Shashi Tharoor’s Evolution on India’s Russia-Ukraine Stance
In a candid admission, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly acknowledged that his initial stance on India’s position regarding the Russia-Ukraine war was misguided. During a session at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Tharoor expressed that his criticism of India’s policy during the war was based on well-established international principles, but he now sees the strategic value in India’s approach.
Tharoor initially criticized India’s neutrality, calling for a stronger condemnation of Russia’s aggression. However, he recently stated, "I am still wiping the egg off my face because I was one of the few in the parliamentary debate who criticised India’s position back in February 2022."
The Pivot: From Criticism to Admiration
Tharoor’s change of heart came after witnessing the strategic benefits of India’s non-aligned stance. The policy allowed India to maintain close relations with both Russia and Ukraine, a diplomatic maneuver that many international observers have commended. He emphasized that the “policy adopted by India following the outbreak of the conflict meant that the country has actually a prime minister who can hug both the president of Ukraine and the president in Moscow two weeks apart and be accepted in both places.”
The Principles and the Policy
Tharoor’s initial criticism hinged on fundamental principles, such as the UN Charter, the inviolability of borders, and Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, he now believes these arguments were eclipsed by the pragmatic benefits of India’s non-alignment.
Tharoor remains proud of his representation of these principles
"lim-like many parliamentarians around the world and across political parties, I believed, based on our own experiences and the historical principles we have upheld, that India’s stance should have been different. India had and has consistently taken the position that the use of force to resolve international disputes is unacceptable and is a direct violation of international law, and our views accord with the UN Charter, the principle of unanimity borders, and the sovereignty of all States."
The Opportunities for Peace
Tharoor’s current outlook suggests that India is in a unique position to influence lasting peace in the region. He noted that India’s global standing and its geographical distance from the conflict zone put it in a favorable position.
According to data from the United Nations, India has been part of over 49 peacekeeping missions, underscoring its long-standing commitment to global stability. This diplomatic moxie could position India as a potential mediator or peacekeeper.
| Year | Operation | Host Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1954 | UNMOGIP | India Pakistan |
| 1981 | UNTAG | Namibia |
| 1996 | UNOMIL | Korea |
| 2001 –Present | MONUSISA | Sudan |
The Potential for Peacekeeping
Tharoor emphasized that if a peace agreement is reached, India could consider sending peacekeepers, noting that Russia has rejected European peacekeepers from NATO countries. He believes there would be minimal resistance to this idea compared to the backlash India faced when asked to send troops to Iraq in 2003.
Conclusion on Future Actions
While Tharoor couldn’t speak for the government as an opposition member, he believes India might play a significant role in maintaining peace in the region. He said he didn’t foresee similar resistance for Ukraine, highlighting India’s long-standing commitment to global stability.
He mentioned, ”Speaking as an Indian parliamentarian, I don’t think there would be significant resistance to that idea."
FAQ
Q: What is Shashi Tharoor’s current position on India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war?
A: Shashi Tharoor now supports India’s neutral stance, believing it positions the country to influence lasting peace.
Q: What principles did Tharoor initially base his criticism on?
A: Tharoor based his criticism on the UN Charter, the inviolability of borders, and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Q: How has India’s position benefited from its approach?
A: India’s neutral stance allows its prime minister to maintain good relations with both Russia and Ukraine, positioning India as a potential mediator.
Q: Could India send peacekeepers to Ukraine?
A: Tharoor suggests that if a peace agreement is reached, India might consider sending peacekeepers, given its extensive history in peacekeeping missions and Russia’s rejection of NATO peacekeepers.
Q: Has Shashi Tharoor always supported India’s foreign policy?
A: Initially, he criticized India’s stance, but now he supports it, citing its strategic benefits.
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