Congress MP and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor has welcomed India’s prompt relief for Nepal in the wake of the devastating flash floods, but warned against the 2016-style boasting in the Indian media about the help extended to the neighbouring country.
“During the earthquake, India provided commendable help, but the way the media covered it, the boasting was in bad taste. That was a low point. “I am sure there will be more relief and the government will do whatever is needed. We are the nearest neighbours to Nepal and stand in solidarity. That’s how it is done. “I have always argued that India needed to change its approach to Nepal. It was a Himalayan blunder, a colossal blunder. We need to show Nepal the respect that a sovereign and equal country deserves,” Tharoor stated.
Calling the 2016 episode a low point in India-Nepal ties, Shashi Tharoor, speaking at the NDTV World Anviksha Summit in Kathmandu, said he has always called for a change in India’s approach to Nepal. I have been an open and vocal critic of the undeclared economic blockade of 2016.
Calling the media coverage then “problematic”, Tharoor said those in distress and getting help need not be told so by those who are giving help. Even though the assistance given by India was tangible, the coverage of it was problematic,” Tharoor said, adding, “Media needs to be as sensitive about the relationship as the government. Commending the instant response of the Government of India to the flash floods tragedy, Tharoor said that’s what neighbours do. Though the government had said India had nothing to do with it, it damaged our ties.
