India Responded Calmly, But Warned of Strong Action: Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently addressed young professionals in the US. He was part of an all-party delegation. During his speech, he explained India’s measured but firm response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Initially, India showed restraint. However, it also made its position clear. “We felt we had no choice but to respond,” Tharoor said. He added that India sought “global understanding and solidarity” after the deadly incident.

India Seeks Growth, But Will Not Tolerate Terror

Tharoor emphasized that India focuses on economic progress and lifting people out of poverty. Still, he said the country cannot ignore cross-border threats. “If they 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,” he warned.

According to Tharoor, India does not want to divert attention from development. “This is not something we would have wanted to spend our time on,” he said. Nevertheless, he noted that India must respond when its citizens are attacked. “We will not allow people to cross the border and kill our citizens with impunity,” he stressed.

Further Attacks Will Bring Consequences

Moreover, Tharoor warned that terrorism would not go unanswered. “There will be a price to pay,” he said. If Pakistan keeps supporting or directing such attacks, India will respond strongly, he cautioned.

India Holds Strong Evidence Against Pakistan

When asked if any nation demanded proof of Pakistan’s involvement, Tharoor clarified that none had. Still, he stated that India possesses credible evidence. He outlined three key points to support his claim.

To begin with, Tharoor pointed out Pakistan’s past behavior. He said the country often denies responsibility for terror until it’s caught. He gave the examples of the Mumbai attacks and Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Pakistan. “Pakistan denies involvement until they’re actually caught with red hands,” he noted.

Next, he referred to the Resistance Front’s role in the Pahalgam attack. The group claimed responsibility twice but later withdrew the statement. “The fact is credit claim was on record and the world has seen it,” he said.

Finally, Tharoor mentioned how Pakistani generals and police officers attended the funerals of members of terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. These photos surfaced on social media soon after the attack.

India Acts Only With Just Cause

Tharoor underlined that India does not act without reason. “The government counted 24 terrorist attacks in the last year emanating from Pakistan, but none of them required this kind of response,” he explained. He made it clear that India strikes only when absolutely necessary.