Amidst rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has issued a firm warning to Pakistan, asserting India's unwavering resolve against cross-border terrorism. Speaking at a diplomatic forum in Guyana and later during meetings in Panama, Tharoor emphasized that India's recent military actions, specifically Operation Sindoor, were a measured and proportionate response to Pakistan's support for terrorist activities, and not the start of a protracted conflict.

Tharoor is leading an all-party delegation to several countries, including Panama, Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, and the United States, to articulate India's stance on terrorism and garner international support. This delegation is one of seven dispatched by the Indian government to engage with key partners globally, explaining the rationale behind Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

In Panama, Tharoor met with Assembly President Dana Castaneda to convey India's resolute position against terrorism, emphasizing that India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism and will take action against perpetrators. He also sought understanding from the Panama government in the event of future terrorist attacks in India. He highlighted the unity of all political parties in India on this national security issue. At the Indian Cultural Centre in Panama City, the delegation offered prayers, showcasing interfaith harmony.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in response to the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, saw Indian forces conducting targeted strikes against terrorist camps operated by groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Tharoor clarified that these strikes were "precisely calculated, calibrated," and aimed at dismantling terror networks, not escalating into a full-blown war. He stressed that the operation was focused, measured, and non-escalatory.

Tharoor underscored India's commitment to peace, stating that the strikes were purely retaliatory. He pointed out that after the Pahalgam attack, India waited to see if Pakistan would take action against the perpetrators. When no action was taken, India felt compelled to respond to ensure that terrorist acts do not go unpunished. He said that India has no desire to convey that it was the opening salvo in what was meant to be a sort of protracted war. Each strike was retaliatory, and each action taken by India was only in response to Pakistan.

He highlighted India's consistent diplomatic outreach during the operation, assuring global partners of its intent to avoid war. According to Tharoor, when governments expressed concern, India conveyed that it was not interested in war. He further stated that India's military actions were rooted in a principle of deterrence, not aggression, and reiterated that a cessation of hostilities by Pakistan would eliminate the need for further retaliation.

Tharoor noted that a turning point occurred when Islamabad initiated backchannel communication seeking de-escalation, leading to a cessation of hostilities following discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations of both sides on May 10. He emphasized that India has demonstrated that Pakistan will pay an increasingly higher price for backing terror attacks.

Tharoor also addressed Pakistan's "revisionist" agenda and highlighted the history of Pakistani incursions, stressing that India has gradually ramped up its military response with each attack since 2015. He referred to past incidents like the Pathankot air base attack, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the Uri attack in 2016, and the Pulwama tragedy in 2019, emphasizing that India is determined to respond firmly to any future attacks. He stated, “You do this, you're gonna get this back."

Tharoor's message is clear: India is committed to peace but will not tolerate cross-border terrorism. Operation Sindoor was a demonstration of India's resolve to protect its citizens and interests, and any future provocations will be met with an even stronger response. This stance reflects a new normal in India's approach to combating terrorism, sending a clear message that those who perpetrate or support terrorist activities against India will be held accountable.