Shashi Tharoor, born on March 9, 1956, in London, UK, is a distinguished Indian politician, diplomat, and author. With a career spanning over four decades, Tharoor has made significant contributions to international diplomacy, Indian politics, and literature.
Early Life and Education
Shashi Tharoor was born to Malayali parents from Kerala and spent his early years in India. He attended Montfort School in Yercaud and later studied at Campion School in Mumbai. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, where he was actively involved in student politics and co-founded the St. Stephen’s Quiz Club. In 1978, at the age of 22, he earned a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, becoming the youngest person at the time to do so.
Diplomatic Career at the United Nations
Shashi Tharoor’s career at the United Nations began in 1978 with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva. He held various significant positions, including head of the UNHCR office in Singapore during the Vietnamese boat people crisis and later as Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. In 2006, he was India’s official candidate for the UN Secretary-General position and emerged as the runner-up to Ban Ki-moon.
Political Journey in India
Returning to India in 2008, Shashi Tharoor joined the Indian National Congress and was elected as the Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in 2009. He served as Minister of State for External Affairs and later as Minister of State for Human Resource Development. Known for his eloquence and active engagement in parliamentary debates, Tharoor has been a prominent voice on foreign policy and national issues.
Shashi Tharoor’s Married Life
Shashi Tharoor’s wife was Sunanda Pushkar. She was a businesswoman and entrepreneur originally from Kashmir. Born in 1962, Sunanda had a successful career in Dubai in event management and corporate sectors. She married Shashi Tharoor in 2010, but their relationship was often in the media spotlight due to controversies, including her involvement in the IPL Kochi team. Tragically, she passed away under mysterious circumstances in 2014 at a hotel in New Delhi. Her death led to a high-profile investigation, but in 2021, Shashi Tharoor was cleared of all charges related to the case.
Literary Contributions
An accomplished author, Shashi Tharoor has written over 25 books, both fiction and non-fiction. His notable works include “The Great Indian Novel,” “Pax Indica,” and “An Era of Darkness,” which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2019. His writings often explore themes of Indian history, politics, and culture, reflecting his deep understanding of the nation’s complexities.
Latest Developments: Operation Sindoor and International Diplomacy
In May 2025, Shashi Tharoor led a multi-party delegation to the United States as part of “Operation Sindoor,” a diplomatic initiative aimed at garnering international support against cross-border terrorism, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
During his address at the Indian Consulate in New York, Tharoor emphasized India’s strategic and measured response to terrorism, stating that the nation chose to “hit hard and hit smart” by conducting precise strikes targeting specific terrorist camps in Pakistan. He clarified that these actions were intended as a firm response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism without escalating the situation into full-blown conflict.
Shashi Tharoor also highlighted the unity among Indian political parties in confronting terrorism, reinforcing the country’s clear and consistent policy against such threats.
Shashi Tharoor’s multifaceted career as a diplomat, politician, and author underscores his significant contributions to both national and international spheres. His recent efforts in leading Operation Sindoor demonstrate his continued commitment to addressing global challenges and advocating for India’s strategic interests on the world stage.