In a strong and candid message delivered during a global outreach interaction in the United States, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor underscored India’s firm stance on terrorism and sent a stern warning to Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Speaking at Operation Sindoor, an initiative aimed at engaging young Indian professionals abroad, Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation, said India has shown “restraint, patience, and responsibility” in the wake of the April 22 attack but emphasized that India’s tolerance has clear limits.
“We felt we had no choice but to respond,” Tharoor told the audience, asserting that India had acted with maturity but would not allow provocations to go unanswered.
He said the Indian government was seeking global understanding and solidarity, not just sympathy. Addressing the broader context, he said:
“If they [Pakistan] allowed this to happen again, or they actually instigate it and direct it as this one seemed to have been, they will be hit back. We will hit back very hard… Do not take our patience for granted.”
Tharoor emphasized that India’s primary national focus remains on economic development and poverty alleviation. However, he added:
“This is not something we would have wanted to spend our time on. But sadly, when this kind of thing is done to us, and for very cynical motives, we need to show that we will not allow people to cross the border and kill our citizens with impunity.”
Tharoor’s Three Observations on Pakistan’s Involvement
Responding to questions, Tharoor laid out three compelling reasons to support India’s belief that Pakistan was behind the Pahalgam terror attack:
- Pattern of Denial
Tharoor pointed to Pakistan’s repeated denials in past incidents, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks and Osama bin Laden’s hideout being discovered in Abbottabad. “They deny involvement until they’re actually caught red-handed,” he said. - Claim of Responsibility
He noted that The Resistance Front had claimed responsibility twice, only to retract the statements. “The fact is the credit claim was on record and the world has seen it.” - Funerals Attended by Pakistani Officials
Tharoor highlighted that Pakistani generals and police officers were seen attending funerals of slain militants from banned groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba after the strike. “Such visuals say a lot without needing further commentary.”
He clarified that no country had asked India for evidence during the delegation’s discussions, but said India has solid proof and had recorded 24 terror attacks over the past year that originated from Pakistan. However, he noted that none had warranted such a calibrated and significant response until now.
Diplomatic Yet Direct
While urging for peace, Tharoor maintained a firm diplomatic tone, reflecting the unified stance of India across party lines when national security is at stake. His speech in the US was not just an attempt to brief the Indian diaspora, but also a clear message to the international community: India seeks peace, but not at the cost of its people’s security.
As global scrutiny on terrorism and its state sponsors grows sharper, Tharoor’s words stand as both a warning and an appeal — asking the world to recognize patterns, demand accountability, and stand with nations that choose restraint over retaliation, but will not hesitate to defend their sovereignty.