I have egg on my face: Shashi Tharoor reflects on criticizing India’s stance on Ukraine war

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor admitted on Tuesday (March 18) that he was proved wrong in his criticism of India's approach to the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. Tharoor, who had previously criticized India's neutrality, admitted that New Delhi's strategic response has now placed it at the forefront of peace talks.

Tharoor's criticism of India's initial stand

A report said that Tharoor had sharply condemned India's reaction to the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the grounds that New Delhi must have unequivocally denounced Russia's aggression. He asserted, "India was in a difficult position in developing its position on the Ukraine-Russia crisis. There was no doubt that India's early statement reflected its unwillingness to irritate Russia."

Looking back at his previous comments, Tharoor continued, "I am still cleaning the egg off my face because I was the one who spoke against India's stance in Parliament in February 2022." His resistance was premised on fear of the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, the undermining of international law, and undermining the UN Charter.

India's policy now game-changer for peace

Three years ago, Tharoor admitted that India's foreign policy has enabled Prime Minister Narendra Modi to talk to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Now we have a Prime Minister who, in a period of two weeks, can hug the presidents of both Ukraine and Russia, and be greeted by both," Tharoor said.

He underlined the fact that India is currently at a privileged juncture in a position to bring about peace, partially thanks to its physical distance from Europe. "India is one of the very few countries that can actually contribute toward enduring peace," he said.

Chances for peacekeeping troops

Tharoor also spoke of chances for sending Indian peacekeeping forces in case there is an agreement between Russia and Ukraine. While explaining that he is not representing the government, he mentioned that India has also considered such plans in the past. He pointed towards a similar suggestion in 2003 on Iraq, which Parliament rejected. Yet, he thinks the Ukraine crisis is distinct. "If there is a peace deal and peacekeeping troops are required, I think India would be willing to consider it," Tharoor said.