Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading a multi-party delegation on India’s global outreach mission for Operation Sindoor, spoke passionately in Panama City about the deep emotional and strategic necessity behind India’s recent anti-terror action. He explained how the operation was not only a response to terrorism but also a symbolic act of justice for the victims whose dignity was violently stripped away. Shashi Tharoor emphasized India’s unified stance against terrorism, the political consensus supporting this approach, and how Operation Sindoor was a clear message that attacks on innocent civilians would not go unanswered.
Operation Sindoor: A Response Rooted in Justice
Shashi Tharoor detailed the painful incident where terrorists attacked 26 women, forcibly wiping the traditional sindoor from their foreheads, an act symbolic of their suffering and loss of their husbands and fathers. “Some women cried out, begging the terrorists to kill them too, but the terrorists told them to go back and tell what had happened,” Shashi Tharoor recounted. This harrowing ordeal was the emotional core behind Operation Sindoor, which sought to “match the colour of their (terrorists’) blood with the colour of the sindoor on our women’s foreheads.” The operation represented India’s firm resolve to uphold the dignity and safety of its citizens by delivering a strong message to the perpetrators.
Shashi Tharoor also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that the operation was necessary to uphold national honor and protect the sanctity of Indian families affected by terror. The MP reiterated that the operation was a carefully calculated move to respond to the terror attack and was not meant to escalate into a war but rather to ensure justice was served.
Political Unity and Global Support Against Terrorism
During the visit, the delegation met Panama Assembly President Dana Castaneda, where Shashi Tharoor conveyed India’s determined position against cross-border terrorism. Highlighting the unity of all Indian political parties on this issue, Shashi Tharoor stated, “We come from different political backgrounds, but we are united in national purpose.” He explained how after the Pahalgam terror attack in April, India waited to see if Pakistan would take action against those responsible, but when it became clear no steps were being taken, India acted decisively on May 7.
Panama’s leadership expressed clear support for India’s campaign against terrorism, with President Castaneda affirming their solidarity and willingness to collaborate on peace efforts. This diplomatic engagement underscored the growing international recognition of India’s fight against terrorism and the importance of building global partnerships to counter such threats.
Through his remarks, Shashi Tharoor conveyed both the emotional weight and the political rationale behind Operation Sindoor, portraying it as a necessary and unified national response to terrorism.
