Shashi Tharoor Reflects on India’s Stance on the Ukraine War

Shashi Tharoor expressed regret over opposing India’s stance on the Ukraine war, stating he felt “egg on my face” for previous criticisms. He noted that India’s current policy could facilitate lasting peace and indicated that, should a peace agreement arise, Parliament may be more open to approving peacekeepers, contrasting past resistance to deployment in Iraq.

Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament from Congress, expressed regret for opposing India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating he has “egg on my face” for his previous criticisms. He noted that India’s adopted policy now positions it to facilitate lasting peace in the region. Tharoor had called for the condemnation of Russia’s aggression when the war began in 2022.

In hindsight, Tharoor emphasized that India faced significant challenges in articulating its response to the Ukraine-Russia crisis, initially appearing reluctant to upset Russia. During the Raisina Dialogue, he reflected on his earlier stance, admitting to feeling embarrassed about criticizing the Indian position back in February 2022.

Tharoor based his criticisms on violations of the UN charter, asserting that India has historically opposed the use of force in international disputes. He indicated that India now holds a unique position to influence peace efforts, aided by its geographical distance from Europe.

While Tharoor cannot officially represent the government, he mentioned that in the event of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, India might consider deploying peacekeepers. Unlike past situations, such as the 2003 decision regarding Iraq, he suggested that there is likely no strong resistance within Parliament to this possibility, indicating a potential openness to participate in peacekeeping if required.

In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor’s reflections on India’s stance during the Russia-Ukraine conflict reveal his initial criticisms and subsequent recognition of India’s evolving role in promoting peace. His statements illustrate a desire for India to engage constructively in international conflicts, emphasizing the necessity of upholding international law and the importance of India’s diplomatic standing. Tharoor’s insights also highlight a potential shift in Parliamentary attitudes towards peacekeeping missions.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com