Shashi Tharoor Represents India at Primakov Readings in Moscow

Shashi Tharoor has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission in Moscow, representing India at the annual Primakov Readings conference. His participation highlights crucial discussions on international relations and the global economy, particularly focusing on the issue of Pakistani terrorism. Tharoor's meetings with Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, have drawn attention, especially his comments on Pakistan's role in harboring terrorist organizations. As speculations arise regarding his political future, Tharoor emphasizes the importance of national unity over party lines. This article delves into his diplomatic engagements and the implications for India's foreign policy.
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Shashi Tharoor Represents India at Primakov Readings in Moscow

Shashi Tharoor's Diplomatic Mission in Moscow

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been assigned another significant international mission by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is currently attending the annual 'Primakov Readings' conference in Moscow, where experts from around 40 countries, including India, gather to discuss international relations and the global economy. Tharoor's participation is seen as a representation of India at this important event. His efforts to highlight the issue of Pakistani terrorism have gained considerable attention worldwide, aligning with the expectations set by the Prime Minister. Known for his eloquent English and impactful speaking style, Tharoor has also gone viral for a video where he speaks in French.


Recently, he led a multilateral delegation to the USA and four other nations to discuss India's stance on the April 22 Pulwama terrorist attack and the subsequent military actions.


Meetings with Russian Officials

During his time in Moscow, Tharoor met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, sharing a photo of their encounter on social media, expressing his pleasure in reconnecting with an old friend. Additionally, he met with Andrei Denisov, the former Russian ambassador to the UN, who now serves as the first deputy chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council.


Controversial Comments on Terrorism

Tharoor has faced criticism for his remarks regarding Pakistan's involvement in terrorism during a meeting with Leonid Slutsky, the head of Russia's Liberal Democratic Party. Responding in French, he pointed out that Pakistan harbors terrorist organizations, which has sparked discussions on the upcoming anti-terrorism conference that Russia plans to host, involving leaders from Turkey, Iran, Russia, India, Pakistan, and China.


Tharoor's Diplomatic Skills Shine

The conversation between Tharoor and Slutsky quickly gained traction on social media, with many praising Tharoor's linguistic skills and diplomatic clarity. After the meeting, he expressed his satisfaction in reconnecting with Slutsky, who had previously visited the Indian Parliament with a Russian delegation.


Speculations Surrounding Tharoor's Political Future

Reports suggest that Tharoor met with Prime Minister Modi for about an hour before departing for Moscow, although no official statement has been released. Tharoor, a renowned author and former diplomat, holds a significant position in Indian politics, known for his intellectual depth and multilingual abilities. Despite being a prominent face of the Congress party, his relationship with the leadership has been complex, often expressing dissent regarding traditional practices.


His recent article praising the Prime Minister's leadership has reportedly upset the Congress high command, leading to speculation about his potential shift to the BJP. However, Tharoor clarified that his article was not an indication of joining the BJP but rather a call for national unity and standing for India's interests.


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