Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor has addressed speculation surrounding his recent trip to Russia, emphasizing that the visit was both planned in advance and purely diplomatic in nature.
Speaking to reporters in Ahmedabad, Tharoor dismissed rumors of a covert agenda, clarifying that his engagements were official and constructive.
Outreach and Parliamentary Diplomacy
Explaining the nature of the trip, Tharoor said he was in Russia as part of a previously scheduled engagement intended to foster parliamentary ties.
“In India, our Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee covers both the Upper House and the Lower House. In many other countries, each House has a different head,” he noted. “So I met with my counterparts in both houses.”
#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says "I was in Russia on a previously planned engagement. It was an opportunity as well to touch base with my counterparts. In India, our Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee covers both the Upper House and the Lower… pic.twitter.com/sdQXr5JyNA
— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2025
He also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whom he described as “an old friend,” adding that the conversations focused on reinforcing India’s consistent diplomatic positions. “Fortunately, the delegation sent by our government had already been there and met these people, so my task was not a difficult one,” he said.
No “James Bond” Missions, Says Congress MP
Responding to public speculation about the nature of his visit, Tharoor categorically denied any involvement in backchannel or “secret” diplomacy.
“None of the dramatic sort of James Bond stuff that people have been speculating about—nothing of that nature, no secret missions there,” he stated with characteristic wit.
Beyond official meetings, Tharoor also participated in public engagements, including media interviews and student interactions. He described the visit as routine and in line with India’s long-standing efforts to sustain ties with historical partners like Russia.
“Russia has been an old and trusted friend of India for some time, and it’s always good to maintain these relationships,” he added.
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