Shashi Tharoor’s Bold Praise: 3 Reasons India’s Vaccine Diplomacy Was a Global Game-Changer
Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress MP, recently commended the BJP-led central government’s vaccine diplomacy during the Covid-19 crisis, calling it a strong display of India’s global leadership. In his article Covid’s Silver Lining for India published in The Week, he highlighted how India provided vaccines to over 100 nations, reinforcing its commitment to international solidarity. Beyond vaccine exports, India also deployed military doctors to Nepal, the Maldives, and Kuwait while conducting virtual training for healthcare workers in South Asia.
Through collaborations with GAVI, the Quad, and the Pan Africa E-Network, India not only addressed immediate health concerns but also strengthened long-term global partnerships. Tharoor also emphasized how the Vaccine Maitri initiative, launched in 2021, helped counter China’s growing influence in South Asia and Africa. However, he did not shy away from criticizing the stringent nationwide lockdown imposed in March 2020, calling Covid-19 a painful chapter in India’s history.
His praise for the government has fueled speculation about a possible rift with the Congress, particularly in Kerala, after he warned that the party risked prolonged opposition if it failed to expand its appeal. Although he dismissed controversy surrounding his statements, his recent social media activity, including a cryptic quote and a selfie with Union Minister Piyush Goyal, has only added to the political buzz.
Shashi Tharoor’s Bold Praise: 3 Reasons India’s Vaccine Diplomacy Was a Global Game-Changer
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently commended the BJP-led central government for its “vaccine diplomacy” during the Covid-19 pandemic, calling it a testament to India’s global leadership. In an article for The Week titled Covid’s Silver Lining for India, Tharoor highlighted India’s role in supplying vaccines to over 100 nations, describing it as a gesture of solidarity that elevated the country’s international standing.
India’s Multifaceted Pandemic Response
Tharoor emphasized that India’s efforts went beyond vaccine exports. The country deployed military medical teams to Nepal, the Maldives, and Kuwait while organizing virtual training programs for healthcare workers across South Asia. Collaborations with global entities like GAVI, the Quad alliance, and the Pan Africa E-Network further solidified India’s position in addressing immediate health crises while fostering long-term partnerships.
Launched in January 2021, the Vaccine Maitri initiative became a cornerstone of India’s pandemic diplomacy. Tharoor noted that this program not only provided life-saving doses to nations across West Asia, Africa, Latin America, and neighboring regions but also served as a strategic countermeasure to China’s attempts to expand influence through similar efforts. As the world’s largest vaccine producer, India’s contributions underscored its capacity to lead during global emergencies.
Acknowledging Challenges and Criticisms
Despite praising India’s global efforts, Tharoor did not shy away from criticizing domestic missteps. He singled out the sudden nationwide lockdown imposed on March 24, 2020, which left millions of vulnerable citizens, including migrant workers, stranded without adequate support. For many Indians, he remarked, the pandemic remains a painful chapter marked by loss and economic hardship.
Political Speculations and Tharoor’s Future
Tharoor’s praise for the BJP government has fueled speculation about a possible rift with the Congress party, particularly in Kerala. During a recent Malayalam podcast, he warned that Congress risks losing a third consecutive term unless it broadens its appeal beyond its traditional voter base. He hinted at a “leadership vacuum” in Kerala’s state unit and cryptically mentioned having “other options” if the party continues to overlook his contributions.
Adding to the speculation, Tharoor shared a selfie with Union Minister Piyush Goyal, applauding progress in India-UK trade talks. He also posted a quote—“Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise”—which many interpreted as a veiled critique of his party’s trajectory. While these moves sparked discussions about a potential political shift, Tharoor later dismissed the rumors, clarifying that his podcast focused on “life and happiness,” not politics.
Balancing Praise and Party Loyalty
Tharoor’s nuanced stance reflects his reputation as a pragmatic leader willing to cross ideological lines to acknowledge effective governance. His recognition of the BJP’s vaccine strategy aligns with his long-standing advocacy for India’s soft power diplomacy. However, it also highlights the growing ideological divides within Congress, particularly between veterans pushing for modernization and those adhering to traditional strategies.
For now, Tharoor remains a Congress MP, and the party has not officially addressed the rumors. Whether his comments signal an impending exit or merely a call for internal reform remains unclear. What is evident, however, is his belief that Congress must reinvent itself to remain relevant in an evolving political landscape.
Conclusion
Tharoor’s mixed messaging—praising the BJP’s global initiatives while critiquing his own party’s strategies—captures the complexity of India’s political dynamics. His remarks underscore the importance of bipartisan recognition of successful policies, even as they expose the challenges Congress faces in redefining its vision. As the 2024 elections approach, Tharoor’s next steps—whether within Congress or beyond—will be closely watched as a key indicator of shifting alliances and priorities in Indian politics.