Shashi Tharoor Defends India’s Counterterrorism Strike, Questions Stance of Colombia

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, part of a seven-member all-party delegation currently visiting Colombia, voiced “disappointment.” This was over the South American nation’s statement expressing condolences for casualties in Pakistan. These casualties followed India’s counterterrorism response “Operation Sindoor”. Tharoor firmly reiterated that India was exercising its sovereign right to self-defence in response to a deadly terrorist attack.

India’s Stand: A Right to Defend, Not Attack

Responding to media queries in Bogotá, Colombia Tharoor stressed a concern. He stated that Colombia’s gesture failed to acknowledge the victims of terrorism. It appeared to blur the line between aggressor and defender.

“There can be no equivalence between those who send terrorists and those who resist them,” Tharoor said. “India’s actions were purely defensive, prompted by a grievous terrorist attack.”

He pointed out that the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. It received global condemnation. However, it lacked follow-through. Pakistan, where the attackers originated, neither apprehended suspects nor took steps toward justice, prompting India’s targeted strikes on May 7.

Operation Sindoor: The Counterstrike

India launched Operation Sindoor. It was a calibrated counteroffensive against nine identified terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Following this, the Indian Air Force acted decisively. It neutralized 11 Pakistani airbases during retaliatory maneuvers from May 8 to 10. These actions occurred after Pakistan’s failed attempts to target Indian positions.

Tharoor emphasized the legitimacy of India’s response. He cited credible intelligence linking the attack to The Resistance Front. This group is a known proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, based in Muridke, Pakistan.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor Responds to Party Critics Over LOC Comment: ‘Have Better Things to Do’

Exposing Complicity: Funeral of a Sanctioned Terrorist

Tharoor drew attention to widely circulated images of Pakistani military officers attending funerals of designated terrorists.

“Uniformed Pakistani military and police personnel were seen at the funeral of a terrorist on international sanctions lists. This demonstrates the depth of institutional support for terrorism,” he stated.

Such evidence, according to Tharoor, highlights Pakistan’s continued role. Pakistan offers terrorists a safe haven. It also provides logistical, financial, and tactical support.

Delegation’s Mission: Correcting the Narrative

The Indian delegation is representing a rare show of political unity. They are on a diplomatic outreach. The purpose is to clarify India’s position following its decisive response to terror. Tharoor said they are committed to ensuring no misinformation clouds global understanding of India’s actions.

“If there is any misunderstanding in Colombia or elsewhere, we are here to address it with facts and clarity. We have nothing to hide and every reason to explain,” he added.

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