Is Shashi Tharoor poised for a key foreign affairs role in Modi’s government?

Delhi: Following the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs meeting on Monday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the session as comprehensive and highly engaging.

Speaking to the media, Tharoor said that what was scheduled as a one-hour meeting extended well beyond its allotted time, lasting until 7 pm.

He noted that the committee saw a record attendance of 24 members, reflecting the seriousness with which MPs approached the issues. The discussion was wide-ranging and thorough, with many members posing thoughtful questions that highlighted the committee’s commitment to scrutinising India’s foreign policy and national security matters in depth.

This development comes despite rising demands within the Congress party for Tharoor to relinquish his party positions, amid concerns about his perceived proximity to the BJP government. At a recent Foreign Affairs Standing Committee meeting, Tharoor avoided commenting on controversies but confirmed that his delegation is scheduled to visit several countries, starting with Guinea and concluding in the United States.

The delegation is part of a broader government initiative to conduct diplomatic outreach following the military actions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Tharoor has been chosen by the BJP-led government to lead one of seven all-party delegations to key international capitals, including the US.

Congress leaders have expressed discontent over the government’s unilateral decision to nominate MPs for the delegations without party consent, but Tharoor has defended his role, stating his commitment to national interest and diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly instructed that only official party nominees should represent the party abroad.

Tharoor’s potential appointment, if it materialises, may not require him to resign as an MP, especially if it is an honorary or advisory role, though the Congress leadership remains sceptical. This development signals a notable shift in Tharoor’s political trajectory as he appears to build bridges with the central government, even as his party watches closely.