Shashi Tharoor Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Surrender’ Claim: Says India Needs No Third Party
Washington D.C. (The Uttam Hindu): In the midst of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s sharp criticism of PM Narendra Modi regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’—where he accused Modi of “surrendering” to foreign influence—senior Congress figure Shashi Tharoor stepped in to clarify that India doesn’t require any third-party mediation in its diplomatic dealings.
Tharoor, who is currently spearheading India’s outreach efforts in Washington D.C., held a press conference where he addressed questions about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s supposed offers to mediate between India and Pakistan. He stated, “We can only speak for ourselves—we have never asked anyone to mediate.” He further remarked, “If Pakistan dismantles its terror infrastructure and seeks normal relations with India, we are open to talks—but without any mediation.”
These remarks followed Rahul Gandhi’s comments during the launch of the party’s organizational campaign, where he accused PM Modi of capitulating after just “one call from Trump.” Rahul contrasted the BJP’s stance with that of past Congress leaders like Indira Gandhi, asserting that she never yielded even under significant U.S. pressure during the 1971 war.
Rahul also mentioned, “The BJP-RSS folks have a tendency to write surrender letters since Independence,” while emphasizing that Congress is a party of “lions and lionesses” who aren’t intimidated by superpowers.
The statements from both leaders have ignited a new political debate surrounding India’s foreign policy and national security stance, underscoring the internal rifts over diplomacy and sovereignty.