Shashi Tharoor admitted to feeling ‘egg on his face’ for opposing India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, reflecting on how the current policy positions India to potentially influence peace. He discussed past criticisms, India’s diplomatic relations, and the potential for contributing peacekeepers, emphasizing India’s established commitment to global stability.
During a recent interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor acknowledged that he felt he had “egg on his face” for opposing India’s initial stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. He reflected on his earlier criticisms, stating that India is now positioned to facilitate lasting peace due to its adopted policy. Tharoor articulated that he had called for condemnation of the aggression when Russia first attacked Ukraine, citing violations of the UN Charter and the sovereignty of Ukraine.
Tharoor noted, “I am still wiping the egg of my face…” and emphasized the clear consequences of the Indian policy, which allowed the Prime Minister to engage with leaders from both Ukraine and Russia in a diplomatic manner. He argued that India’s geographical distance from Europe could be advantageous in contributing to peace efforts in the conflict.
While acknowledging his role as an opposition member, Mr. Tharoor expressed that India might consider sending peacekeepers, should a peaceful resolution be reached between Russia and Ukraine. He pointed out that Russia has rejected European peacekeepers from NATO countries and suggested that India could look beyond Europe for this purpose. Tharoor remarked on India’s past reluctance to send troops to Iraq but foresees a willingness for Ukraine if conditions allow.
He concluded by reaffirming India’s strong commitment to global stability, highlighting the country’s involvement in over 49 peacekeeping missions. Despite his criticisms, Tharoor remains optimistic about India’s potential role in the resolution of the ongoing conflict, affirming, “I don’t see that happening for Ukraine.”
Shashi Tharoor’s acknowledgment of his previous criticisms highlights the evolving dynamics of India’s foreign policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His insights reveal the potential for India to act as a mediator in the pursuit of peace, given its diplomatic engagements and established record in peacekeeping operations. Tharoor’s reflections underscore the importance of adaptability in foreign policy and point to India’s unique position in addressing global conflicts.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
