Image Credit: X account @ShashiTharoor
Shashi Tharoor in Panama: India Resolute Against Terrorism
In a powerful address during his visit to Panama City, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor reaffirmed India’s unshakeable resolve against terrorism. Leading an all-party parliamentary delegation, Tharoor expressed the nation’s enduring grief over decades of terrorist attacks allegedly emanating from across the border and emphasized India’s right to act against such aggression.
“It is just not acceptable for us to continue to bear the pain, the grief, the wounds, the losses and then merely go and tell the international community, look what is happening to us. Please help us. Please put pressure on the perpetrators to actually identify and prosecute the criminals.”
Tharoor remarked that India’s goodwill has long gone unreciprocated by its neighbor, referencing how New Delhi’s consistent efforts to maintain peace were met with repeated attacks. His remarks pointed directly to Pakistan’s historical claims over Indian territory, which have fueled hostilities and conflict.
“Unfortunately, our desire to just be left alone is not reciprocated by our friends on the other side of the border. They have chosen repeatedly to attack us because they believe that they want territory which they do not control, which we control.”
Cross-Border Terrorism
Speaking before members of the Indian diaspora and Panamanian officials, Tharoor drew attention to the global footprint of terror networks based in Pakistan. He questioned the international community’s failure to ensure justice, particularly for high-profile cases like the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
“Let there be no doubt… terror will be met with a price.”
He emphasized that India’s responses to terrorism, such as the Balakot airstrikes and recent retaliatory action, are not born of aggression but necessity. His remarks portrayed a country increasingly unwilling to tolerate attacks without consequence and urged global actors to recognize the international nature of the threat.
Operation Sindoor
Tharoor’s remarks also shed light on the recent Operation Sindoor, conducted in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam which claimed 26 Indian lives. The operation targeted terror bases across the Line of Control and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in what was described as a carefully calibrated strike to dismantle networks fueling cross-border attacks.
“When nothing was clearly being done, two weeks later, on the 7th of May, we attacked the known headquarters of terrorist bases inside Pakistan. We had no interest in starting a war, but we felt that a terrorist act must not go unpunished.”
As part of the diplomatic outreach following the operation, the Indian delegation met with top Panamanian lawmakers. In a gesture of solidarity, a Kashmiri shawl was presented to the President of Panama’s National Assembly, symbolizing the sorrow of those lost in Pahalgam. In return, she gifted an emblem symbolizing Panama’s warrior legacy, conveying shared commitment to peace and justice.
“Panama wants to stand with India in this campaign for peace, and we hope that we can defeat terrorism.”
A solemn moment of silence marked the end of the event, reinforcing India’s message: it seeks peace, but not at the cost of silence in the face of terrorism.
