
Heramba Nath
(herambanath2222@gmail.com)
In a nation where political discourse is often marred by relentless rivalry, personal attacks and a refusal to acknowledge merit across the aisle, the recent remarks by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor have come as both a pleasant surprise and a timely lesson. Tharoor, known for his eloquence, intellectual depth and commitment to democratic values, has openly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarkable energy, dynamism and willingness to engage with the global community. In doing so, Tharoor has not only demonstrated political maturity but also reinforced the idea that national interest must always supersede party politics.
The occasion for this rare display of cross-party admiration arose during a discussion surrounding India’s diplomatic engagements in the aftermath of a major strategic operation. Shashi Tharoor, who was part of an all-party delegation visiting several countries to present India’s position and garner international support, observed firsthand the significance of presenting a united national front. It was in this context that he lauded Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, describing him as a prime asset for India’s foreign policy pursuits. Tharoor’s praise was not driven by political expediency but by an honest and objective assessment of Modi’s persona and international statesmanship.
Tharoor’s comments reflect his deep understanding of the importance of leadership in shaping a nation’s global image. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, the personal influence of a head of state often determines the success of diplomatic efforts. Modi’s relentless energy, confidence on the global stage, and his ability to connect with world leaders have undeniably elevated India’s position in international affairs. From hosting global summits to forging crucial strategic partnerships and leading regional alliances, Modi has displayed a consistent commitment to promoting India’s interests. Shashi Tharoor, being a seasoned diplomat himself and a former Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations, is uniquely positioned to recognise the value of such leadership.
It takes a certain kind of political grace and wisdom to acknowledge the strengths of a rival leader without compromising one’s own ideological commitments. Tharoor’s statement serves as a reminder that political differences should not cloud objective judgement, especially when matters of national importance are at stake. He made it amply clear that his praise was directed at Modi’s foreign policy leadership and not a signal of any political realignment. By doing so, he demonstrated that it is possible to disagree with a government on domestic policies while still appreciating effective governance in areas that benefit the country as a whole.
However, this act of honesty and fairness has not gone down well with sections of his own party. Some leaders expressed disapproval, questioning his motives and accusing him of inadvertently endorsing the ruling party’s narrative. Yet, it is precisely this kind of intolerance towards dissent within parties that undermines healthy democratic debate. In any mature democracy, leaders should be encouraged to speak their mind, especially when it aligns with the national interest. Tharoor’s remarks, instead of being viewed through a narrow partisan lens, should be celebrated as a display of statesmanship.
India’s foreign policy, by its very nature, demands a bipartisan consensus. The country’s engagements on the global stage, whether related to security, trade, climate action or regional stability, transcend domestic political divides. The concept of a united national voice in foreign affairs has been a long-standing principle of India’s diplomacy. Even during times of intense political rivalry, India’s leaders have historically come together to safeguard the country’s international standing. From the early years of Nehruvian diplomacy to Indira Gandhi’s leadership during crises and Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s foreign outreach initiatives, bipartisan cooperation in external affairs has served as a silent but vital pillar of India’s global strategy. Shashi Tharoor’s remarks should be seen as an attempt to revive this noble tradition.
Prime Minister Modi, for his part, has projected an image of assertive leadership, strategic foresight and unyielding commitment to India’s rise as a global power. His personal diplomacy, including his regular foreign visits, participation in multilateral forums, and ability to cultivate personal equations with key world leaders, has redefined India’s global outreach. Whether it was the handling of critical bilateral issues, the deft management of crises or India’s growing influence in global organisations, Modi’s leadership has indeed been instrumental. It is this exceptional record that Tharoor chose to recognise.
Since taking office in 2014, PM Modi has overseen a transformation in the conduct and tone of India’s diplomacy. His proactive participation in global summits, emphasis on regional cooperation through forums like BIMSTEC and the SCO, and strategic moves in maritime security and Indo-Pacific affairs have expanded India’s diplomatic influence far beyond its traditional spheres. India’s leading role in climate diplomacy, vaccine exports during the pandemic and the outreach to the diaspora have further enhanced the country’s international visibility. The personal leadership of the Prime Minister in such initiatives has earned admiration and strategic respect. Tharoor’s acknowledgement of these aspects underscores his fairness and deep appreciation for the intricacies of foreign policy.
By praising Modi’s global diplomacy, Tharoor has also sent an indirect message about the kind of leadership India requires in an increasingly complex world. He terms Modi as a leader who possesses both the confidence to assert the nation’s interests and the humility to engage meaningfully with allies and adversaries alike. While Modi and Tharoor may differ on several domestic policy matters, their agreement on the need for robust, principled and effective foreign policy highlights an important aspect of national governance — that diplomacy is above politics.
The episode has also reignited a conversation on political conduct in India. In a hyper-partisan atmosphere where leaders hesitate to acknowledge each other’s achievements, such gestures of goodwill and fairness are rare. It is precisely these moments that enrich the democratic spirit and demonstrate that political competition need not descend into personal enmity. Tharoor’s praise for Modi is a case study in maintaining ideological clarity while celebrating effective governance when it benefits the country.
For India, as a growing power with significant responsibilities in regional and global affairs, such bipartisanship is not a luxury but a necessity. As challenges multiply — from economic volatility to strategic rivalries and climate crises — India’s leaders must rise above petty partisanship to ensure that the country’s voice on the global stage is coherent, credible and consistent. Political maturity demands that leaders, irrespective of their party affiliation, work together in matters that affect the nation’s core interests. Tharoor’s comments remind us of this obligation.
It is also important to note that praising a political opponent does not imply the abandonment of one’s ideological commitments. Rather, it enhances a leader’s credibility by showing the capacity for objective assessment. By recognising Modi’s strengths, Tharoor has elevated his own stature as a politician capable of putting India first, even when it may come at a personal political cost.
The Indian public, too, deserves a political culture where leaders respect each other’s contributions and are willing to find Healthy democracies thrive not on uniformity of opinion but on the ability to engage in honest, reasoned and respectful debate. Tharoor’s gesture should therefore be seen not as an anomaly but as an example to be followed.
It remains to be seen how the Congress party as an institution responds to Tharoor’s remarks. The leadership has a choice — either to stifle such independent voices in favour of rigid party lines or to embrace them as evidence of a vibrant, thinking and democratic organisation. In choosing the latter, the party would reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals and tolerance for diverse opinions.
India’s political discourse would be vastly enriched if more leaders were willing to acknowledge the merits of their opponents, applaud good governance where it occurs, and stand united on issues of national significance. Shashi Tharoor’s recent comments have shown that it is possible to remain loyal to one’s party while still being honest, fair and patriotic.
In the final analysis, this episode is not just about Tharoor’s praise for Modi. It is about the larger need for political civility, national unity in foreign policy, and the courage to speak the truth, however inconvenient it may be within party corridors. It is a call for leaders across the spectrum to rise above narrow political interests and work collectively in the service of the nation. India’s future as a rising global power will depend as much on its military and economic strength as on the political maturity of its leaders. Shashi Tharoor’s remarks should serve as a timely reminder of the virtues of grace, fairness and bipartisanship — qualities that must be nurtured if India is to command the respect and influence it seeks on the world stage.