Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party Indian delegation to the United States, called on the international community to reject indifference and stand united in strength and solidarity against terrorism. Speaking outside the 9/11 Memorial in New York, Tharoor emphasized that India, like the U.S., has endured the trauma of terrorism and will no longer remain silent in the face of such atrocities.
“We ourselves in India have been subject to the same wounds that you are seeing the scars of today in this very moving memorial,” said Tharoor. “We have come in a spirit of solidarity, and at the same time, on a mission.”
The Indian delegation, comprising MPs from various political parties and accompanied by former Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, is currently on a diplomatic tour of the United States and will also visit Guyana, Panama, Brazil, and Colombia. The visit aims to deliver India’s firm message of zero tolerance for terrorism and mobilize international support following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
Tharoor underlined that India’s message is clear: “We want the world to understand that this is not a time for indifference but for mutual strength and mutual solidarity.” Drawing parallels with the U.S. response to 9/11, he added, “Just as the US showed resolution and determination, so too has India stood up against the forces of evil who attacked us. We will not be sitting quietly if this is repeated.”
He called for holding accountable not just the perpetrators but also those who shelter, fund, and direct acts of terrorism. “We are not going to stop our hunt for those who did this latest atrocity. And they too should be accountable for what they have been doing,” he asserted.
Tharoor also pointed to the existing UN sanctions against Pakistan-based terror entities, stating, “There are 52 individuals and organisations based in Pakistan that have been listed by the UN Sanctions Committee. But listings and diplomacy are not enough—we will also exercise our right to self-defence, which every country recognises.”
Addressing the Indian diaspora in the U.S., Tharoor acknowledged their influence and urged them to play a vital role in shaping public and political opinion. “You are not just numerous; you are prosperous and influential… You are a force multiplier for us.”
The delegation includes MPs Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita (all BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
This global outreach is part of India’s broader campaign to present a unified political front against terrorism, emphasizing national consensus and resilience in the face of cross-border threats.