Responding to speculation over his omission from the Congress-nominated list, Tharoor clarified that the delegation was a government initiative, independent of party nominations or internal political considerations
Published May 18, 2025 | 2:49 PM ⚊ Updated May 18, 2025 | 2:49 PM
Centre names seven delegations under Operation Sindoor; Shashi Tharoor to lead US outreach
Synopsis: As part of Operation Sindoor, the Centre has named seven all-party delegations to explain India’s stance abroad. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will lead one such team to the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia. His delegation includes members from BJP, Shiv Sena, TDP, JMM, and LJP, reflecting a cross-party consensus in India’s diplomatic outreach
As part of India’s diplomatic offensive under Operation Sindoor, the Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has named seven multi-party delegations to visit key partner countries and present India’s position on recent global developments.
Among the prominent figures, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will head the fifth delegation, which is slated to visit the United States, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia.
Tharoor’s delegation features a diverse cross-section of parties, including Shambhavi (LJP-Ram Vilas), Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmad (JMM), GM Harish Balayogi (TDP), Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), Milind Murli Deora (Shiv Sena), and Tejasvi Surya (BJP).
They will be accompanied by former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
In addition to Tharoor, Kerala will have strong representation in the initiative, with Dr. John Brittas (CPI-M), ET Mohammed Basheer (IUML), and V Muraleedharan (BJP) named to other delegations—Groups 3, 4, and 7, respectively.
Addressing earlier speculation about his absence from the Congress-nominated list, Tharoor clarified that the delegation was a government initiative and not necessarily reflective of internal party nominations.
“The party is completely entitled to its opinion. Clearly, this being a government delegation, the government had its own view as to who they felt was appropriate,” he told reporters.
“The need for that experience and such knowledge as I may possess to be put to the service of the nation at this time is what matters.”
Tharoor, who also chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, dismissed any controversy over his inclusion as politically motivated.
“I see no politics in it. When the nation is in crisis and the central government seeks a citizen’s help, what other answer would you give?”
Amid internal discussions within the Congress, Kerala Opposition Leader VD Satheesan weighed in, stating that any formal view on Tharoor’s participation must come from the party’s high command.
“Shashi Tharoor is a member of the Congress Working Committee. He holds a high position in the party. We are all subordinate to him… Whatever stand the central leadership takes, we will abide by it.”
Tharoor’s inclusion in the panel has sparked some debate within party circles, but his diplomatic credentials and international stature appear to have played a decisive role in his nomination.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
