Wed Mar 19 07:39:15 UTC 2025: ## Tharoor Concedes Initial Criticism of India’s Ukraine Stance Was Wrong
**New Delhi, [Date]** – Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has admitted he was mistaken in his initial criticism of India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Tharoor acknowledged that India’s policy of maintaining relations with both Russia and Ukraine has positioned the country uniquely to contribute to a lasting peace.
Tharoor, who initially called for condemnation of Russia’s aggression, stated that he now recognizes the benefits of India’s approach. He pointed to Prime Minister Modi’s ability to engage with both Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin as evidence of India’s successful diplomatic balancing act. This, he argued, allows India to potentially play a crucial role in brokering peace in a way few other nations can.
While emphasizing he speaks only for himself as an opposition member, Tharoor suggested India might be willing to contribute peacekeeping troops to Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached. He noted that Russia’s rejection of NATO peacekeepers makes India, with its extensive peacekeeping experience (over 49 missions), a potentially suitable candidate. He contrasted this with the strong parliamentary opposition to sending troops to Iraq in 2003.
Tharoor attributed India’s advantageous position, in part, to its geographical distance from Europe. He concluded that although his initial assessment proved incorrect, India’s current approach offers a significant opportunity to foster lasting peace in the conflict.
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