Shashi Tharoor acknowledged his earlier critiques of India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, admitting he is now faced with “egg on my face” as India’s policy adapts. He discussed India’s strategic position to contribute significantly to peace efforts while highlighting its diplomatic engagements with both Russia and Ukraine. Tharoor expressed conditional support for potential Indian peacekeeping missions, underscoring the nation’s historical commitment to global stability.
On Tuesday, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor acknowledged the implications of his earlier criticism regarding India’s response to the Russia-Ukraine war, stating he is left with “egg on my face.” He noted that despite his initial objections,India’s subsequent policy is now poised to facilitate a significant role in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Tharoor, during the Raisina Dialogue, reflected on his stance from February 2022, where he criticized India’s position for failing to condemn Russia’s aggression as a violation of the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty. He lamented, “All of those principles had been violated by one party and we should have condemned it.”
Despite earlier misgivings, the Thiruvananthapuram MP posited that the Indian Prime Minister’s ability to engage with both Ukraine and Russian leaders exemplifies India’s current diplomatic advantages. He claimed, “India actually has a Prime Minister who can hug both the president of Ukraine and the president in Moscow two weeks apart.”
Tharoor emphasized India’s potential to impact peace initiatives due to its geographical distance from Europe and a historical commitment to peacekeeping. Although speaking from an opposition viewpoint, he conveyed a cautious openness to considering Indian peacekeepers should a peace agreement arise between Russia and Ukraine.
He elaborated that the Russians have explicitly rejected NATO-associated peacekeepers, suggesting a need to explore alternatives beyond Europe. Tharoor assured, “I don’t see that happening for Ukraine. I think if it were necessary and there was an agreed peace, I think there would be some willingness to consider.”
Drawing on India’s extensive history of over 49 peacekeeping missions, Tharoor underscored the nation’s established commitment to global stability, ultimately positioning India as a capable contributor to potential peace efforts.
This analysis presents an evolving perspective on India’s diplomatic role in the ongoing conflict, reflecting on past stances and the changing geopolitical landscape.
Shashi Tharoor’s reflections on India’s role during the Russia-Ukraine conflict emphasize the country’s evolving diplomatic standing. His admission of previously opposing India’s neutral stance reveals a recognition of the strategic advantages India holds today. Tharoor’s insights stress India’s potential involvement in peacekeeping efforts, contingent on a future peace agreement, reiterating India’s longstanding commitment to maintaining global stability.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
