In a significant diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, a military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is leading an all-party delegation on a tour of the United States, Guyana, Panama, Brazil and Colombia. The delegation, comprised of members from across the political spectrum, aims to convey India's united stance against terrorism and to brief international representatives on the recent events and India's response.

The delegation's visit began in New York City, where they paid their respects at the 9/11 Memorial. Tharoor emphasized the symbolic importance of this visit, stating that it served as a reminder that India, like New York, has also been a victim of terror attacks. The delegation members offered white roses at the memorial, accompanied by India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, to express their respect and solidarity.

During an interaction at the Indian Consulate in New York, Tharoor briefed the audience on the Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor, highlighting Pakistan's involvement. He noted that despite the current calm at the India-Pakistan border, the underlying problem remains. Tharoor emphasized that the delegation's mission is to engage with a cross-section of public and political opinion in each country they visit, addressing concerns about recent events and underscoring India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the death of 26 people. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Tharoor highlighted that the strikes were precise and calibrated, targeting known terrorist bases and launchpads while avoiding civilian and military targets.

Speaking about the Pahalgam attack, Tharoor noted that while the intent was to create division, it ultimately brought people together across religious and social divides. He stated that India responded strongly and decisively, conveying a clear message that such acts of terror will not be tolerated.

The delegation includes several prominent members of parliament, such as Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD(U)), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), John Brittas (CPI(M)), Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), Brij Lal (BJP), Pradan Baruah (BJP), and Dr. Hemang Joshi (BJP).

The delegation's visit to Guyana coincided with the country's 59th Independence Day celebrations. The team planned to engage with Guyanese leadership, media representatives, the Indian community, and other key figures. Their objective was to reinforce India's message of unity and its commitment to fighting terrorism.

Shashi Tharoor emphasized the importance of speaking up for India and ensuring that the world does not turn a blind eye to terrorism. He stressed the need for global attention and cooperation in combating this threat.