Is Team Tharoor Ready to Tackle Terrorism in the US?

Washington, June 4 (NationPress) A group of Indian lawmakers, led by Congress Party figure Shashi Tharoor, embarked on a demanding two-day mission in the US capital on Wednesday to assert India’s stance of zero tolerance for terrorism. They aim to shed light on how India was compelled to initiate Operation Sindoor in response to terrorism originating from Pakistan.

The delegation, which arrived from Brasilia on Tuesday, faces a packed agenda that includes discussions with government representatives, members of Congress, think tanks, and influential figures within the Indian American community.

Reflecting on their objectives, Tharoor mentioned to IANS in Brasilia, "We’re seeking solidarity in our fight against terrorism.”

He added, “Washington's significance lies in its status as a superpower with vast global influence, alongside a mixture of narratives and misinformation that we need to address.”

The delegation showcases India’s unified approach to combating terrorism, featuring a diverse group led by Tharoor from the opposition Congress party.

Other team members include Shambhavi from the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and Milind Murli Deora from Shiv Sena, alongside Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Tejasvi Surya of the BJP, and GM Harish Balayogi from the Telugu Desam Party, a partner in the National Democratic Alliance.

Joining them is former Indian Ambassador to the US, Tarajnit Singh Sandhu, whose extensive knowledge and connections will be invaluable during their visit.

Simultaneously, a Pakistani delegation headed by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be in Washington advocating for Islamabad’s narrative.

Tharoor pointed out, “We’ll witness the intriguing dynamic of competing delegations in America,” suggesting that this could heighten interest in their respective messages.

A key event for the Indian delegation is a news conference at the National Press Club, and Tharoor will remain in Washington post-visit for interviews with major US media and podcasters.

Evening gatherings at the Embassy are scheduled—one for Indian Americans and another for influential opinion leaders.

The delegation is also set to engage with Congressional committees focused on foreign and strategic affairs.

Previously, Team Tharoor visited locations including New York, Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil, where they met with government officials and media to discuss the pressing issue of terrorism, highlighted by the tragic massacre of 26 individuals in Pahalgam by The Resistance Front, linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

“In these nations, it was crucial for us to convey our standpoint and leave with a sense of unity—which we have achieved,” Tharoor stated to IANS.

The delegation’s journey to Washington involved a complex route, passing through Sao Paulo in Brazil and Panama.

Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by India’s Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and his diplomatic team, who provided an informative briefing.

Tharoor also expressed his delight at being welcomed by two Indian-American police officers, Officers Harmanpreet Singh and Hundal, after landing in the US.