KKN Gurugram Desk | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on an official visit to the United States following India’s Operation Sindoor, delivered a strong diplomatic and moral message to the global community regarding Pakistan’s role in terrorism. Speaking at various public forums and events in New York, Tharoor emphasized the need for international solidarity against terrorism, while stating that Pakistan has missed its final opportunity to cooperate and change course.

“We are not interested in war with Pakistan. We prefer to focus on economic growth and progress. But if they continue to covet Indian territory and resort to terrorism to achieve it, that is simply unacceptable,” Tharoor declared.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Targeted Strike Sends a Clear Message

In his statements, Tharoor underlined the strategic precision of Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine key terrorist installations, including launch pads and command centers. According to Tharoor, the operation was a measured but firm response, demonstrating that India is capable of executing counter-terrorism missions with surgical accuracy.

“India acted smartly and effectively. It was not an impulsive reaction, but a calculated move,” said Tharoor.
“I speak not for the government, but as an opposition member who has long advocated decisive but rational action.”

Tharoor on Pakistan: “Their Denials No Longer Work”

Referring to the 2015 Pathankot airbase attack, Tharoor recalled how India extended an unprecedented offer of cooperation, even allowing Pakistani investigators access to Indian military facilities. However, that initiative yielded no productive outcome.

“Their delegation returned and absurdly concluded that Indians carried out the attack on themselves. That was their last chance to prove sincerity in combating terrorism,” he noted.

Tharoor added that India has exhausted all diplomatic options—from international dossiers to bilateral requests, and yet Pakistan continues to deny involvement or take legal action against perpetrators.

Pahalgam Attack: Religious Profiling and Its Dangerous Implications

Tharoor also condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack, pointing out that the perpetrators targeted victims based on religious identity, with the aim of inciting communal tension.

“The attackers asked about the victims’ religion before executing them. That’s not just terrorism—it’s an attempt to rupture India’s communal fabric,” Tharoor said.

The attack was later claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), which is widely considered a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to Tharoor, the group’s objective is to derail the normalization process in Jammu & Kashmir and destabilize social harmony.

Global Outreach: Taking India’s Message Beyond Borders

During his visit to the U.S., Tharoor outlined India’s strategy to engage not just governments but also civil society, think tanks, and media across multiple nations.

“We’re meeting lawmakers, diplomats, policy experts, and academics to explain the real cost of terrorism to South Asia and beyond. This isn’t just India’s issue; it’s a global concern.”

India’s effort is aimed at building a transnational consensus to isolate terror-supporting states and push for international legal accountability.

India-Pakistan Relations: Surface Calm, Underlying Tensions

While border tensions may have reduced in recent months, Tharoor emphasized that the fundamental conflict remains unresolved.

“Peace on the surface doesn’t mean peace in intent. The ideological and strategic aggression by Pakistan remains,” he warned.

India, he suggested, will continue to pursue peace but will not compromise on sovereignty or national security.

Opposition MP, But National Interest First

Though a member of the Indian National Congress and part of the opposition, Tharoor emphasized that national security transcends party lines.

“On matters of terrorism and external threat, we speak in one voice. As I’ve written before, now is the time to hit hard—and hit smart. The current government has done just that,” he stated.

His speech aligns with the bipartisan consensus in Indian politics when it comes to dealing with cross-border terrorism.

International Reaction: India’s Position Gaining Traction

India’s recent diplomatic initiatives, including Tharoor’s visit, appear to be gaining traction internationally, especially in the aftermath of:

• Multiple attacks targeting civilians and security forces

• Pakistan’s continued failure to prosecute known terror operatives

• Rising calls within the U.S. Congress and EU Parliament to reassess bilateral engagement with Pakistan

Global think tanks are echoing India’s position, recognizing that terrorism has transnational funding and safe havens, and requires a coordinated response.

Hallmarks of India’s Terror Policy in 2025

India’s counter-terrorism posture in 2025 has been characterized by:

• Precision strikes with minimal collateral damage

• Strong diplomatic campaigns in key Western capitals

• Intelligence-sharing with allies

• Use of international forums like UN, FATF, and G20

Operation Sindoor was not just a military move but also a signal to the global community that India will act decisively when provoked.

Tharoor concluded his engagements in New York with a poignant reminder:

“We’re here not just to speak on India’s behalf, but to remind the world that terrorism spares no country. The scars of attacks—be it Mumbai, New York, or Jerusalem—run deep. We must fight this evil together.”

As India continues to shape the global dialogue around terror funding, radicalization, and state complicity, voices like Tharoor’s reflect a maturing diplomacy that blends firm resolve with global engagement.