India, Aug. 15 -- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, known for his rich vocabulary and eloquent speeches, often leaves people reaching for a dictionary. But this time, the former diplomat found himself on the receiving end of a playful, tongue-twisting reply that momentarily left him at a loss for words.

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It began when Tharoor took to X to respond to remarks made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who had described New Delhi as "recalcitrant". In his trademark style, Tharoor offered a sharp yet elegantly worded defence of India's position.

"I hear some people are accusing India of being 'recalcitrant'. I say, far better to be ...