Divergent opinions have emerged within the Congress party itself regarding the Indian government’s silence on the conflict in West Asia. While Congress MP Shashi Tharoor defended the government’s stance, characterizing it as “responsible diplomacy,” Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, termed this very silence an “abdication of responsibility.”
Foreign Policy Decisions Are Not Based Solely on Morality: Tharoor
In an article, Shashi Tharoor argued that even though this war violates international law and contravenes India’s core principles—sovereignty, non-violence, and peaceful resolution—decisions in foreign policy cannot be based solely on moral considerations. He stated that India must adopt a balanced approach, keeping in mind its national interests, strategic partnerships, and regional stability. According to Tharoor, the government’s silence is not an act of cowardice, but rather a calculated strategy; often, diplomatic channels can be kept open without issuing any formal statements.
Tharoor further noted that India has significant interests at stake in West Asia—including trade worth approximately $200 billion, energy supplies, and the presence of nearly 9 million Indians—and consequently, any strong public statement could jeopardize these interests. Citing India’s defense and technological ties with the United States, he remarked that it would be imprudent to jeopardize these relationships by delivering moralistic speeches.
Silence Is Not Neutrality, But an Abdication of Responsibility: Sonia
Conversely, in her own article, Sonia Gandhi raised sharp questions regarding the government’s silence. She asserted that India’s silence on grave international developments—such as the assassination of a top Iranian leader—does not constitute neutrality, but rather an abdication of responsibility. According to her, such incidents pose a serious challenge to the global order and international law, and a nation like India ought to adopt a clear and unequivocal stance on them.
What Did Tharoor Say Regarding the Criticism of the Government?
While expressing partial agreement with the views of Sonia Gandhi and other critics—acknowledging that the war is indeed unjustifiable—Tharoor also clarified that it is inappropriate to criticize the government. He argued that decisions in foreign policy are formulated with due consideration for pragmatic realities and long-term national interests. Citing Jawaharlal Nehru’s policy of Non-Alignment, he stated that India has always struck a balance between principle and pragmatism, and that in the contemporary era, ‘multi-alignment’ represents an extension of this very philosophy.
In conclusion, Tharoor remarked that India’s silence does not signify support for the war, but rather reflects an understanding that restraint is essential for safeguarding national interests—and this, he noted, is the hallmark of responsible diplomacy.
BCCI May Modify Central Contracts for Jasprit Bumrah; The Matter Involves ₹2 Crore.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to discontinue the 'A+' category in
Aditya Dhar Gives Final Touches to 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'; Director Reacts to Viral Memes
When Dhurandhar was released, Aditya Dhar garnered immense praise—particularly for the meti
War has erupted in the Middle East following a US-Israeli attack on Iran. Iran has taken control
The sale of the renowned IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has now reached its fi
Much like the general public, numerous Bollywood celebrities frequently visit Premanand Maharaj t
Dhurandhar The Revenge: ₹200 Crore on Day One, ₹500 Crore in a Week; 'Hamza' Is Set to Make History.
Less than 24 hours remain until the release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The film is set to hit th
Comedian Zakir Khan Hospitalized? Fans Concerned After Seeing Video
Renowned stand-up star Zakir Khan has made an appearance in his brother Arbaz Khan’s latest
The conflict raging in West Asia for the past 17 days has shaken the global oil market. A major i
Indian cricket team star Hardik Pandya has once again found himself embroiled in controversy. A c
On Monday, weather patterns are expected to shift across various parts of the country. In North I
