Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 19: Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again taken a stance at variance with his party, endorsing the Modi government’s approach to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict as an exercise in “responsible statecraft” rather than a moral compromise.
In an op-ed, Tharoor acknowledged that the conflict violates principles of international law, including sovereignty and non-aggression—values India has traditionally upheld. However, he argued that New Delhi’s restrained response reflects strategic prudence in a complex geopolitical environment.
“Silence, in this context, is not cowardice. It is a sober recognition of our national interests,” he wrote, defending the government’s calibrated approach.
Tharoor’s remarks sharply contrast with the position taken by Congress leadership. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has called for India to take a morally clear stand by condemning unilateral military actions, while former Congress president Sonia Gandhi criticised the government’s silence, terming it an abdication rather than neutrality.
While Tharoor admitted that India’s delayed response to the killing of Iranian leadership drew criticism, he maintained that restraint was preferable to rhetorical posturing.
Taking aim at critics, Tharoor said foreign policy cannot be reduced to “academic debates” or moral grandstanding without considering consequences.
“India’s silence is not an endorsement of war. It is a recognition that prudence must prevail over posturing,” he noted, adding that calls for outright denunciation often ignore strategic realities.
Drawing parallels with India’s Cold War-era diplomacy, Tharoor argued that past governments balanced moral principles with national interest, particularly in maintaining ties with key allies despite disagreements.
He cautioned that similar pragmatism is required today, especially given evolving global dynamics, including relations with the United States under leaders like Donald Trump and the need to counterbalance rising global powers.
Tharoor also highlighted India’s deep economic and strategic ties with Gulf nations, pointing to the risks posed by escalating tensions. He noted that trade worth nearly $200 billion, energy security, and the livelihoods of millions of Indians in the region could be affected.
Emphasising the need for balance, Tharoor said that avoiding strong public condemnation helps preserve diplomatic flexibility and keeps communication channels open with all sides.
“Our interests are not served by grandstanding unless we are prepared to bear the consequences,” he wrote, underlining that silence, in certain contexts, can be a deliberate and effective strategy.
His remarks are expected to further strain ties with sections of the Congress leadership, as he continues to chart an independent line on key foreign policy issues.