NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
New York, NY, May 27, 2025: Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation to the United States, engaged with prominent think tanks, academic leaders, and media in New York this week, sending a strong message against cross-border terrorism and urging the international community to support India’s fight for peace and security.
The delegation is part of “Operation Sindoor,” India’s multi-pronged diplomatic outreach launched in the wake of the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The initiative sees leaders across party lines—including Tharoor from the Indian National Congress—traveling to key global capitals to present a united front against terrorism.
Speaking at the consulate, Tharoor described India’s recent calibrated military response as “a necessary act of self-defense,” lauding the Indian armed forces for their precision and restraint. “The time had come to hit hard and smart,” he said, “and that’s exactly what India did.”
Tharoor emphasized the bipartisan nature of the delegation. “We are not here representing the government, but the Indian nation,” he clarified. “Terrorism is not a partisan issue. We are united in our grief and in our resolve to fight back.”
The veteran parliamentarian, known for his oratory, praised the symbolic choice of the name Operation Sindoor, referring to the red vermilion powder worn by married Hindu women. “It speaks to the emotional and cultural dimensions of the loss we experienced. It is a powerful message—of mourning, resilience, and strength,” he said.
Criticizing Pakistan for harboring and supporting terrorist networks, Tharoor pointedly noted, “India is a status quo power—we want peace in the region. But Pakistan is not. It continues to sponsor terror. The world must acknowledge and act against this.”
Tharoor’s remarks drew applause from the audience, which included Indian Americans, diplomats, business leaders, and community representatives. He called upon them to become active messengers of India’s truth abroad. “We must counter false narratives. You, the diaspora, have a role in shaping global opinion.”
The visit to the U.S. is part of a larger diplomatic mission that also includes delegations to the U.K., Japan, and other strategic partners. Other prominent Indian lawmakers, such as Ravi Shankar Prasad and Supriya Sule, are leading parallel missions as part of the coordinated campaign.
Operation Sindoor marks a rare display of unity in Indian politics, with leaders across ideological divides rallying together to project a cohesive stance on the global stage. Dr. Tharoor’s address underscored that spirit, blending statesmanship with emotional resonance—a reflection of the gravity of the moment and the importance of global solidarity.
