Shashi Tharoor Admits Mistake in Opposing India’s Russia-Ukraine Policy

New Delhi : Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has acknowledged that he was wrong to oppose India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Tharoor candidly admitted that he was still “wiping the egg off his face” for criticizing India’s neutral position when the conflict began in 2022.

At the start of Russia’s military offensive against Ukraine, Tharoor had been a vocal critic of India’s decision to maintain a balanced approach, urging the government to condemn Moscow’s aggression. However, in hindsight, he now recognizes the strategic wisdom behind India’s neutrality, which has allowed it to maintain diplomatic relations with both Russia and Ukraine while positioning itself as a potential mediator in the crisis.

During his address, Tharoor highlighted how India’s foreign policy in the ongoing conflict has strengthened its global standing. He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was able to meet and embrace both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin within weeks, demonstrating India’s unique position as a nation respected by both warring parties.

India’s approach, guided by the principles of dialogue and diplomacy, has enabled it to maintain strong ties with Russia—a key defense and energy partner—while also expressing concern over humanitarian issues in Ukraine. New Delhi has consistently called for peace while abstaining from resolutions at the United Nations that directly condemn Moscow, a decision that was initially controversial but has now been widely appreciated for its pragmatism.

Tharoor also suggested that India could play a constructive role in peace negotiations if Russia and Ukraine were to agree to a settlement. He noted that Russia has rejected European peacekeeping forces from NATO countries, making India a viable alternative for a potential peacekeeping mission.

Given India’s history of participating in UN peacekeeping missions and its credibility as a non-aligned power, the idea of deploying Indian peacekeepers could be a realistic possibility if both sides agree to external mediation.