In an exclusive interview with The Australia Today, Indian Member of Parliament, author, and former international diplomat Dr Shashi Tharoor weighed in on the India-Canada diplomatic row, describing Canada’s approach as “misguided” and stressing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in international relations.
“The original sin here is Canada’s,” he said, reflecting on the friction sparked by recent diplomatic statements.
Further, addressing the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 365 people, including Canadians, Dr Tharoor commented on the Canadian justice system’s handling of the case.
“One would have expected to see someone convicted for the killing of 365 people, including several Canadian citizens, in the 1985 Air India bombing. The Canadian judicial system has shown its deficiencies over the years.”
Dr Tharoor’s criticism pointed to long-standing deficiencies, a view contrasting with recent statements by Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, who expressed confidence in the Canadian judiciary.
Dr Tharoor’s remarks echo the call for stable and respectful ties amid rising geopolitical tensions. He further urged Canada to better consider India’s security concerns in its diplomatic decisions, warning of the risks posed by inflamed tensions.
The renowned diplomat and parliamentarian also captivated an audience at the University of Melbourne’s during an event titled “Shifting Perspectives: The State of the World in 2024.”
In conversation with Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute (AII), Dr Tharoor shared his insights on India’s evolving global role, the shifting geopolitical landscape, and the future of Australia-India relations.
With 23 years of UN experience and his current position as Chair of India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Dr Tharoor offered a nuanced view on critical global issues, including colonial legacies, multilateralism, and the Indo-Pacific.
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts took a moment to praise Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor for his sharp intellect and thoughtful contributions to public discourse. In a lighter vein, Watts also teased Tharoor about the upcoming Australia-India Test cricket series, humorously suggesting that India might struggle to claim victory against Australia.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers’ CEO Jacob Varghese also took the stage, noting his shared heritage with Dr Shashi Tharoor, as both hail from the Indian state of Kerala.
Varghese recognised the importance of dialogues such as those hosted by the Australia India Institute in strengthening ties between the two nations and fostering greater cultural understanding. In a moment of humour, Varghese playfully cautioned Dr Tharoor about his remarks regarding the New Zealand cricket team, who he had referred to as a “surrogate of Australia” after India’s recent home series loss.
These light-hearted exchanges added a personal touch to the discussion, demonstrating the blend of serious dialogue and camaraderie that characterised the event.
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