Shashi Tharoor Praises Modi Government’s Vaccine Diplomacy; Calls It ‘Powerful Leadership’

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has commended the BJP-led central government for its ‘vaccine diplomacy’ during the Covid-19 pandemic, calling it a ‘powerful example of international leadership’.

In a column for The Week titled Covid’s Silver Lining for India, Tharoor highlighted India’s role in supplying vaccines to over 100 nations under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.

He emphasized that India’s efforts extended beyond vaccines, including sending medical teams to Nepal, the Maldives, and Kuwait and conducting online training for healthcare workers.

“India’s vaccine diplomacy countered China’s influence in South Asia and Africa, where both nations vied for goodwill through vaccine supplies,” Tharoor wrote.

He credited India’s global engagement with platforms like GAVI, the Quad, and the Pan Africa E-Network for strengthening long-term international cooperation.

The Congress leader had recently also praised PM Modi’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, where the prime minister asserted that ‘peace cannot be found on the battlefield’.

Rift With Congress?

Tharoor’s remarks come amid speculation about tensions between him and the Congress leadership in Kerala.

In a Malayalam podcast, he warned that the party risked remaining in opposition for a third term unless it expanded its appeal.

He also hinted at having ‘other options’ if the party no longer required his services.

Adding to the speculation, he posted a cryptic quote from Thomas Gray: “Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.”

A selfie with Union Minister Piyush Goyal, praising India-UK FTA negotiations, further fueled rumors about his political future.

However, Tharoor later downplayed the controversy, stating, “It was just a podcast—nothing much about political controversy.”

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