India’s Measured Response to Terrorism: Shashi Tharoor Justifies Strikes Amid Rising Tensions

In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has articulated a robust defense of India’s recent military actions, emphasizing the nation’s right to self-defense and the necessity of a proportionate response to terrorism.

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On May 8, 2025, Tharoor addressed international media, including an Australian news outlet, to elucidate India’s rationale behind the airstrikes conducted under “Operation Sindoor.” These strikes targeted nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, identified as terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.The operation was a direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists.The Gua

Tharoor described the military action as a “sensibly calibrated response,” aimed at conveying that “a price is to be paid for this kind of conduct.” He underscored that the strikes were meticulously planned to minimize collateral damage, with operations conducted at night targeting specific buildings known to house terrorist operatives. This approach, he noted, was intended to send a clear message: India is resolute in combating terrorism but does not seek to escalate into a broader conflict.

Highlighting the internal dynamics within Pakistan, Tharoor pointed out that the Pakistani military, which he described as “deeply unpopular,” stands to gain from such cross-border tensions. He suggested that the military’s involvement in sponsoring terrorism serves to bolster its position domestically by portraying itself as the nation’s defender amidst external threats.

In a post on social media platform X, Tharoor expressed solidarity with the Indian armed forces and commended the government’s measured approach. He emphasized that India’s actions were calculated to address the immediate threat without provoking further escalation, reflecting a commitment to national security and regional stability.