ISLAMABAD, Thursday, April 09, 2026 (WNP): Senior Indian politician and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced concern over a “massive strategic failure” in India’s foreign policy, while acknowledging Pakistan’s growing international prominence in efforts to promote regional peace.

Speaking in an exclusive program on India Today, Tharoor referred to a recent statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who credited Pakistan for stepping in to help de-escalate tensions linked to the Iranian conflict.

Reacting to the development, Tharoor said he was “in shock,” terming it a significant diplomatic setback for India. He remarked that Pakistan is increasingly “taking center stage” and “rebranding itself as a global net stability provider,” while India risks losing its influence on the international stage.

“I have never criticized Prime Minister Modi or the BJP before, but today, silence is just blind loyalty,” he said, stressing the need for introspection in India’s foreign policy approach.

Tharoor further warned that India is “bleeding diplomatic capital,” cautioning that domestic distractions could undermine the country’s ability to respond effectively to rapidly evolving global dynamics.

Analysts say such remarks reflect Pakistan’s rising diplomatic stature, particularly as its efforts toward de-escalation and regional stability receive growing international acknowledgment. They note that Islamabad’s proactive engagement has positioned it as a credible actor in promoting dialogue and peace at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

The comments come amid intensified global focus on diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing conflict in the Middle East, with Pakistan increasingly being viewed as playing a constructive and stabilizing role in the evolving regional landscape.