NextFin news, On Friday in New Delhi, Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor publicly criticized US President Donald Trump, attributing recent job losses in India to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Tharoor highlighted that approximately 135,000 workers in Surat, a major textile hub in India, have been laid off as a direct consequence of these tariffs.
Tharoor described Trump as an "unusual president" who disregards conventional diplomatic norms and whose unpredictable policies have adversely affected India’s economy and employment. He urged observers not to judge India’s economic performance based on Trump’s behavior but to recognize the tangible impact of the tariffs on Indian workers.
The comments were made amid ongoing tensions between the United States and India over trade policies, with tariffs being a central point of contention. Tharoor’s remarks were reported by multiple Indian news outlets including The Indian Express and NDTV on Friday, September 12, 2025.
Surat, located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, is known for its textile and diamond industries, sectors that have been particularly vulnerable to changes in international trade policies. The layoffs reported by Tharoor underscore the broader economic repercussions of the US tariffs on Indian manufacturing and export sectors.
Tharoor’s statements reflect growing concerns within India about the impact of US trade measures on bilateral relations and domestic employment. The issue remains a significant topic in diplomatic discussions between the two countries.
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