Shashi Tharoor Backs Operation Sindoor as 'Calibrated Response', Calls Out Pakistan's Military Role

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor supported India’s Operation Sindoor, calling it a measured response to Pakistan-backed terrorism. In foreign interviews, he praised the precision of the strikes and accused the Pakistani military of exploiting conflict to retain control. He stressed India's focus on self-defense without provoking broader escalation.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor defended India’s military strikes under Operation Sindoor in interviews with foreign media, calling the action a “sensibly calibrated response” to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking to an Australian news outlet, Tharoor asserted that India's action was not only justified but necessary in the face of cross-border terrorism that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

He emphasized that the strikes were precisely targeted to avoid collateral damage. “India acted at night and hit buildings known to house terrorist groups. The response showed restraint and responsibility, avoiding escalation while sending a clear message,” Tharoor said.

The strikes were conducted in retaliation to the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where terrorists believed to be armed and directed from Pakistan launched an assault on civilians. Tharoor underscored that Pakistan’s involvement in sponsoring terrorism is a well-documented pattern and reiterated that India had no choice but to respond.

Tharoor also suggested that the Pakistani military was the only group to benefit from such attacks, claiming it remains deeply unpopular within Pakistan. “They are trying to portray themselves as protectors of the nation, and in doing so, continue to foster violence,” he said.

He further noted that India's approach was measured to avoid broadening the conflict, highlighting that the strikes were an act of self-defense rather than provocation. On social media, Tharoor had earlier written that he advocated for a response that would be "hard and smart", aligning with the government’s strategy.

Also Read: Amit Shah on Operation Sindoor: “Bharat’s Befitting Reply to Pahalgam Massacre

In standing behind the government’s military response, Tharoor also stressed the importance of maintaining national unity against terrorism, beyond political divisions, stating that the focus should remain on protecting lives and ensuring justice.