reminded Washington that previous US administrations had encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilize global prices.
The exchange has reignited debate over India’s strategic autonomy, especially in the context of rising US tariffs and pressure tactics aimed at curbing Russian trade. Tharoor’s comments were widely praised across party lines, with many viewing them as a timely assertion of India’s independent foreign policy stance.
🧭 Timeline of India–US Trade Tensions and Tharoor’s Response
| Date | Event Description | Outcome / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | US imposes 50% tariffs on Indian exports | Trade relations strained |
| September 5 | Howard Lutnick says India will “say sorry” soon | Sparks diplomatic backlash |
| September 7 | Shashi Tharoor responds in Parliament and media | Defends India’s Russia trade stance |
| September 8 | Tharoor’s remarks trend across social media | Public support for sovereign trade policy |
Tharoor’s response has been viewed as a reminder of India’s post-colonial assertiveness and refusal to bow to external pressure.
🔍 Key Quotes from Shashi Tharoor’s Statement
| Topic | Tharoor’s Remarks | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| On Lutnick’s comment | “India doesn’t have to say sorry about anything.” | Rejection of coercive diplomacy |
| On Russian oil trade | “Previous US administrations requested us to buy Russian oil.” | Historical context for India’s decision |
| On global hypocrisy | “China, Turkey, and Europe trade more with Russia than we do.” | Highlights selective targeting |
| On India’s maturity | “India has behaved with a great deal of maturity.” | Emphasizes responsible global conduct |
Tharoor’s remarks were aimed at both defending India’s position and exposing inconsistencies in US foreign policy.
📉 Comparative Russian Trade Volumes: India vs Other Nations
| Country | Russian Oil & Gas Imports (2025 est.) | Other Trade with Russia | US Criticism Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | $85 billion | High | Low |
| Turkey | $32 billion | Moderate | Low |
| European Union | $45 billion (non-energy goods) | High | Minimal |
| India | $21 billion | Moderate | High |
Tharoor pointed out that India is being unfairly singled out despite lower trade volumes compared to other US allies.
🔥 Political and Diplomatic Reactions
| Leader / Entity | Statement / Position | Implication for India–US Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Shashi Tharoor (Congress) | “India won’t be dictated to.” | Assertion of sovereignty |
| MEA Spokesperson | “India’s trade decisions are guided by national interest.” | Reaffirms strategic autonomy |
| BJP Leaders | Silent on Tharoor’s remarks | Avoiding bipartisan friction |
| US Embassy (Delhi) | No official response yet | Diplomatic caution |
Tharoor’s remarks have sparked bipartisan support for India’s independent foreign policy.
🧠 Expert Commentary on India’s Strategic Autonomy
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Foreign Policy Analyst | “Tharoor’s rebuttal is a masterclass in diplomatic clarity.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Trade Strategy Consultant | “India’s Russia trade is pragmatic, not ideological.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Post-Colonial India | “This is India’s Nehruvian legacy in action—non-alignment with conviction.” |
Experts agree that India’s stance reflects a mature, multi-vector foreign policy.
📦 India’s Russian Oil Trade: Strategic Overview
| Metric / Detail | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Annual Import Volume | ~1.2 million barrels/day |
| Payment Mechanism | Rupee–Ruble and UAE Dirham settlements |
| Strategic Benefit | Price stability, energy security |
| US Concern | Undermines sanctions on Russia |
India has maintained that its energy decisions are based on affordability and national interest.
📅 Upcoming Diplomatic Milestones
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| UNGA General Debate | September 27 | India expected to reiterate trade autonomy |
| Indo-US Strategic Dialogue | January 2026 | Opportunity to reset trade relations |
| G20 Trade Ministers’ Meet | October 2025 | Multilateral platform for tariff discussions |
| WTO Ministerial Conference | March 2026 | Legal challenge to US tariffs possible |
These events will shape the trajectory of India–US relations amid rising economic and strategic friction.
📌 Conclusion
Shashi Tharoor’s pointed rebuttal to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s remarks has reignited the debate on India’s strategic autonomy and its right to pursue sovereign trade policies. By reminding Washington of its own past requests and exposing global double standards, Tharoor has positioned India as a mature, self-assured global player. As tensions simmer over tariffs and Russian oil, India’s message is clear: it won’t be coerced, and it certainly won’t say sorry.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, parliamentary statements, and expert commentary as of September 8, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute diplomatic or policy advice.
