Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 20: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday highlighted remarks by senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, in which he defended the Centre’s handling of the West Asia conflict, countering criticism from opposition leaders.

In an interview, Tharoor backed the Narendra Modi government’s approach, stating that restraint amid the ongoing tensions involving Iran reflects strength rather than weakness.

“Even if I were advising a Congress government, my advice would be to act with restraint. Restraint is not surrender, it is strength,” Tharoor said, underlining that India must prioritise its national interests.

The BJP quickly amplified his comments, saying India’s “balanced and mature diplomacy” stood out during a period of global instability.

During the early phase of the conflict, India maintained a cautious stance and refrained from directly condemning US-Israel strikes on Iran, avoiding alignment with either side as tensions escalated.

As the conflict deepened and energy supplies were disrupted—particularly after Iran moved to block the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route—India stepped up quiet diplomatic engagement.

Senior officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, maintained communication with Iranian counterparts, while Prime Minister Modi held direct talks with Iran’s leadership.

These efforts reportedly enabled safe passage for two LPG tankers and one crude oil vessel through the Strait of Hormuz, in what was seen as a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

Tharoor, in his remarks and a recent op-ed, described India’s approach as “strategic prudence,” emphasising that silence should not be interpreted as endorsement of the conflict.

He also suggested that countries like India should play a constructive role in de-escalation, calling for diplomatic initiatives that could offer both sides an opportunity to step back from prolonged hostilities.