Shashi Tharoor's Comments Ignite Political Tensions Over Indian Sailors' Safety
Shashi Tharoor's recent comments supporting PM Modi's stance on the safety of Indian sailors during the G7 summit have stirred political tensions. The Congress party has accused Modi of silence regarding the deaths of three Indian sailors in an American attack, while the BJP claims Tharoor's remarks reveal Rahul Gandhi's true position. This unfolding political drama highlights the complexities of national interests and diplomatic relations. Read on to discover more about the implications of these statements and the reactions from both parties.
| Jun 20, 2026, 13:09 IST
Tharoor's Remarks on Modi's Diplomacy
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again provided the BJP with an opportunity to criticize opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. He expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statements regarding the safety of Indian sailors during the G7 summit. Tharoor's comments come at a time when the Congress party has accused the Prime Minister of remaining "silent" about the deaths of three Indian sailors in an American attack on a merchant ship in the Gulf of Oman, while he was meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
G7 Summit Discussions
While discussing the bilateral meeting between Modi and Trump at the G7 summit, Tharoor noted that the Prime Minister raised concerns about the safety of ordinary citizens (sailors) during both public and private discussions with the U.S. President. He emphasized that Modi clearly articulated India's position in both settings, stressing the importance of ensuring that commercial sailors are not targeted during wartime. They are not soldiers, and this was the message conveyed by PM Modi.
Highlighting India's concerns regarding the safety of its sailors, Tharoor pointed out that Indian sailors are present not only on Indian-flagged vessels but also on other ships. He urged that if they are violating blockades, alternative measures should be taken to stop them without endangering lives. On Wednesday, the Congress party criticized Modi for not addressing the issue of the three Indian sailors killed in the Gulf of Oman during his conversation with Trump, questioning why he did not seek an apology or expression of regret from Washington regarding the incident.
BJP's Response to Tharoor's Statements
The BJP quickly seized upon Tharoor's statements, asserting that the Congress leader's support for Modi's diplomacy revealed Rahul Gandhi's true stance. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted on X, stating that Shashi Tharoor has exposed Rahul Gandhi's reality, as the Congress leader openly praises PM Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts. When it comes to protecting India's national interests, PM Modi leads the way, while Rahul Gandhi falls behind when it comes to speaking against those interests.
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