Shashi Tharoor Admits ‘Egg on Face’ Over India’s Ukraine War Stance
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said he was wrong to oppose India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, crediting the policy for positioning India as a potential peacemaker in the conflict.
During an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi on March 18, 2025, Shashi Tharoor admitted he misjudged India’s approach when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Congress leader had earlier criticized the government for not condemning Moscow’s actions.
Tharoor highlighted that India’s neutral policy enabled Prime Minister Narendra Modi to maintain strong ties with both Ukraine and Russia. He noted Modi’s ability to engage with leaders from both nations within weeks, earning acceptance in Kyiv and Moscow.
“I am still wiping the egg off my face,” Tharoor said during the session titled Waging Peace: Looking Back to Look Ahead. He acknowledged that India’s stance, despite his initial objections, has proven effective over the past three years.
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The Thiruvananthapuram MP explained his earlier criticism was rooted in principles like the inviolability of borders and the UN Charter. He had argued that Russia’s use of force against Ukraine violated these norms, warranting India’s condemnation.
Tharoor credited India’s geographical distance from Europe and its diplomatic balancing act for its current influence. He said this positions India to play a key role in fostering lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine if needed.
Speaking as an opposition MP, Tharoor suggested India might consider sending peacekeepers if a Russia-Ukraine peace deal is reached. He noted Russia’s rejection of NATO peacekeepers, making non-European nations like India viable options.
“I can’t speak for the government, I am in the opposition,” Tharoor clarified. He contrasted potential willingness for Ukraine with India’s refusal to send troops to Iraq in 2003, citing strong parliamentary resistance back then.
Tharoor underscored India’s history, having participated in over 49 peacekeeping missions globally. He said this record reflects the country’s commitment to maintaining international stability.
“India has 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,” Tharoor remarked, praising the diplomatic leverage this provides.
Tharoor’s comments come amid reports of a Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap and ceasefire talks, hinting at a possible role for India. Whether New Delhi will step into a peacekeeping role remains a decision for the government to make.
