ET WLF: 'JD Vance praised Delhi's restraint & responsibility in Operation Sindoor,' says Shashi Tharoor

In a meeting with visiting Indian parliamentarians after 'Operation Sindoor', US vice president JD Vance had praised India's restraint and responsibility, hence, President Donald Trump's meeting with Pakistan army chief later came as a shock, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on Friday.

Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Tharoor said there seems to be a willingness in Washington DC to discard a "quarter of a century of very serious, dedicated, devoted, strategic engagement with India".

He said the US tariffs on India are a big blow for sectors such as garments, leather and fisheries, but added that he remains cynical about recent normalisation of ties with China. "India should go with its eyes wide open." Policymakers cannot be oblivious to challenges on the border and China's deep partnership with Pakistan, the opposition party leader said.

"I think China has a very, very clear negative strategic orientation towards India for a multiple set of reasons," he said, citing Beijing's recent steps like withholding supplies of rare earth magnets.

Speaking on his visit to the US in the aftermath of Op Sindoor, Tharoor said there was a widespread appreciation of the Indian stand. "I can tell you, the vice president actually said we respect the restraint and responsibility once explained the manner in which the operation has been conducted," he said.