I Spoke As an Indian! Tharoor Defends ‘Egg on Face’ Remark

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday stood by his evolving stance on India’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, insisting he spoke as a “Bharatheeyan” (Indian), not a partisan.

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, Tharoor downplayed political undertones in his Tuesday admission at the Raisina Dialogue, where he conceded having “egg on my face” for initially opposing India’s neutral policy when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Tharoor, a former Minister of State for External Affairs, had criticized India’s refusal to condemn Russia’s aggression during a parliamentary debate. Now, he praises the strategic neutrality that has positioned India as a credible mediator. “I don’t see politics in that—it’s not a topic to be viewed politically,” he said, highlighting how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomacy enabled him to engage both Ukraine’s and Russia’s leaders within weeks, earning acceptance in both capitals.

The shift drew applause from Kerala’s BJP leadership. State president K Surendran hailed Tharoor’s “candor” on X: “Unlike your INC peers, you see India’s global rise under PM Modi—truly refreshing!” Surendran commended Tharoor’s honesty in lauding “Modiplomacy,” a rare cross-party nod from the Thiruvananthapuram MP, who has often sparred with the BJP.

At Raisina, Tharoor reflected on India’s policy paying dividends: “We’re in a position to make a difference for lasting peace.” His initial critique, he admitted, misjudged the long-term gains of non-alignment, a stance that preserved India’s leverage amid global polarization. The comment sparked buzz on X, with some praising his humility, others questioning his consistency.

Tharoor’s recalibration underscores India’s diplomatic tightrope—balancing ties with Russia, a historic ally, and Western pressure—while asserting his perspective as a national, not political, voice. As Modi’s global stature grows, Tharoor’s words signal a nuanced evolution in opposition rhetoric.