Shashi Tharoor Reflects on India’s Ukraine War Stance and Potential for Peace
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP, expressed regret for opposing India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating he felt “an egg on his face.” He acknowledged that India’s current position could facilitate lasting peace while emphasizing the significance of upholding international law regarding sovereignty and aggression. Tharoor indicated potential willingness to consider sending peacekeepers, but clarified he cannot speak for the government as he is in the opposition.
Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament from the Congress party, expressed regret regarding his previous criticism of India’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He acknowledged feeling like he had “an egg on his face” for opposing the government’s position when the war erupted in February 2022. Tharoor remarked that India’s current diplomatic stance enables it to potentially facilitate lasting peace in the region.
In his earlier statements, Tharoor had emphasized India’s struggle to articulate its position on the crisis, stating, “India has gone through a very complicated and challenging time… there is no doubt that India in its very first statement seemed to be a little unwilling to say anything that the Russians will be upset about.” He highlighted the importance of respecting international law, referencing violations of the UN charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty as core issues.
Moreover, Tharoor noted that India, due to its unique geopolitical position, is poised to contribute positively towards lasting peace efforts in ways few other nations could. He also suggested that, while he cannot represent the government’s official stance, there might be willingness to consider deploying peacekeepers in the event of a negotiated peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
He elaborated, saying, “… I think there would be some willingness to consider, but I can’t speak for the government, I am in the opposition.” He compared the current situation to a past refusal by Parliament to send Indian troops to Iraq after the U.S. invasion, indicating a different potential response to the Ukraine scenario.
In summary, Shashi Tharoor openly regretted his past criticism of India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war, recognizing the importance of the nation’s current diplomatic role in promoting peace. Tharoor conveyed that India’s unique circumstances allow it to play a significant part in peace-making efforts, while also expressing a potential openness to dispatch peacekeepers should a resolution be reached between the conflicting parties.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
