New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been named as one of the leaders of India’s seven international delegations tasked with highlighting the country’s strong stance against cross-border terrorism. The delegations are part of Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
In his statement, Tharoor emphasized that the mission is above partisan politics, stating:
“As a citizen, being called upon to serve the nation at a time of crisis is a matter of duty for all of us. It is an honour that I’ve been asked to lead the delegation, and I look forward to playing my part.”
He further added that his commitment to duty remains unwavering, regardless of internal party dynamics:
“My party leadership is entitled to its opinion of my abilities or lack thereof… I am honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility, and I will fulfil it just as I have fulfilled every responsibility in my long working life — at the UN or in the Congress Party.”
Tharoor Reaffirms National Unity Message
Tharoor made it clear that the initiative reflects a unified national stance rather than individual political motives:
“To my mind, this has nothing to do with party politics. It’s all to do with what our country has been through in recent times and the need for us to present a united front… It is a good reflection of national unity at a time when unity is important.”
Congress Expresses Discontent Over Government’s Process
However, the move has sparked criticism from within the Congress Party. Party leader Jairam Ramesh lashed out at the government for bypassing the Congress’s recommendations for delegation members.
“We were asked for names. We expected that the names we had given would be included… But when we saw the press release of PIB, we were surprised… Announcing another name is dishonest on the government’s part,” Ramesh said.
Despite the party’s objection, Tharoor disclosed that he had kept both the party and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed. He mentioned that discussions were ongoing and that his participation was coordinated at multiple levels.
India’s Global Outreach on Terrorism
The All-Party Delegations are set to visit various countries to communicate India’s “zero tolerance” message on terrorism, following the country’s precision airstrikes on May 7 that targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoJK, killing over 100 militants.
Each delegation will include MPs from different parties, retired diplomats, and other prominent political leaders, in an effort to project a united front and national consensus against terrorism on international platforms.