"No Boasting": Shashi Tharoor's Advice To Media On India's Nepal Relief
Tharoor urges sensitive media coverage of India's Nepal relief efforts.
Congress MP and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor has welcomed India's prompt relief response to Nepal following devastating flash floods, while urging the Indian media to avoid boasting about assistance provided to the neighbouring country. Speaking at the NDTV World Anviksha Summit in Kathmandu, Tharoor recalled the criticism surrounding India's relief coverage after Nepal's 2016 earthquake and called for greater sensitivity in reporting bilateral relations.
Tharoor described the media coverage of India's assistance during the 2016 earthquake as problematic, arguing that people receiving help should not repeatedly be reminded of the support being provided. He acknowledged that India's relief assistance at the time was substantial but maintained that the manner in which some sections of the media presented it created resentment in Nepal. He urged the media to remain as sensitive to the India-Nepal relationship as the governments of the two countries.
Welcoming India's immediate response to the latest flash flood disaster, Tharoor described the relief effort as the natural responsibility of a close neighbour. He noted that India and Nepal share close geographical, historical and cultural ties and expressed confidence that New Delhi would provide additional assistance if required. He stressed that standing with Nepal during a crisis was consistent with the responsibilities expected of neighbouring countries.
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Tharoor also called for a broader change in India's approach towards Nepal, emphasising that New Delhi should engage with Kathmandu as a sovereign and equal country. He criticised the undeclared economic blockade of 2016, describing it as a major mistake that damaged bilateral relations. Although the Indian government had denied involvement in the blockade, Tharoor argued that the episode had a lasting impact on perceptions of India in Nepal.
The former diplomat also stressed that the traditionally described India-Nepal "roti-beti" relationship should not be the sole foundation of bilateral ties. According to him, respectful dialogue and recognition of Nepal's views are essential for strengthening relations. He argued that historical and cultural connections remain important, but both countries also need an approach based on mutual respect and an understanding of each other's concerns.
Despite his criticism of past policies and media coverage, Tharoor said he is more confident about India-Nepal relations today than he was several years ago. He pointed to what he described as positive body language on both sides and India's swift response to the latest floods as signs of improved ties. He concluded that there is growing recognition in both countries that the relationship should be based on respect, sensitivity and cooperation.
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