Shashi Tharoor Lauds PM Modi's Covid Vaccine Diplomacy as Global Leadership

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again commended the Narendra Modi government, this time for India's "vaccine diplomacy" during the Covid-19 pandemic. Tharoor has suggested in his latest column, Covid's Silver Lining for India, that the Modi government's 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative was one of the most visible manifestations of global leadership-the bright manifestation of accountability and solidarity in the face of its own challenges during that time.

During the crisis, Tharoor noted how India supplied Covishield and Covaxin vaccines to over 100 countries. "India has emerged as a key player in global health diplomacy-showcasing its capability to address global issues," said Tharoor.

“India did what more affluent countries did not. The vaccine shipments enhanced our country’s global image; India’s efforts were widely appreciated, enhancing its reputation as a responsible global leader," Tharoor added.

While Tharoor did not mention PM Modi in his column, he did shower praises at his leadership, saying, “India’s vaccine diplomacy embodied and contributed to the very spirit of its soft power. It carried the values of compassion, cooperation, and global partnership to the world, building goodwill, strengthening diplomatic ties, and elevating India’s global stature."
Tharoor’s column follows closely after his endorsement of PM Modi’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war. “Russia-Ukraine peace is absolutely important for the world but as our PM said peace can not be found on the battlefield. It will have to require some negotiation. We are glad that some process has started already but these are early days. We don’t know if they are only talking about a ceasefire or whether there is going to be an enduring peace settlement… We have to wait and watch, I think the speculation here is very premature," Tharoor had said.

Tharoor admitted feeling "egg on his face" for initially opposing India’s stance when the Russia-Ukraine war began. He also stated that, thanks to the adopted policy, India is now in a position to play a key role in achieving lasting peace.

The BJP has been ridiculing Congress over the Tharoor instance where Tharoor eulogized Modi. Speculation arose previously as to whether the Congress was learned in the art of speculation on differing terms with Tharoor on his support for both Modi and the LDF government in Kerala. Tharoor had earlier said that he was available to the party but hinted strongly that he had "options" where his services were no longer required. Tharoor dismissed reports of party-switching, though, since within the Congress, he didn't believe in changing sides for any reason.