We can’t be oblivious about China, says Shashi Tharoor; flags Beijing’s deliberate economic moves

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday cautioned that complacency can't be afforded when dealing with China, stressing that Beijing’s strategic and economic decisions are intended to exert pressure on New Delhi.

Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum in New Delhi on the theme “Navigating Multipolarity: India’s Role in a World of Flux”, Tharoor said, “We can't be oblivious about China. That doesn't mean we shouldn't talk to China.”

Pointing to specific instances of Chinese actions, he added, “China withheld rare earth, Foxconn engineers — these are deliberate decisions.” Tharoor argued that such measures highlight Beijing’s use of economic levers as part of its larger strategic play.


Turning to India’s engagement with the United States, Tharoor recalled his recent visit to Washington in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. He had led a delegation of Indian MPs after Operation Sindoor to present India’s position on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

According to him, the US Vice President told the delegation, “We respect the restraint India has shown post Pahalgam terror attack.”

The Congress leader underlined that while China presents long-term structural challenges, India’s outreach to the US has reinforced international recognition of its measured response to cross-border terrorism.