Priyanka Tiwari
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During the Raisina Dialogue, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor admitted that he was wrong to criticize India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict when the war began in February 2022. Reflecting on his earlier opposition, Tharoor acknowledged that India's foreign policy has ultimately positioned the country in a way where it can play a pivotal role in global peace.
At the time of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Tharoor had publicly criticized India’s position, calling for condemnation of the Russian aggression. He had argued that India, as a responsible member of the international community, should uphold principles of sovereignty and the inviolability of borders, which he believed Russia had violated.
India’s Neutral Stance Proves Beneficial for Diplomacy
Despite his initial criticism, Tharoor now believes that India's diplomatic strategy, which involved a balanced approach, has worked out in the country's favor. He noted that India’s position has allowed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in separate meetings just weeks apart, showcasing India's unique position of influence.
Tharoor admitted, "I am still wiping the egg off my face because I am one person in the parliamentary debate who actually criticized the Indian position back in February 2022." He conceded that his earlier stance was based on principles related to the United Nations Charter and international law, which had been violated by Russia’s actions.
India’s Potential Role in Peacekeeping Efforts
Tharoor emphasized that India’s neutral position places it in a strong position to mediate and contribute to lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine, should the opportunity arise. He explained, "India has the ability to make a difference to lasting peace if required, in ways that very few countries can."
While noting that he cannot speak for the Indian government due to his opposition status, Tharoor suggested that if peace were reached between Russia and Ukraine, India could consider sending peacekeepers to ensure stability. He pointed out that Russia has explicitly stated that it would not accept NATO peacekeepers from European countries, indicating that countries like India could be viable peacekeeping candidates.
Tharoor referred to past instances, such as when India was asked to send troops to Iraq in 2003 after the U.S. invasion, but the Indian Parliament unanimously opposed it. He contrasted this with the current situation, suggesting that if a peace agreement is reached between Russia and Ukraine, India would likely be more open to the idea of participating in peacekeeping efforts.
India's Long-standing Commitment to Peacekeeping
Tharoor reminded the audience that India has a rich history of peacekeeping, with over 49 peacekeeping missions worldwide. He emphasized that India’s commitment to global stability and peace is well-established, reflecting the country’s diplomatic maturity and willingness to contribute to peace in various conflict zones.
India's Strategic Advantage in Global Peace Efforts
Tharoor also highlighted that India’s geographic distance from Europe and its diplomatic balance make it an ideal candidate to act as a mediator in the ongoing conflict. India’s non-alignment and neutral position give it a unique opportunity to work with both sides and contribute to a potential peace settlement.
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