In the midst of growing political debates within the Indian National Congress, senior party leader Shashi Tharoor has once again found himself at the centre of controversy following his remarks on the Modi government’s handling of military operations. On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Tharoor faced criticism from fellow Congress members regarding his statement in Panama about India breaching the Line of Control (LoC) during the 2016 surgical strikes. In response, he firmly defended his position while shedding light on a wider concern — the alleged political exploitation of the Indian Army by the Modi regime.

Tharoor’s Book Passage Highlighted by Pawan Khera

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera stepped in to support Tharoor by sharing a highlighted passage from Tharoor’s book, The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi and His India. The passage accuses the Modi government of repeatedly using the army in political propaganda, notably during the 2016 surgical strikes along the LoC and a military raid in Myanmar. Tharoor writes that such acts were shamelessly exploited as election tools, a practice he claims Congress never indulged in despite authorizing similar operations in the past.

Tharoor’s criticism emphasizes the need for national security issues to be treated with discretion and non-partisanship. He calls the use of military actions as political tools a "disgraceful dilution" of this principle, suggesting that such politicization undermines the sanctity and seriousness of national security.

Clarifying the Panama Remarks

Earlier, Congress had criticized Tharoor’s statement in Panama, interpreting his remarks as claiming India crossed the LoC for the first time during the 2016 surgical strikes. Tharoor clarified his position on X (formerly Twitter), stating that his comments were about reprisals specifically for terrorist attacks, not about formal wars or previous military engagements.

He further explained that his remarks were preceded by references to multiple attacks in recent years where India’s responses had been restrained and responsible, showing respect for both the LoC and the International Border (IB). Tharoor’s nuanced position seeks to highlight India’s balanced approach in handling cross-border terrorism rather than implying any ignorance of Indian military valour.

Leading the Fight Against Cross-Border Terrorism

Currently, Shashi Tharoor is leading a multi-party delegation tasked with conveying India’s zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism. This diplomatic role underscores his engagement with India’s security policy beyond domestic politics and highlights his commitment to addressing terrorism at the international level.

Despite his diplomatic responsibilities, Tharoor responded succinctly to his critics, noting his packed schedule in Panama and upcoming departure to Colombia. He welcomed debate but dismissed distortions of his words, reflecting his focus on substantial work over political noise.

Political Implications and Wider Context

Tharoor’s comments and the ensuing debate expose the ongoing tension within the Congress party as it grapples with internal dissent and the larger political narrative shaped by the BJP government. His critique of Modi’s use of military operations in election campaigns points to a broader criticism of how security and patriotism are often intertwined with electoral politics in India.

The 2016 surgical strikes, widely publicized and celebrated by the Modi government, remain a sensitive topic. Tharoor’s view that their political exploitation undermines national security discourse challenges the dominant narrative promoted by the ruling party.

Meanwhile, Congress’s internal disagreement shows the struggle to present a unified front against BJP’s political strategies, especially in the context of national security, a key issue in Indian electoral politics.

Conclusion

Shashi Tharoor’s firm response to criticism within his party, backed by excerpts from his book, highlights a crucial debate about the intersection of military action and politics in India. His insistence on discretion and non-partisanship in national security issues calls for a deeper reflection on how such matters are portrayed and politicized.

As the debate unfolds, Tharoor remains engaged both in political discourse and diplomatic efforts, balancing criticism with his commitment to India’s security and international stance against terrorism.

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