Tharoor Urges India to Issue Condolences Without Condemnation in Diplomatic Strife

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stressed the importance of India expressing condolences over Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination without condemning the US-Israeli actions, advocating for diplomatic restraint. He cited past instances of India's responses and emphasized that opposition can take a moral stand while the government exercises measured diplomacy.

On Friday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked that a timely condolence from India over the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would have been appropriate, even without condemning the US-Israeli involvement.

Tharoor, speaking to ANI, concurred with critics, stating that India should have extended condolences on the very first day after Khamenei's killing, citing the leader's significance in Iran.

Tharoor recalled India's response to former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crash in 2024, emphasizing the prompt mourning declaration, and commending the attendance of the Foreign Secretary at Iran's condolence book opening in Delhi.

The Congress MP highlighted a clear distinction between condolence and condemnation, suggesting India could have expressed sympathy without supporting the US-Israeli actions against Iran.

Regarding his stance diverging from the party line on India's diplomatic moves, Tharoor emphasized that opposition offers room for moral positions, yet advised governmental restraint during conflicts.

He conveyed support for opinions from opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi and underscored that exercising diplomatic caution is a demonstration of strength and priority towards India's interests, regardless of internal political dynamics.