Indian politician and Member of Indian National Congress Shashi Tharoor has said that the emergence of Pakistan as an “indispensable broker” in the ongoing Middle East crisis requires a mature response from New Delhi. In his latest column for an Indian newspaper, Tharoor argued that India must support peace efforts in the Iran war regardless of who facilitates the dialogue.

Tharoor noted that negotiations are set to begin in Islamabad following the creation of a “direct, high-velocity channel” to the Trump administration. He described the relationship between Pakistan’s military leadership and President Donald Trump as an “operational reality” that bypassed traditional bureaucracy.

“If Pakistan succeeds, India should be among the first to celebrate,” Tharoor wrote, adding that stability in a nuclear-armed neighbourhood serves everyone. He cautioned the Indian establishment against strategic anxiety or disparagement, stating that a failed mediation would be a tragedy for the entire region.

The column drew significant attention online, with readers describing the stance as a “reasonable opinion” amidst regional chaos. 

One reader noted that peace brokered through Pakistan would ease the lives of millions, while another commented “New Delhi should show strategic maturity instead of jealousy.” 

Public reactions highlighted that the “Islamabad channel” offers a path to de-escalate a conflict that has entered into its sixth week.

Supporters of the piece described it as a “characteristically eloquent and statesmanlike appeal for Indian strategic maturity.” One reaction noted that it is “rare to come across such a reasonable opinion amidst this chaos,” while another reader quoted the column back, stating, “This is not a moment for silence. It is a moment for calibrated voice.”

The diplomatic breakthrough followed an announcement by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, who confirmed that the United States (US) and Iran agreed to an immediate ceasefire. The premier invited delegations from both capitals to Islamabad on April 10 to settle disputes. 

Pakistan had proposed a two-week pause in hostilities, urging President Trump to extend his deadline while asking Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Trump confirmed the arrangement on Truth Social, stating the ceasefire is contingent on Iran halting restrictions on maritime routes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that Tehran would stop counter-attacks if strikes ceased. 

The conflict has caused over 5,000 deaths, prompting Islamabad to coordinate with multiple global capitals to build support for this framework.