Congress Leader Applauds Indian Diplomacy Amid Regional Tensions
Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor on Friday extended commendation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their diplomatic engagement with Iran. Speaking to journalists outside Parliament, Tharoor emphasized the critical need for a unified international effort to de-escalate the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has seen heightened military actions involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.
Tharoor Welcomes India's Peace Initiative
In his remarks, Tharoor expressed optimism about India's role as a mediator, stating, "Glad that India is taking the initiative for peace. At the moment, neither side seems willing to settle. Although Trump said that he is running out of targets to hit, this may end soon. The Iranians have said that they expect the retaliation to continue. It is difficult for us sitting in Delhi to judge, but we should be a constructive voice for peace." He highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting that both parties appear entrenched in their positions, yet underscored India's potential to advocate for peaceful resolutions.
Safety of Indians and Global Implications
Tharoor raised significant concerns regarding the safety of approximately nine million Indian nationals residing in Gulf countries, warning that the conflict poses severe risks to their well-being. He elaborated, "This has hurt us badly and will hurt other countries' gas supply and energy security. The safety of nine million Indians in the Gulf countries and our relationships are also at stake. It is in the interest of the world to collectively push to end this, and we should be a leading voice in the matter." His comments pointed to broader economic repercussions, including potential disruptions to energy supplies that could impact global markets.
Background on Diplomatic Efforts
The discussion follows a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, focused on the deteriorating security landscape in West Asia. This dialogue occurred against the backdrop of escalating hostilities led by the US and Israel against Iran, with recent reports indicating Israeli strikes on over 200 targets in Iran and drone incidents affecting residential areas in Beirut.
Criticism of All Parties Involved
Tharoor did not shy away from assigning blame to all sides in the conflict. He asserted, "On principle, there is wrong on both sides. It was wrong of the US and Israel to attack. Any argument of provocation or preemptive self-defence is not justified at a time when negotiations were going on, and Iran was apparently granting everything demanded. Equally, on the other side, Iran is to blame for attacking countries not a party to the war and hurting innocent civilians." He condemned the attacks as unjustified, particularly during ongoing negotiations, and criticized Iran for targeting non-combatant nations and civilians.
Advocacy for Peace and Non-Violence
Drawing on India's historical and cultural heritage, Tharoor called for a steadfast commitment to peace. He remarked, "This is pointing towards the pointlessness of wars and conflicts. As the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha, we know peace and ahimsa have been major traditions of India, and that is what we should stand for." His statement reinforced the importance of non-violence and diplomatic solutions, aligning with India's longstanding principles in global affairs.
Tharoor's comments underscore a bipartisan acknowledgment of India's diplomatic efforts while highlighting the urgent need for international cooperation to address the Middle East crisis, protect expatriate communities, and uphold global stability.
