All-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor meets members of the India Caucus in the House of Representatives, including bipartisan co-chairs Ro Khanna and Marc Veasey, for Operation Sindoor global outreach, in Washington DC on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Shashi Tharoor Addresses India-U.S. Relations During Washington Visit

In a recent press conference, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized India’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with the United States, particularly in the context of U.S. President Donald Trump’s involvement in the ceasefire negotiations between India and Pakistan on May 10.

Operation Sindoor: A Multi-Party Initiative

Mr. Tharoor, leading a multi-party delegation to the Americas following the recent Pahalgam terror attacks, discussed the significance of ‘Operation Sindoor’ as part of India’s response. Joined by prominent figures like Milind Deora (Shiv Sena) and Tejasvi Surya (BJP), Tharoor spoke at the National Press Club in Washington, reflecting a unified front among Indian lawmakers.

Responding to Claims of Presidential Mediation

Tharoor was questioned about India’s stance regarding Trump’s assertions of mediating a solution to the escalating tensions. His careful evaluation underscored India’s respect for the American presidency while firmly countering these claims.

A Call for Stronger Stances Against Terrorism

He asserted, “As long as Pakistan continues to engage in terrorism, our response will be forceful.” Tharoor further stated that dialogue would only be possible if Pakistan dismantled its terrorist infrastructure, emphasizing India’s self-reliance in dealing with regional conflicts.

Willingness to Cease Hostilities

Expanding on the matter, Tharoor conveyed that India is prepared to halt hostilities if Pakistan does the same. He highlighted that India’s position had been clearly communicated to U.S. officials, indicating a collaborative approach to peace.

The Role of the U.S. in Diplomatic Relations

If the U.S. facilitated dialogue with Pakistan, Tharoor noted, it would be a matter for them to discuss, underscoring the importance of mutual understanding in navigating such sensitive issues.

Fostering a Valuable Strategic Partnership

Tharoor concluded by underlining the importance of India’s strategic partnership with the U.S. He stated, “We wouldn’t want to jeopardize our relationship over minor disputes,” suggesting that focusing on broader goals is essential for both nations moving forward.

As this delegation continues its engagement with U.S. lawmakers and the Indian diaspora, the collective aim remains clear: enhancing India-U.S. relations while addressing pressing security concerns in the region.