The Tharoors – When A Washington Post Reporter Happens To Be The Diplomat’s Son!

Photo: Screengrab

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY  — In the often-formal world of diplomacy and international briefings, a brief but heartwarming father-son exchange offered a rare moment of levity.

Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and leader of the Indian all-party delegation currently in the United States, was addressing a press conference at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York when a familiar face rose to ask a question.

With a broad grin and a touch of theatrical exasperation, Tharoor paused the session. “You have to stand up. That shouldn’t be allowed. This is my son,” he declared to the room, drawing chuckles from the audience.

The son in question, Ishan Tharoor — a respected foreign affairs columnist for The Washington Post — responded dryly, introducing himself in full professional mode: “Ishan Tharoor of The Washington Post,” he said, straight-faced.
“Definitely asking a question in a personal capacity. And mostly to say hi before you go off to your next engagement,” he added, to more laughter.

The brief back-and-forth offered a moment of affection and pride in an otherwise serious setting. The younger Tharoor’s question — about whether Western interlocutors have asked for proof of Pakistan’s involvement in the recent attacks — was met with appreciation by his father.

“Well, I’m very glad you raised this, Ishan. I didn’t plant it, I promise you. This guy does this to his dad,” Shashi Tharoor said, smiling once more before turning to address the issue in depth.