New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has acknowledged that he was left with “an egg on his face” for opposing India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war when the conflict began in 2022. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday during a session titled “Waging Peace: Looking Back to Look Ahead,” the Thiruvananthapuram MP admitted that India’s approach has uniquely positioned it to contribute to fostering lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Tharoor Admits Error at Raisina Dialogue

During his address, Tharoor expressed regret for his initial stance and acknowledged that India’s balanced approach has allowed the country to engage with both Russia and Ukraine without hostility.

“I am still wiping the egg off my face because I am one person in the parliamentary debate who actually criticised the Indian position at the time back in February 2022,” Tharoor said. He had earlier condemned Russia’s aggression and argued that India should have denounced the invasion for violating the UN Charter, the inviolability of borders, and the sovereignty of Ukraine.

However, reflecting on India's subsequent diplomatic success, Tharoor admitted that he had misjudged the situation. India’s neutral stance has now positioned it to engage with both nations and contribute toward lasting peace.

Tharoor’s Reaffirmation of His Stance

On Wednesday, Tharoor reaffirmed his stand on India’s diplomatic approach and emphasized that his earlier comments speak for themselves. Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, “The comments speak for themselves. Nothing to add.”

He reiterated that while he had been critical of India’s initial stance, India’s position has been vindicated in hindsight. Tharoor acknowledged that India’s neutrality had allowed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to maintain relations with both Moscow and Kyiv without compromising national interests.

BJP’s Amit Malviya Takes a Dig at Congress

BJP leader Amit Malviya wasted no time in taking a swipe at the Congress, particularly at Rahul Gandhi, after Tharoor’s remarks.

“This will likely leave Rahul Gandhi red faced, with the Congress media department scrambling to clarify that Shashi Tharoor’s remarks reflect his personal views—not the party’s official stance—despite Tharoor having led the party’s charge on the issue in Parliament,” Malviya posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Malviya further commented, “Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has admitted he was wrong in opposing India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. He acknowledged that India’s diplomatic balance has given Prime Minister Narendra Modi the unique position of being able to engage with both Ukraine and Russia without hostility.”

Tharoor’s Initial Criticism of India’s Stance

In February 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine war erupted, Tharoor was one of the most vocal critics of India’s neutral diplomatic position. He had strongly argued that India should have condemned Russia’s aggression for violating international principles.

“Our position at that time seemed to many of us as being insufficiently moral. We should have condemned the invasion because it went against the UN Charter and the sovereignty of Ukraine,” Tharoor had said during the parliamentary debate.

However, India’s balanced diplomacy has allowed the country to maintain a working relationship with both nations. India’s approach, which included abstaining from voting against Russia in the United Nations and continuing economic ties, has also enabled it to act as a potential mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

Congress Distances Itself from Tharoor’s Remarks

Following Tharoor’s remarks, political analysts have speculated that Congress may distance itself from his comments. Sources within the Congress indicated that Tharoor’s views were personal and did not reflect the party’s official position on India’s foreign policy.

While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had criticised India’s diplomatic stand on multiple occasions, Tharoor’s admission of error is seen as contradicting the party’s earlier stance.

Political Reactions and Media Scramble

Malviya’s remarks hint at a possible discomfort within the Congress over Tharoor’s admission, suggesting that the party may scramble to clarify that his views are personal. Political observers believe that Tharoor’s comments could be leveraged by the BJP to showcase how India’s diplomatic neutrality has paid off, giving Modi’s government an upper hand in international relations.

India’s Diplomatic Gains and Neutral Stance

India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war has given the country a strategic advantage on the global stage. By maintaining ties with both Russia and Ukraine, India has ensured that it can play a constructive role in future peace talks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s balanced diplomacy has been lauded globally, and India’s position has been appreciated by both Western powers and Russia. The ability to maintain economic and political ties with both nations has also shielded India from potential diplomatic fallout.

Tharoor’s Acknowledgement: A Rare Political Admission

Tharoor’s admission of error is considered a rare political move where a leader publicly acknowledges a misjudgment on foreign policy. Analysts believe that while it might create internal ripples within the Congress, it also reflects Tharoor’s willingness to adapt his views based on evolving geopolitical realities.

Conclusion: India’s Balanced Diplomacy Vindicated

With Tharoor’s admission, it is clear that India’s neutral diplomatic approach during the Russia-Ukraine war has been vindicated. While the Congress may face internal discord over his remarks, India’s diplomatic success highlights the effectiveness of its balanced approach.

As global power dynamics continue to shift, India’s ability to maintain neutrality and build bridges between warring nations positions it as a key player in ensuring peace and stability on the global stage.

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