Sanjay Seth Praises Shashi Tharoor's Support for India's Foreign Policy Amid West Asia Crisis

Support for Responsible Diplomacy

Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, commended Shashi Tharoor for his unwavering support of India's foreign policy in light of the ongoing crisis in West Asia. He emphasized that Tharoor consistently stands with the nation and speaks the truth. Addressing opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, Seth suggested that he should take a lesson from Tharoor's approach, stressing that not every decision made by the government should be met with relentless criticism from opposition parties.

Critique of Opposition's Response

Seth remarked that there should not be opposition to every issue. He credited Prime Minister Modi's diplomacy for maintaining peace in the country, asserting that there is no atmosphere of fear. He pointed out that there is no shortage of diesel, petrol, or gas, attributing the spread of misinformation and panic to leaders of the Congress party, who should learn from Tharoor's example.

Tharoor's Perspective on Responsible Diplomacy

Earlier, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor described India's response to the crisis in West Asia as an example of 'responsible diplomacy.' He stated that exercising restraint in unstable situations is a sign of strength, not weakness. In an interview, Tharoor clarified that restraint does not equate to surrender; rather, it reflects an understanding of national interests and the need to protect them.

Call for Constructive Diplomatic Role

In the context of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, Tharoor suggested that India should have expressed condolences following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. He highlighted the difference between condemnation and expressing sorrow, stating that the latter is a form of empathy. Tharoor also called for a clear objective for the current military operations and questioned the strategic direction of the conflict, expressing a desire for a logical rationale behind the attacks.

Encouraging Peace Initiatives

Tharoor urged countries like India to play a constructive diplomatic role in efforts to de-escalate tensions. He suggested that nations should initiate appeals for peace, providing both sides with a pathway to retreat.