Shashi Tharoor Backs PM Modi’s Clear Message to Trump on Civilian Sailors
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has endorsed PM Narendra Modi’s diplomatic efforts during the G7 Summit, specifically his clear communication to US President Donald Trump regarding the protection of civilian seafarers and the need for stability in the Gulf region.
Highlights
- •Shashi Tharoor backed PM Modi’s stance on protecting civilian sailors during the recent G7 Summit.
- •The discussions between PM Modi and Donald Trump addressed the safety of Indian seafarers in conflict-prone maritime zones.
- •A 14-point US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding was discussed to de-escalate military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- •Tharoor emphasized that moving from the current MoU to a formal, comprehensive peace agreement is vital for success.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a recent bilateral meeting between the Indian leader and US President Donald Trump. The discussions, which took place on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, focused on critical global security concerns, specifically regarding the safety of civilian sailors.
Prioritizing the Safety of Civilian Sailors
During the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgent need to protect non-combatant seafarers navigating through conflict zones, particularly in the Gulf region and near the Strait of Hormuz. Shashi Tharoor, who serves as the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, lauded the Prime Minister for clearly communicating that commercial mariners should not be targeted during military hostilities. Tharoor noted that these individuals are civilian workers, not soldiers, and thus deserve protection from combat operations.
The dialogue between PM Modi and President Trump marks their first bilateral engagement in 16 months. The Indian Prime Minister highlighted that a significant number of Indian nationals are employed as seafarers, making their welfare a high-priority national concern. During the interaction, President Trump acknowledged the Indian leader's role in the negotiations, referring to him as a tough negotiator.
Evaluating the US-Iran Peace Memorandum
Beyond the safety of sailors, the broader geopolitical situation in West Asia was a major topic of the meeting. A 14-point US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was discussed, which aims to halt military hostilities, extend ceasefire efforts, and facilitate the reopening of maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The framework provides a 60-day window for the involved nations to reach a more permanent peace settlement.
Shashi Tharoor welcomed the potential diplomatic breakthrough but urged caution regarding its execution. He stressed that the success of the initiative depends entirely on effective implementation and the transition from an MoU to a comprehensive, formal agreement. Commenting on the reactions from stakeholders like Israel, Tharoor emphasized that a balanced international approach is necessary. He stated that while the security interests of all nations are valid, they should not dictate global peace at the expense of others, advocating for a future where all regional parties can live in peace.
