Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday reiterated his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “consistent” stance advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Tharoor stressed the significance of peace negotiations and pointed out the constructive measures undertaken, including dialogues among global leaders. He also emphasized that reaching a solution would be intricate and necessitate the participation of all involved parties, such as Ukraine and the European Union.
“At this stage, I’m not aware of India having been asked to do anything. Clearly, President Trump has taken the lead in talking to the Russians about this. Until such time, a country like India is invited to be involved; I think we should just watch and wait… All I will say is that we have a very long record in peacekeeping. So we have been available for constructive purposes, for peace. But even then, it would all depend on what kind of agreement this is and what is required in policing it…” he said as quoted by news agency ANI.
ALSO READ: Meerut man killed by wife and lover on return from London; chopped body into 15 pieces
He also opposed speculation and emphasized the importance of letting those directly impacted by the conflict participate in deciding the most effective course of action.
Recognizing the prominent role of certain nations, the former MoS External Affairs remarked that India, given its background in peacekeeping, could contribute positively to any possible agreement that arises.
His comments followed his admission that he felt he had “egg on his face” for opposing India’s position at the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war and stated that, because of the policy pursued, the country is now in a place to influence lasting peace.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Tharoor conceded that India’s balanced approach has enabled the Prime Minister to engage with both Ukraine and Russia effectively.