US President Donald Trump on Iran: They are not doing anything without US approval

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated on Friday that the outcomes of the US midterm elections would have minimal impact on India-US relations. Tharoor emphasized President Donald Trump's continued authority to advance his foreign policy objectives, despite the ruling party's electoral loss. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor asserted that the US election results would not alter Washington's stance on critical matters like tariffs, sanctions on nations purchasing Russian oil, the Iran conflict, or the Ukrainian crisis.

He affirmed that the President possesses complete discretion over foreign and international affairs, unaffected by the election result.

Tharoor explained that while Congress holds significant powers over budgetary decisions and can either approve or reject government spending, the President retains considerable leeway in foreign policy. Even in instances of military action, the President can initiate action without prior congressional approval for the first 60 days.

However, Congress can exercise its financial authority to control expenditures, particularly for costly military endeavors. Tharoor dismissed expectations in India that this would affect the nation's relationship with the US, stating that such expectations were unfounded. He described the election results as a significant setback for the ruling party, noting their traditional role in providing a course correction to the governing party.

Tharoor also noted the electoral success of candidates from minority groups and individuals of Indian descent, including the election of a mayor of Indian origin in Los Angeles. He attributed these outcomes to the dynamism of American democracy but maintained that the results would not substantially impact Trump's decision-making capabilities on international issues.