Why Does Shashi Tharoor Emphasize Peace Over Conquest in Pakistan?

Brasilia, June 3 (NationPress) The Indian parliamentary delegation, representing multiple parties, is currently in Brazil where they engaged in a series of meetings deemed exceptional and extremely fruitful with high-ranking Brazilian officials. The discussions centered on India’s firm stance against terrorism and the importance of Operation Sindoor.

Brazilian leaders expressed their sympathy towards India, unequivocally condemning the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, and conveyed their solidarity with the Indian populace.

Under the leadership of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, the delegation asserted that India is not interested in incorporating Pakistan but desires the peaceful coexistence and prosperity of its people, free from the threat of cross-border terrorism.

During their interactions, the delegation met with Filipe Barros, who serves as the President of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and National Defence in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies.

Barros reiterated Brazil's support for India in light of the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam. Tharoor took a strong stance against Pakistan for its role in fostering terrorism.

“We do not seek to reclaim Pakistan or integrate it into India again. We aim to be left undisturbed to foster growth and enhance our people's prosperity. This has been India's narrative for centuries. Why would we desire conflict or war? The desire for warfare emanates from the other side,” Tharoor stated.

“We wish for the global community to comprehend the necessity of our actions, as we were left with no alternative. If Pakistan respects our sovereignty, we will reciprocate. But if terrorism persists, we will respond accordingly.”

“Sub-conventional warfare is a dreadful tactic employed by them (Pakistan) to target civilians and innocent lives. Unable to defeat us in traditional warfare, they resort to these means. While we oppose terrorism, if they unleash it upon us, we will retaliate with conventional warfare.”

“Our military forces, including the Air Force, Army, and Navy, will be utilized for precise targeting. The most prudent course of action for them is to dismantle the terrorist networks within Pakistan and apprehend the perpetrators. Unfortunately, that is the unfortunate reality of Pakistan today,” Tharoor added.

In response to a Brazilian official's inquiry about whether Mahatma Gandhi would have surrendered Kashmir for peace, Tharoor firmly asserted, “I would be genuinely astonished if any Indian leader would consider that. Gandhi never advocated yielding to threats. His teachings urged us to stand tall against oppression. Today’s India will not succumb either. If Pakistan believes we will surrender, they are mistaken.”

Federal Deputy Filipe Barros recognized the common challenges faced by both nations.

“Brazil and India share numerous parallels, including our diverse populations, which are pivotal for our nations. Our challenges are also alike, such as organized crime and drug trafficking. We can collaborate on addressing these issues. I propose a joint declaration of solidarity concerning terrorism to our committee,” he suggested.

The delegation also engaged with Senator Nelsinho Trad, President of the India-Brazil Friendship Front and the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Following this meeting, Tharoor shared on X, “We had an exceptional and productive meeting with Senator Nelsinho Trad, who shows a profound understanding of India's perspective on recent occurrences. Such solidarity reinforces our democratic ties!”

Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya, also part of the delegation, shared on X, “India and Brazil cherish a valued partnership across various multilateral platforms. We deliberated the importance of Operation Sindoor and joint efforts to combat terrorism.”

The Indian delegation conversed with Ambassador Celso Amorim, the Diplomatic Advisor to the Brazilian President, at the Presidential Palace in Brasilia. Tharoor characterized the dialogue as comprehensive and rewarding.

“Our day in Brasilia began at the Presidential Palace, where I reunited with my longtime friend, Ambassador Celso Amorim. We engaged in an extensive and fruitful discussion,” Tharoor stated.

“We reiterated our zero tolerance policy on terrorism and discussed Operation Sindoor. He extended his strong support and sympathy while condemning the Pakistani aggression, emphasizing that terrorism is a global menace that necessitates collective action. Brazil, a steadfast ally of India, stands united with us in this battle against terror,” Surya remarked.

In subsequent statements to IANS, Tharoor noted, “The visit has been highly successful thus far, and we are satisfied with the caliber of meetings across the four countries we have visited. In Brasilia, we engaged with the senior diplomatic advisor to the President, and our discussions culminated in a mutual understanding of our position.”

“We also had an excellent meeting with the Chairman of the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, who is also the President of the India-Brazil Friendship Group. He was very supportive and receptive to our viewpoints. Additionally, we met with the Acting Foreign Minister, who was fully in accord with us -- very understanding of our perspectives,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Indian delegation also interacted with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Alckmin stated, “It is a profound honor to welcome Shashi Tharoor, President of the Indian Parliament Foreign Relations Commission, alongside the Parliament members and our Indian Ambassador in Brazil. Our friendship with India is cherished, and we aim to bolster our relationship. We extend our solidarity to the victims of the attack. Brazil has always championed peace and understanding.”

The delegation comprises various members, including Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Sarfaraz Ahmad, Telugu Desam Party MP GM Harish Balayogi, Bharatiya Janata Party MPs -- Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Tejasvi Surya, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

This visit to Brazil is a significant step in India's diplomatic outreach to highlight Operation Sindoor and reinforce its stand against terrorism sponsored by Pakistan.