Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party parliamentary delegation to Panama, delivered a powerful address to the Indian diaspora, condemning Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism against India. Speaking at the Sociedad Hindostana de Panama, Tharoor emphasized that India’s efforts for peace have not been reciprocated.
“Our desire to be left alone has not been respected,” he said. “They have attacked us repeatedly because they covet territory that is part of our sovereign borders.”
Recalling the long history of terror attacks on Indian soil, Tharoor reminded the audience of the toll it has taken since the insurgency began in Kashmir in 1989.
“We have suffered attack after attack for almost four decades now,” he said. “From the early attacks in Kashmir to the many civilian casualties across the country, we have endured immense pain, grief, wounds, and loss. It is no longer enough to simply tell the international community what is happening. We must act and ensure the perpetrators know there will be consequences.”
Tharoor highlighted India’s shift in counter-terrorism strategy, citing the 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes as examples of a more assertive response.
“For the first time, we crossed the Line of Control, and later the international border, targeting terror camps deep inside Pakistan. This was a clear message—India will not tolerate terrorism,” he said.
He also referred to Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 Indian women widowed.
“Some of the women cried out, ‘The terrorists killed me too.’ But the attackers told them to go back and tell the story. We heard those cries,” Tharoor said. “India decided that the colour of the sindoor on our women’s foreheads will now match the blood of the killers—it was a vow of resilience.”
The Indian delegation also met with Panama’s National Assembly President Dana Castaneda. Tharoor noted a symbolic exchange during the meeting.
“We gifted her a shawl from Kashmir, where the Pahalgam tragedy took place. In return, she gave us a symbol of Panama’s warriors and said she hoped we would fight terrorism with the same strength. It was a powerful message to leave with,” he said.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of the Pahalgam victims. The Indian delegation included MPs from across the political spectrum, such as Tejasvi Surya, Milind Deora, and former U.S. Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora issued a clear warning to Pakistan: “Whether it’s Kashmir or Mumbai, if you attack us, we will respond.”
Echoing this stance, BJP MP Shashank Mani reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace, but not at the cost of its security.
“We showed patience for years,” Mani said. “But when things went too far, we showed strength. India does not seek war, but we won’t allow any threat to derail our path to becoming a Viksit Bharat (developed India).”
