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Shashi Tharoor Admits Misjudgment on India’s Neutral Stance in Russia-Ukraine War


Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has publicly acknowledged that he was mistaken in opposing India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war when it first erupted in 2022. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday during a session titled ‘Waging Peace: Looking Back to Look Ahead’, Tharoor candidly admitted that India’s diplomatic approach has, in hindsight, positioned the country as a potential peacemaker on the global stage.

"An Egg on My Face" – Tharoor’s Honest Reflection

"I am still wiping the egg off my face because I am one person in the parliamentary debate who actually criticized
the Indian position at the time back in February 2022," Tharoor confessed.

At the time, he had strongly condemned Russia’s military actions, advocating that India should denounce the aggression based on principles of the UN Charter, the sovereignty of Ukraine, and the inviolability of international borders. However, with three years of global developments unfolding, he now sees the strategic value of India’s neutral stance.

How India’s Diplomacy Strengthened Its Global Standing

Tharoor pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic positioning has allowed India to engage with both Russia and Ukraine without hostility.

"Clearly, the policy has meant that 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," he noted.

India’s historical commitment to neutrality and its geographical distance from Europe has enhanced its credibility as a potential mediator in the ongoing conflict. Tharoor emphasized that few countries are as uniquely positioned as India to broker lasting peace if required.

India as a Potential Contributor to Peacekeeping Efforts

Tharoor, who previously served as Minister of State for External Affairs, also raised the possibility of India playing a role in peacekeeping missions should a negotiated settlement be reached between Russia and Ukraine. Given Russia’s refusal to accept NATO-aligned European peacekeepers, non-European nations like India could play a crucial role.

"If it were necessary and if there was an agreed peace, I think there would be some willingness to consider," he said, clarifying that these were his personal views and not an official government position.

India’s Path Forward in Global Diplomacy

Tharoor’s reflections highlight how India’s strategic non-alignment has given it a rare diplomatic advantage in global geopolitics. While critics initially questioned the government’s neutral stance, it has now placed India in a position where it can facilitate meaningful dialogue between conflicting parties.

With rising geopolitical tensions and a fragmented world order, India’s role as a trusted mediator could be crucial in shaping future peace agreements. As the war drags on, the world will be watching to see whether India steps up to play a greater role in global peace efforts.


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