Tharoor, who had previously urged India to condemn Russia's actions, based his earlier stance on the violation of the UN Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty. He argued that principles such as the inviolability of borders and the inadmissibility of using force to resolve international disputes had been breached, warranting condemnation.
However, reflecting on the developments over the past three years, Tharoor conceded that India's policy of neutrality has positioned the country uniquely on the global stage. He noted that this approach has enabled Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage diplomatically with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, fostering relationships with both nations despite the ongoing conflict.
Tharoor remarked, "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 actually has 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." This statement underscores India's strategic diplomatic positioning, allowing it to maintain balanced relations with conflicting parties.
India's stance has been characterized by calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution, abstaining from outright condemnation of Russia's actions. This neutrality has been instrumental in preserving India's strategic interests, including defense partnerships and energy security, while also enabling it to act as a potential mediator in the conflict.
Tharoor also suggested that India could play a more active role in peacekeeping efforts if a mutually agreed-upon settlement between Russia and Ukraine were reached. He highlighted India's extensive experience in international peacekeeping missions and indicated that there might be willingness to contribute to such efforts in Ukraine, should the opportunity arise.
The Bharatiya Janata Party responded to Tharoor's admission, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla expressing hope that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would not "act against" Tharoor for his candid acknowledgment of the effectiveness of India's foreign policy. Poonawalla commended Tharoor for recognizing that India's balanced diplomatic stance has allowed it to maintain friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as with the United States.