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Shashi Tharoor Praises "Very Good" Foreign Secretary Briefing on Iran Conflict

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described a parliamentary committee briefing with the Foreign Secretary on the Iran conflict as highly productive, with 17 members engaging in detailed discussions on India's strategic interests. The talks covered broader regional geopolitics, energy security, and Pakistan's role, with members feeling taken into confidence by the government. Tharoor emphasized the value of the confidential dialogue between the Foreign Ministry and the committee while underlining the need for discretion. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the region and ensure the welfare of the Indian community, with special control rooms operational and flights bringing passengers home.

Key Points: Tharoor on Iran Briefing: Productive, Confidential Parliamentary Dialogue

  • Tharoor praises confidential committee briefing
  • 17 MPs raised detailed strategic questions
  • Discussions covered energy security and Pakistan's role
  • MEA monitoring safety of Indians in West Asia
2 min read

Good briefing with Foreign Secretary on Iran conflict: Shashi Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor calls Foreign Secretary briefing on Iran conflict "very good," highlighting discussions on India's strategic interests and regional security.

"It was a very good briefing with the Foreign Secretary on all the issues to deal with the Iran war - Shashi Tharoor"

New Delhi, April 17

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday described the recent parliamentary committee briefing with the Foreign Secretary on the Iran conflict and wider regional developments as "very good", saying members raised detailed questions on India's strategic interests.

"It was a very good briefing with the Foreign Secretary on all the issues to deal with the Iran war that were not covered in the earlier briefing when he was himself not present," Tharoor told the media.

He added that 17 members of the committee attended the session and engaged in extensive discussions with the Foreign Secretary on multiple geopolitical concerns.

"Seventeen members attended, and all of them had very serious questions for the Foreign Secretary," he said, noting that the discussions covered India's relations with "every single significant country in the region and beyond".

Tharoor further said that broader issues such as strategy, energy security, geopolitics, and Pakistan's role were also discussed during the meeting.

"There is a certain appreciation of this ongoing dialogue between the Foreign Ministry and the Committee," Tharoor said, adding that members felt they were "taken into confidence in the right sort of way and in turn, want to be constructive in our criticisms, questions and challenges to the government for ourselves as parliamentarians, to represent the voice of the people of India."

Calling it a productive exercise, he, however, underlined that the discussion should remain confidential.

"It has been a good exercise, but we all agree that this is not something we need to talk about publicly," Tharoor added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focused efforts on ensuring the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region, a release read.

It was informed that the dedicated special control rooms in the Ministry of External Affairs are operational and are working in coordination with Indian missions. The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with State Governments and Union Territories for the sharing of information and better alignment of efforts.

Flights continue to operate from countries where airspace remains open. Since 28 February, around 10,10,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
While it's positive that the briefing happened, I'm concerned about the confidentiality. The people of India have a right to know the broad contours of our foreign policy, especially when it involves potential risks to our citizens abroad. Transparency is key.
A
Aman W
Pakistan's role being discussed is crucial. Their instability and ties with certain actors in the region are a perpetual security concern for us. Our diplomacy must be sharp and our stance clear. Jai Hind.
P
Priyanka N
The number 10,10,000 passengers brought back is staggering! Hats off to MEA and our embassies for the evacuation efforts. This is what 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' in action looks like. 🇮🇳
D
David E
As someone working in the Gulf, this is very reassuring. The special control rooms and coordination with state governments show a good system is in place. Hope the airspace remains open and flights continue.
K
Karthik V
Tharoor saab always gives nuanced insights. A "very good briefing" from him means it was substantive. Our foreign policy needs this kind of informed scrutiny, beyond party politics. The focus must stay on national interest.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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