Shashi Tharoor Reflects on India’s Ukraine Position and Peacekeeping Potential
Shashi Tharoor expressed regret for opposing India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating it left him with ‘egg on his face.’ He acknowledged that India’s current policy enables it to contribute to peace efforts, citing the importance of territorial integrity and violations of international law. Tharoor suggested India might consider peacekeeping if an agreement were reached, differing from past resistance toward deployments.
Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor expressed regret regarding his criticism of India’s position during the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine war. He acknowledged that his dissent left him with ‘egg on his face,’ but he believes that India’s current policy enables the country to play a pivotal role in fostering lasting peace. Tharoor previously advocated for a condemnation of Russia’s aggression, emphasizing the violation of the UN charter and principles of sovereignty.
In a reflection on his statements made in 2022, Tharoor remarked that India had navigated a complex situation in forming its stance on the crisis. He noted that India’s reluctance to upset Russia was apparent in its initial statements. At the Raisina Dialogue, he reiterated his previous position, citing unlawful actions that breached Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Despite being in the opposition, Tharoor indicated that India might consider deploying peacekeepers if an agreement between Russia and Ukraine were reached. He observed that unlike the situation in Iraq in 2003, where Parliament opposed sending troops, he believes there would be greater openness to such a proposal for Ukraine. However, he clarified that he could not officially represent the government’s views on this matter due to his political position.
In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor’s reflections on India’s stance during the Russia-Ukraine war reveal an evolution of thought regarding India’s role in international diplomacy. His acknowledgment of previous critique highlights the changing landscape of India’s foreign policy while underscoring the nation’s potential to contribute to global peace initiatives if called upon. Tharoor’s insights also suggest a growing readiness within India to engage more actively in peacekeeping, contingent upon specific conditions being met.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
