A fresh political controversy has erupted after senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor publicly supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of a sensitive issue during his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump.
The remarks came in the backdrop of criticism from several Congress leaders who had accused the Prime Minister of not speaking strongly enough about the deaths of Indian sailors during a US military strike in the Gulf region. However, Tharoor offered a different assessment, saying PM Modi had clearly conveyed India’s concerns to President Trump regarding the safety of civilian seafarers.
Speaking about the Modi-Trump meeting held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Tharoor stressed that commercial sailors should never become targets during military conflicts.
According to him, the Prime Minister raised the issue both publicly and privately, sending a clear message that civilian crew members working on merchant vessels are not combatants and should be protected during wartime. Tharoor also highlighted the presence of thousands of Indian sailors working on ships across the Gulf region and said their safety must remain a top priority.
The Congress party had earlier questioned whether PM Modi directly addressed the deaths of three Indian sailors killed in a US strike near the Gulf of Oman. Opposition leaders argued that New Delhi should have sought a stronger response from Washington and publicly raised the issue during the bilateral meeting.
Tharoor’s comments, however, quickly drew attention because they appeared to differ from the party’s official line. The BJP wasted no time in seizing the opportunity, claiming that the Congress MP’s remarks had exposed the opposition’s criticism of the Prime Minister.
Several BJP leaders took to social media, arguing that Tharoor’s statement was proof that even senior Congress leaders acknowledged PM Modi’s diplomatic efforts when it came to protecting India’s national interests. The party also used the episode to launch fresh attacks on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The controversy comes at a time when tensions remain high in the Gulf region following recent military actions and concerns over maritime security. During his interaction with Trump, PM Modi reportedly raised the issue of safeguarding Indian seafarers operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz and other key shipping routes.
While the political battle continues, Tharoor’s remarks have once again placed him at the centre of a debate over foreign policy, diplomacy and the Congress party’s approach towards the Modi government’s international engagements.
