Kumar Bahukhandi
Shashi Tharoor met PM Modi after returning from the mission -Photo-ANI
Tharoor, who went on an outreach mission after Operation Sindoor, said that we carefully explained that India’s action was a genuine attempt at self-defence, a necessary response to the persistent cross-border terrorism. The success of this was clearly visible in the changes seen in many capitals.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who was part of India’s all-party delegation that visited foreign countries after Operation Sindoor, has once again openly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a column in an English newspaper, Tharoor has described PM Modi as a ‘primary asset’ for India because of his energy, dynamism and willpower.
Experience of outreach mission shared
Congress MP Tharoor wrote in the column, ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s energy, dynamism and willingness to participate remains a major asset for India on the global stage, but it needs more support.’ He emphasised that this initiative shows India’s unity on the global stage.
Tharoor further wrote that during this mission he learned that the power of unity, the impact of clear communication, the strategic value of soft power and the imperative of public diplomacy will guide India in an increasingly complex international scenario. He also said that the three Ts – technology, trade and tradition – should drive India’s future global strategy as the country strives to build a more just, secure and prosperous world.
There was a change in the stance of many countries
Congress leader Tharoor’s participation in the outreach mission after Operation Sindoor had led to a heated exchange between the Congress and the BJP. He said that the main purpose of this mission was to give clarity about this. Tharoor has been constantly on the target of his party since he praised the Modi government for Operation Sindoor.
He wrote, ‘We carefully explained that India’s action was a correct attempt of self-defense, which was a necessary response to the ongoing cross-border terrorism. The success of this was clearly visible in the change seen in many capitals.
Colombia had withdrawn the statement
Tharoor also worked to show India’s influence during his outreach mission. He expressed concern over Colombia’s initial stance of mourning those who died in Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. The Latin American country withdrew its statement after Tharoor’s objection as Tharoor stressed that there is no moral equivalence between terrorists and those who protect their country.
The Kerala MP further wrote, ‘This shows that facts presented patiently and consistently can overcome initial misconceptions, even deliberate mistakes.’ Tharoor wrote that highlighting the links between terrorism and Pakistan was another important aspect of the outreach. Recalling the presence of his delegation in the US, Tharoor took a dig at the Pakistani officials who were in Washington DC at the time.
Attack on Pakistan in America
Tharoor wrote in the column, ‘The Pakistani delegation was also present there, we saw that the US representatives, including those who met Pakistani officials, reiterated our concerns, as well as appealed for decisive action against terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.’
The Congress MP said that this admission by the US confirms that India’s argument was backed by the truth and they are reducing the noise, as well as strengthening the legitimacy of India’s position.
Shashi Tharoor targeted by Congress
Tharoor’s statements during the outreach were criticised by Congress allies, especially when he condemned the surgical strikes carried out during the UPA regime and praised the Modi government for its handling of the current situation. Tharoor, however, hit back, accusing critics and trolls of twisting his statement and asserting that he has better things to do.
His recent praise for the Prime Minister comes just days after Tharoor admitted to differences with the Congress top leadership, though he downplayed any differences with the leadership or cadre. After returning from the outreach mission, Tharoor met Prime Minister Modi at his residence on June 11 along with all-party members of the seven delegations.
