A multi-party parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has concluded its visit to the United States, marking the final leg of a diplomatic mission to solidify international consensus on India's counter-terrorism stance. This follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 26 people.

Tharoor conveyed a powerful message on social media, stating, "The whole world now knows the truth. We are lovers of non-violence, but only until someone tests that." This resolute statement encapsulates the delegation's aim to communicate India's commitment to peace while underscoring its determination to defend itself against terrorism.

The delegation's itinerary in the U.S. included meetings with several high-ranking officials. Among them were U.S. Vice President J D Vance and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. These discussions served to emphasize India's unwavering resolve to combat terrorism originating from Pakistan. The delegation was one of seven tasked with visiting 33 global capitals to highlight Pakistan's links to terrorism.

Tharoor characterized the meeting with Vice President Vance as "excellent," noting Vance's "warm and welcoming" demeanor and his expression of "outrage" regarding the Pahalgam attack. Vance reportedly conveyed his support and respect for India's "restrained response in Operation Sindoor." Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau "reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries," according to a U.S. State Department spokesperson.

The delegation also engaged with key members of the U.S. Congress, including those on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Discussions centered on India's security challenges and its counter-terrorism measures.

Prior to arriving in Washington, D.C., on June 3, the delegation made stops in Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil. Upon arriving in the U.S., the delegation paid tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York. This visit served to reaffirm India's commitment to the global fight against terrorism and to express solidarity with the victims of such acts.

In addition to Tharoor, the delegation included Sarfaraz Ahmad (JMM), Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi (TDP), Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), and Tejasvi Surya (BJP), and India's former Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu.

During their engagements, the delegation briefed their counterparts on "Operation Sindoor," India's retaliatory strikes following the Pahalgam attack. They emphasized that India's actions were targeted at terror infrastructure, not civilians.

The delegation's visit to the United States underscores India's proactive approach to international diplomacy in addressing the threat of terrorism. By engaging with key stakeholders in the U.S. government and Congress, the delegation aimed to foster a deeper understanding of India's concerns and to strengthen cooperation in the global fight against terrorism. The message they carried was clear: India stands firm in its resolve to combat terrorism and seeks the support of the international community in this critical endeavor.