Shashi Tharoor Clarifies Modi Praise: Upholding National Unity, Not Political Shift
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Shashi Tharoor Speaks Out: National Support in ‘Operation Sindoor’ Doesn’t Mean Joining BJP
n the complex realm of Indian politics, where perception often overshadows intention, a recent opinion piece by Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor sparked widespread debate. In the article, Tharoor offered praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global diplomacy during Operation Sindoor, a humanitarian mission that captured global attention. While some interpreted this as a sign of a possible BJP alignment, Tharoor quickly issued a BJP clarification, emphasizing that his remarks stemmed from a sense of national unity and pride in India’s foreign policy success—not a shift in political allegiance.
The incident has stirred interest across the political spectrum, revealing the delicate balance between acknowledging national achievement and avoiding misinterpretation in India’s highly polarized environment. This Shashi Tharoor news story dives deep into the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, examines Modi’s global diplomacy, and explores how Indian politics in 2025 continues to navigate the space between patriotism and partisanship. Ultimately, this serves as a valuable Operation Sindoor analysis, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of the BJP-Congress rift and the broader discourse surrounding Indian foreign policy.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Before analyzing the controversy, it’s crucial to understand Operation Sindoor. Initiated by the Indian government in mid-2025, the operation was a large-scale diplomatic and military effort to safely evacuate Indian citizens from conflict zones in West Asia, particularly from war-torn areas in Iraq and Syria. The mission also included humanitarian aid, coordination with international agencies, and leveraging India’s growing global influence.
The mission was largely considered a success. The Indian Air Force, Ministry of External Affairs, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) collaborated under PM Modi’s leadership to evacuate more than 12,000 citizens in under two weeks. The global response was largely positive, praising India’s swift and humanitarian-led efforts.
The Article That Sparked Debate
On June 21, 2025, Shashi Tharoor published an op-ed titled “India Rises: A Moment of National Pride” in a leading English daily. In it, Tharoor applauded the Indian government’s diplomatic finesse and operational efficiency during Operation Sindoor. He specifically acknowledged PM Modi’s role in leveraging international goodwill and building rapid consensus with regional powers.
“In moments like these, we are not BJP or Congress, but Indians. Credit must be given where it is due.”
The quote, while seemingly straightforward, ignited speculation. Critics from within the Congress party expressed concern that such praise could be seen as undermining the opposition. BJP leaders, meanwhile, seized the opportunity to welcome Tharoor’s “realization,” suggesting he might be on the verge of switching camps.
Shashi Tharoor’s Clarification
Facing media frenzy and political backlash, Tharoor issued a statement on social media, and later, during a televised interview. He made it unequivocally clear:
“Let there be no ambiguity. I am a Congress MP, committed to its principles. My praise was not for a party, but for an act that upheld India’s dignity on the global stage.”
Tharoor emphasized that patriotism must rise above party lines. He stated that any Indian, regardless of political affiliation, should feel proud when the nation acts decisively and responsibly on the world stage.
Nationalism vs Partisanship: A Tharoorian Take
Dr. Tharoor’s clarification offers a compelling look into the often blurred line between nationalism and partisanship in Indian politics. His approach—intellectual, cosmopolitan, and rooted in liberal democratic values—frequently finds him at the center of controversy, especially when it comes to speaking positively about political rivals.
Historically, Tharoor has criticized the BJP’s domestic policies—particularly its stance on civil liberties, communalism, and education. However, he has also shown a willingness to commend positive initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or India’s COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy.
In doing so, he illustrates a more nuanced and statesman-like approach that India’s polarized political climate rarely appreciates.
Reaction from Congress and BJP
Congress:
Several Congress leaders appeared rattled by Tharoor’s piece. A senior functionary, speaking anonymously, commented:
“This is not the time to offer praise to the ruling party when elections are approaching. We must stay united in opposition.”
Others, including Priyanka Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh, defended Tharoor, emphasizing that being fair in acknowledgment does not equate to ideological compromise.
BJP:
The BJP predictably latched onto the statement as proof of the Modi government’s rising bipartisan appeal. Union Minister Smriti Irani tweeted:
“Even Congress intellectuals now admit Modiji’s global leadership. That says it all!”
This kind of political opportunism further complicated Tharoor’s stance, despite his efforts to reframe the narrative.
Media Sensationalism and Its Role
Much of the controversy can be attributed to the media’s hunger for clickbait and sensational headlines. Headlines such as “Is Tharoor the Next BJP Catch?” or “Congress MP Backs Modi!” distorted the intention of the article.
This underscores a larger issue: the inability of modern political journalism to tolerate nuance. In an age where black-and-white narratives rule headlines, voices like Tharoor’s—which advocate reasoned, patriotic bipartisanship—are easily mischaracterized.
Operation Sindoor: A Diplomatic Win
The broader takeaway from this episode shouldn’t be the controversy but rather the success of Operation Sindoor. India demonstrated its capability to conduct large-scale evacuations while maintaining diplomatic grace under pressure.
Key elements of success included:
- Rapid mobilization of IAF aircraft
- Coordination with international NGOs and UN peacekeeping forces
- Bilateral discussions with conflict-zone governments
- Use of soft power through India’s diaspora diplomacy
Modi’s personal outreach to several Middle Eastern leaders expedited clearances and ensured cooperation—something Tharoor simply acknowledged, as any honest observer should.
The Bigger Picture: Can India Afford Political Divisiveness?
Tharoor’s clarification reminds us of a fundamental truth: India’s challenges—be they geopolitical, environmental, or economic—cannot be addressed through constant internal bickering.
By choosing to praise Operation Sindoor, Tharoor not only showcased integrity but also reminded Indians that unity in times of international crisis must transcend party boundaries.
In many ways, his stance could be seen as a call for a more mature democracy, where appreciation and criticism are both rooted in merit, not ideology.
Conclusion
Dr. Shashi Tharoor’s commentary on Operation Sindoor and his subsequent clarification were never about political realignment. They were about national pride. His words challenged the media and public alike to embrace a more evolved form of discourse—one that allows us to stand together as Indians, even when we stand apart in ideology.
In today’s polarized environment, Tharoor’s act of patriotism disguised as political controversy may very well be the statesmanship India needs more of.