'Can't Be Passive Observers': Tharoor Urges Evaluation Of Strategic Choices In West Asia Conflict

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said India cannot afford to remain disengaged as the conflict in West Asia continues to intensify, stressing that New Delhi must carefully evaluate its strategic choices without necessarily stepping directly into negotiations.

“Can’t afford to be passive observers in a raging fire,” Tharoor said, speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, underlining that India has significant geopolitical and economic stakes in the region and must remain diplomatically alert.

He indicated that while India should not rush into a mediatory role, the government should continue assessing whether circumstances may require a more proactive diplomatic position.

“If Pakistan mediation fails, India should see what it can do,” he said, signalling that

India should keep its options open as the situation evolves.

At the same time, Tharoor clarified that his remarks should not be interpreted as advocating India’s direct participation in negotiations at this stage.

“Not suggesting India should get involved in talks,” he said.

Tharoor defended India’s calibrated diplomatic stance, arguing that restraint should not be misconstrued as passivity or moral compromise.

“India’s strategic silence is not a moral surrender,” he said, emphasising that governments must weigh national interests carefully during volatile geopolitical crises.

He added that policymakers should remain open to evaluating whether alternative diplomatic responses could have been considered.

“India must analyse if we could’ve done anything differently,” Tharoor said.

He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding India’s relationship with the United States, noting that bilateral ties remain a crucial pillar of foreign policy.

“India must ensure there is no negativity in India-US ties,” he said.

PAKISTAN’S ROLE SHOULD NOT BE VIEWED AS A SETBACK

Addressing concerns around Pakistan’s emerging role in diplomatic efforts, Tharoor said the development should not automatically be viewed through a zero-sum lens.

“I don’t think that Pakistan as a mediator is a setback for India,” he said.

He further added that New Delhi should take a pragmatic approach towards Islamabad’s involvement in any peace process.

“India should have no problem with Pakistan’s mediator role,” he said.

Tharoor also pointed to geopolitical dynamics that may be shaping Pakistan’s positioning in the ongoing situation.

“Asim Munir’s relationship with Trump may be helping Pakistan,” he said.

However, he suggested that Pakistan may not necessarily be independently driving diplomatic initiatives.

“Pakistan may not be the initiator of the peace deal,” he said, adding that “Pakistan may have been used by the US to push its goal.”

ENERGY SECURITY AND DIASPORA INTERESTS AT STAKE

Tharoor emphasised that India’s key concerns lie in protecting energy security and the interests of its diaspora in the region.

“India’s energy security, diaspora interests at stake in war,” he said.

He also pointed out that the wider consequences of the conflict are being felt beyond the immediate theatre of war.

“Indians and people in the Global South are paying the price of war,” Tharoor said.

Earlier on March 20, Tharoor had called for India to take a more active role in encouraging de-escalation, highlighting the country’s significant dependence on energy supplies from the Gulf region.

“I have publicly called for India to take a lead in trying to end this war (in West Asia). I think that we have every right to speak as a country that has already been deeply affected and with a lot at stake in the region,” Tharoor told news agency ANI.

He warned that disruptions to supply chains could trigger shortages.

“I think 60-80 per cent of our LPG and LNG supply comes from that side, through the Strait of Hormuz. If we can’t get them, that is going to create severe shortages,” he said.

Tharoor also welcomed diplomatic engagement between global leaders to reduce tensions.

“I think it’s very important that we take every step possible to de-escalate this war. If people of the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron were to intervene with both sides of the conflict and try to get them to dial it down, it would be good for the region, for our country, for the world,” he said.

Later, on March 26, Tharoor reiterated concerns over the prolonged conflict and its potential impact on global energy markets.

He cautioned that prolonged instability could significantly affect fuel availability and pricing.

“Gas cylinders in your kitchens, in the restaurants, and dhabas are all running short because of the war,” Tharoor said.

He also underlined that while India has consistently supported peace, it has not taken a leading diplomatic role so far.

“Yes, we are in favour of peace, but we are clearly not actively involved in promoting peace at the present moment,” he said.