Jaishankar Praises Shashi Tharoor’s Judgment on Government’s Ukraine Policy

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently praised Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his insightful judgment, particularly regarding India’s foreign policy.

Speaking at the Business Today Mindrush 2025 event on Saturday, Jaishankar acknowledged Tharoor’s recent remarks about the government’s handling of the Ukraine conflict.

“I’ve always admired his judgment, particularly about us,” Jaishankar said when asked about Tharoor’s comments on India’s balanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Tharoor Admits He Was Wrong About India’s Ukraine Policy

Shashi Tharoor recently admitted that he misjudged India’s position when the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Tharoor reflected on how India’s diplomatic strategy had proven successful over time.

“Three years later, it does look like I am the one with the egg on my face because clearly, the policy has meant that India has actually 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,” Tharoor remarked.

Tharoor had initially opposed India’s stance, criticizing the government for not condemning Russia’s aggression outright.

He based his criticism on the grounds that Russia’s invasion violated the United Nations Charter and the principle of sovereign integrity. However, Tharoor now acknowledges that India’s measured approach has positioned the country as a credible mediator in the conflict.

India’s Objective Approach to the Ukraine Conflict

During the Business Today Mindrush event, Jaishankar explained that the government has handled the Ukraine conflict with objectivity and clarity.

“We looked at the conflict, the drivers of it, and the larger environment in a very objective way. I think a lot of other players, understandably, were perhaps carried away emotionally, which clouded their judgment,” Jaishankar said.

He further emphasized that the government has maintained a steady course by analyzing the global situation “in a very sensible way without being influenced by propaganda and prejudices.”

Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong diplomatic ties and strategic insight for India’s growing influence on the global stage.

“Prime Minister Modi’s range of relationships, the insights he has gained, and the value these relationships have added — we are seeing the cumulative impact of all of that,” he added.

Viral Photo of Tharoor and BJP Leader Baijayant Jay Panda Sparks Interest

A recent social media post featuring Shashi Tharoor and BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda sparked speculation about Tharoor’s political alignment. Panda shared a photo of the two aboard a flight on social media platform X, captioning it:

“My friend & fellow traveler called me mischievous for saying that we seem to be finally travelling in the same direction.”

Tharoor quickly clarified the context, writing:

“Fellow traveller only to Bhubaneswar! I am addressing the Kalinga LitFest tomorrow morning. And coming right back!!”

The exchange occurred as Tharoor was on his way to the 11th Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF), held in Bhubaneswar from March 21 to 23. The festival hosted over 400 writers, intellectuals, and thought leaders from around the world.

Speculation Over Tharoor’s Political Future

Tharoor’s balanced stance on India’s foreign policy and his cordial interactions with BJP leaders have fueled speculation about his future in the Congress party.

Last month, a photo of Tharoor with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and British Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds also attracted attention. Tharoor posted the image on social media with the caption:

“Good to exchange words with Jonathan Reynolds, Britain’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in the company of his Indian counterpart, Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal. The long-stalled FTA negotiations have been revived, which is most welcome.”

Tharoor’s willingness to engage with political figures from rival parties has led to questions about his position within Congress. However, Tharoor has maintained that his focus remains on fostering dialogue and strengthening India’s diplomatic standing.

Tharoor Reflects on His Initial Criticism of India’s Ukraine Stance

Tharoor admitted that his initial opposition to India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war stemmed from a principled view on international law and sovereignty.

“I am still wiping the egg off my face because I am one person in the parliamentary debate who actually criticised the Indian position at the time back in February 2022,” he said.

Tharoor had argued that India should have condemned Russia’s invasion more directly, as it violated the United Nations Charter and the principle of sovereign integrity. However, the success of India’s measured approach has led him to reconsider his stance.

“The policy adopted by India following the outbreak of the conflict meant that the country has actually 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,” Tharoor acknowledged.

India’s Growing Influence on the Global Stage

Jaishankar highlighted how India’s strategic approach has strengthened its global standing.

He pointed out that Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic relationships and the government’s consistent policy framework have allowed India to navigate complex international issues with credibility.

“We have been tracking not just the Ukraine situation but the global situation in a very sensible way without being influenced by propaganda and prejudices,” Jaishankar noted.

India’s ability to engage with both Russia and Ukraine without alienating either side reflects its growing diplomatic influence. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s position as a neutral player has opened doors for meaningful dialogue and potential conflict resolution.