Shashi Tharoor admitted to feeling regret for opposing India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating he has “egg on my face.” He emphasized India’s current ability to influence lasting peace and discussed the potential for India to send peacekeepers if an agreement is reached between the warring nations. He reflected on the complexities of India’s diplomatic strategy amidst the conflict.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed regret for opposing India’s position on the Ukraine conflict, admitting to having “egg on my face” for his earlier criticisms. He remarked on how India’s policy has now positioned the country to potentially contribute to long-term peace in the region. Tharoor called for a condemnation of Russian aggression at the outset of the conflict, stressing the need for India to uphold international law regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his statements made during the Raisina Dialogue, Tharoor noted that India’s initial response to the Ukraine crisis appeared cautious to avoid offending Russia. He stated, “India has gone through a very complicated and challenging time…” Reflecting on his earlier comments, he indicated his concerns over violations of the UN charter and reinforced that India has historically maintained that the use of force in international disputes is unacceptable.
Tharoor acknowledged that India has unique advantages that allow it to play a significant role in advocating for peace, particularly given its geographic distance from Europe. He clarified that while he cannot officially represent the government, if a peace agreement were reached between Russia and Ukraine, India might be open to the idea of sending peacekeepers. He compared this to past resistance when Indian Parliament refused to send troops to Iraq, saying, “I don’t see that happening for Ukraine… but there would be some willingness to consider. “
Shashi Tharoor’s candid reflection on his prior criticism of India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war highlights the complexity of diplomatic positions. His acknowledgment of potential future contributions toward peace illustrates India’s unique position and capacity in international relations. Tharoor’s comments suggest a readiness to reconsider India’s role should the context change, urging a thoughtful approach to foreign policy matters.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
