NEW DELHI — Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has urged the Indian government to move beyond its "cautious stand" and lead a neutral group of nations to mediate an end to the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Key Concerns

• Domestic Crisis: Tharoor warned that the war is already hitting home, citing LPG cylinder shortages that are closing dhabas and making traditional slow-cooked dishes like Haleem impossible to prepare.
• Missed Diplomacy: He argued that India should have offered formal condolences for the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noting that "courtesy" is vital for maintaining ties with a friendly nation like Iran.
• The "Ladder" to Peace: With President Donald Trump stating he is "running out of targets," Tharoor suggested that both sides now need a diplomatic "ladder" to de-escalate.

Strategic Stakes

With 9 million Indians in the Gulf and a heavy reliance on energy imports, Tharoor asserted that India’s silence is no longer sustainable. He criticized the government's recent parliamentary statements as "vapid," suggesting that India’s energy security and remittances are at critical risk if the war continues for another month.