Shashi Tharoor Backs Government’s Iran War Stance
Shashi Tharoor Backs Government’s Iran War Stance
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has backed the Modi government’s restrained response to the US-Israel-Iran war, calling it an example of responsible statecraft and arguing that silence in such a situation should not be mistaken for weakness.
Shashi Tharoor Supports Strategic Restraint
In his remarks, Tharoor said India’s silence on the conflict was not cowardice but a practical recognition of national interests. He argued that New Delhi must weigh the realities of the region carefully instead of reacting through moral posturing. According to him, restraint helps India protect its interests while keeping diplomatic channels open with all sides during a volatile crisis.
Congress Split Over Iran War Response
Tharoor’s position puts him at odds with parts of his own party, which has criticised the central government for not taking a stronger public stand on the conflict. While he acknowledged that the war raises serious legal and moral concerns, he maintained that foreign policy cannot be shaped only through public denunciations when the costs of confrontation are high. His comments are likely to deepen tensions within the Congress over how India should respond to the Middle East crisis.
India’s Interests Drive Cautious Diplomacy
Tharoor said India’s approach must be guided by practical considerations, including ties with the United States, the Gulf region, energy security, trade and the safety of millions of Indians living and working in West Asia. He argued that open moral grandstanding without leverage could damage these relationships and hurt India’s long-term interests. In his view, strategic caution remains the more sensible option in a conflict with consequences far beyond the battlefield.
