In a move likely to stir fresh debate within the Congress party, senior leader and MP Shashi Tharoor has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “prime asset for India” on the global stage. His remarks, made in an opinion piece published by The Hindu on Monday, come in the wake of his leadership role in India’s diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, and have reignited speculation about his strained relationship with the Congress.
Shashi Tharoor Lauds Modi’s Global Engagement
Shashi Tharoor, who led the delegation to the United States, Brazil, and three other countries, praised the Prime Minister’s “energy, dynamism, and willingness to engage” with the world. He called for greater national support for Modi’s international outreach, highlighting the strategic importance of a unified foreign policy front during times of crisis. According to Shashi Tharoor, the cross-party diplomatic initiative—where seven delegations of MPs visited 32 countries including the US, EU member states, Saudi Arabia, and Russia—was an example of “national resolve and effective communication.”
In his article, Shashi Tharoor underscored that the delegations effectively explained India’s “calibrated and measured” response to the Pahalgam terror attack and emphasized Pakistan’s continued link to terrorism. He specifically mentioned that while Pakistani representatives were also present in the US, American officials echoed Indian concerns and acknowledged the threat posed by cross-border terrorism. He wrote that India’s facts-based advocacy helped solidify international support.
Congress Unease and Political Speculation
Shashi Tharoor’s praise of Modi, especially calling him a global asset, has triggered fresh tensions within the Congress party, which has long maintained a confrontational stance against the BJP-led government. Party insiders have expressed discomfort with his increasingly conciliatory tone toward the Prime Minister, interpreting it as political overreach.
His inclusion in the delegations—particularly the high-profile US mission—was controversial within the party. Some members reportedly referred to him as a “super spokesperson” for BJP publicity campaigns. This has further fueled speculation that the former UN official and four-time Lok Sabha MP may be preparing for a political shift toward the BJP. Shashi Tharoor, however, has firmly denied any such intentions.
Shashi Tharoor dismissed the idea of joining the BJP, reiterating his 16-year loyalty to the Congress and its ideology. He characterized his disagreements with party leadership as “differences of opinion with only some elements of leadership,” rather than a full-blown rift.
The MP from Thiruvananthapuram has long maintained an independent voice within the Congress, often clashing with the party line on various national issues. His diplomatic experience and articulate public presence have earned him respect across the aisle but also brought him under scrutiny from his own ranks.
Despite repeated clarifications that he remains committed to the Congress, Shashi Tharoor’s comments continue to generate internal discord, with many interpreting his words as a veiled endorsement of the ruling government’s global policies.
Amid all the speculation, Shashi Tharoor has stood by his broader message—that India must present a unified and assertive voice on the world stage in times of national security crisis. Whether that vision finds space within a sharply polarized political environment remains to be seen.
