Former Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, asserted that India is confronting terrorism not just for itself but on behalf of the entire world — particularly the United States. His remarks came during an all-party delegation visit to Washington, DC, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
Speaking at an event, Sandhu emphasized the global threat posed by terrorist groups operating out of Pakistan. “Just look at these terrorists and their organisations — are they friends of the United States? Look at the poison they’ve spread. These are the same groups that have threatened America before and can do so again. India is fighting this battle on behalf of the world, especially for the United States,” he said.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor echoed the urgency of India’s counterterrorism efforts and dismissed any notion of engaging with Pakistan under duress. “We’re open to dialogue, but not with a gun pointed at our head,” Tharoor said during a session at the National Press Club. “If your neighbour sends attack dogs after your children, you’re not going to sit and chat until those dogs are leashed or put down.”
Tharoor warned that India’s recent military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack — known as Operation Sindoor — could be repeated if Pakistan fails to rein in terror outfits operating from its soil. “The US now understands clearly that India will not negotiate under threat,” he said.
He clarified that the goal of the delegation’s visit was not to seek policy changes but to promote understanding. “We are not here to negotiate. That’s the government’s job. Our role is to clarify our position and counter any misconceptions,” Tharoor said.
The all-party delegation includes representatives from across India’s political spectrum and former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The visit to the U.S. follows a similar outreach in Brazil and is aimed at building global support in the wake of Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 in retaliation to the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
During the operation, Indian forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists associated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. After Pakistan responded with military action, India launched airstrikes on Pakistani airbases. The escalation ended with a mutual agreement to cease hostilities on May 10.
