Congress MP and leader of the All-Party Delegation, Shashi Tharoor, asserted that Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach in the US has failed to garner meaningful support, while India has succeeded in effectively conveying its stance on terrorism and national security.
Speaking to ANI during the Indian delegation’s visit to Washington DC, Tharoor emphasized that the team received a more favorable reception than their Pakistani counterparts, meeting high-ranking US officials, lawmakers, and think tanks. He noted that unlike India, Pakistan’s engagements did not yield any significant or public expressions of support from American officials.
“Frankly, we weren’t bothered. We had more important appointments than they did—senators, congressmen, and government officials. Our list of engagements was far superior. Even though they tweeted about their meetings, we haven’t seen any positive statements from those they met. I don’t think they have much to be pleased about,” Tharoor said.
He further added that the Indian delegation clearly communicated that India is the victim—not the perpetrator—of terrorism, countering Pakistan’s long-standing narrative.
“When Pakistan claims innocence and blames India, we presented credible evidence showing that terrorism originated from their soil. We’ve convincingly demonstrated our position,” Tharoor stated.
The visit to the US is part of India’s broader diplomatic initiative following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. India launched Operation Sindoor in response and has since stepped up international outreach to highlight the necessity of the counterterrorism action.
Tharoor said that the delegation is scheduled to meet Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and that the visit has so far been a “real success,” with American media interviews and policy meetings still ongoing.
He praised Indian embassies for their efficient coordination, facilitating high-level interactions across sectors including government, media, think tanks, and diaspora groups.
Reflecting on the past five days, Tharoor said the delegation achieved two main goals: clearly explaining the rationale behind Operation Sindoor, and reinforcing bilateral relations with various countries.
“We’ve not only addressed terrorism and our response to it, but also explored broader areas of cooperation. Our counterparts expressed strong interest in deeper engagement with India. These two weeks have been intense but extremely productive,” he said.
He concluded by saying that the support and solidarity received from international stakeholders exceeded expectations.
“In some cases, the backing was expressed privately, in others publicly. But overall, it was a revealing and rewarding experience. The eight-member team feels they’ve contributed meaningfully to the nation’s cause,” Tharoor said.
The Indian delegation’s visit to the US is a crucial part of its diplomatic effort to counter terrorism narratives and build international consensus in support of India’s security interests.
