Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress Member of Parliament, has recently lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "energy, dynamism, and willingness to engage" as a significant asset for India on the global stage. Tharoor's remarks, made in an article published on Monday, come at a time when the Congress party has been consistently critical of the Modi government's foreign policy, creating a potential rift within the party and raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.

Tharoor's commendation is particularly noteworthy given the context of "Operation Sindoor," India's response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Following the attack, the government dispatched multi-party parliamentary delegations to various countries to present India's position and garner international support. Tharoor himself led a delegation to the United States, Panama, Guyana, Colombia, and Brazil. He highlighted the success of this diplomatic outreach, emphasizing that when India speaks with a united voice, it can effectively communicate its stance and influence global opinion.

In his article, Tharoor emphasized that Modi's personal engagement and proactive diplomacy have been instrumental in shaping international perceptions of India. He argued that the Prime Minister's willingness to connect with world leaders, attend global forums, and actively promote India's interests has yielded positive results. This is particularly evident in the growing international consensus on issues such as counter-terrorism, where India has been actively seeking support to hold perpetrators accountable.

Tharoor cited specific instances where India's diplomatic efforts have borne fruit. He recalled a situation in Washington D.C. where, despite the presence of a Pakistani delegation, US representatives echoed India's concerns and urged decisive action against terror groups operating from Pakistani soil. He also highlighted Colombia's shift in stance, from initially offering condolences for alleged civilian casualties to affirming India's right to self-defense, as a clear diplomatic victory.

Tharoor also underscored the importance of national unity in bolstering India's foreign policy. He pointed out that the composition of the parliamentary delegations, comprising members from diverse political parties, states, and faiths, sent a powerful message of a unified Indian stance on national security and counter-terrorism. This unity, he argued, enhanced the credibility of India's message in international meetings and helped build trust with foreign partners.

However, Tharoor's praise for Modi has not been without controversy. Within the Congress party, his remarks have been met with mixed reactions, with some leaders questioning the timing and rationale behind his statements. The Congress has been a vocal critic of the Modi government's foreign policy, accusing it of isolating India on the global stage and damaging long-standing diplomatic relationships. Tharoor's comments, therefore, appear to contradict the party's official line and could potentially strain his relationship with the party leadership.

Despite the potential backlash, Tharoor has remained steadfast in his assessment. He maintains that recognizing Modi's strengths in foreign policy is not a sign of disloyalty to his party but rather an acknowledgment of the reality on the ground. He believes that India's national interests should transcend party lines and that constructive engagement with the government on matters of foreign policy is essential for the country's progress.

In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor's recent praise for Prime Minister Modi's dynamism and global engagement has ignited a debate about the intersection of domestic politics and foreign policy. While his remarks have drawn criticism from within his own party, they also highlight the importance of recognizing and supporting India's strengths on the international stage. As India continues to navigate a complex and ever-changing global landscape, a united front and effective communication will be crucial in advancing its interests and shaping its role in the world.