Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday commended the Indian Armed Forces’ execution of Operation Sindoor, calling it a “well-calibrated, well-calculated, and effectively executed” response to cross-border terrorism. He stressed that India’s precision and restraint demonstrated both military resolve and moral responsibility.
In an interview with ANI, Tharoor said the operation—launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack—sent a powerful and necessary message. “We couldn’t allow Pakistani terrorists to believe they can walk into our country, kill civilians, and face no consequences. They had to be punished,” he said.
Tharoor lauded the targeting of UN-proscribed terrorist bases such as those of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), while noting India’s careful avoidance of civilian casualties or strikes on Pakistani military infrastructure. “The operation was carried out at night, avoiding times when civilians might be present. This wasn’t about escalation; it was about justice,” he added.
He also praised the decision to name the strike “Operation Sindoor”, describing it as a symbolic and strategic communication of India’s intent: bold but restrained. “India did not hit military or government installations, even though we believe the Pakistani military supports these terrorists. That was deliberate—we do not want war, we want to make a point,” Tharoor said.
Urging Pakistan to avoid further provocation, Tharoor emphasized that India had shown restraint, even in the face of Pakistani retaliation through heavy artillery shelling of civilian areas. “The ball is now in Pakistan’s court. We are not escalating—but we are prepared. If they attack our civilians or forces again, the response will be severe,” he warned.
Operation Sindoor saw Indian forces target nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), aiming to eliminate militants responsible for attacks on Indian soil. Tharoor concluded by reaffirming that India had acted as a responsible global player, prioritizing precision and accountability in its fight against terror.