Shashi Tharoor Leads Delegation in Brazil, Issues Strong Message on Terrorism
Tharoor's Firm Stance on Terrorism
During a visit to Brazil, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation, reiterated India's stern warning to cross-border terrorist groups and their supporters. He stated, "I want to emphasize once again that if Pakistan had not chosen to escalate conflict, we would not target their military backers. We do not seek war; our aim is to send a message to terrorists and, through them, to those who provide them refuge, funding, training, and weapons, guiding them across borders."
Need for Dialogue with Pakistan
On Tuesday, Tharoor expressed that the challenge lies not in engaging with Pakistan but in finding a shared vision for civilization and peace. He stressed that if Pakistan takes significant action against the terrorist infrastructure within its borders, India would be open to dialogue.
Communicating India's Message
Leading the parliamentary delegation, Tharoor mentioned that they successfully conveyed India's stance on terrorism to Latin American nations, including those that might have misconceptions. He questioned, "If Pakistan is as innocent as it claims, why does it harbor wanted terrorists? How do these terrorists operate training camps and radicalize individuals in Pakistan?"
Call for Action Against Terrorism
Tharoor emphasized the need for Pakistan to address the visible terrorist infrastructure within its territory before any talks could take place. He stated, "We can communicate in Hindi, Punjabi, or English. The issue is finding common ground for civilization and peace. We desire peace and development, but they seem intent on causing us distress and weakening us."
BRICS Parliamentary Forum
Brazil is hosting the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. When asked if India expects Brazil to issue a statement against the use of terrorism against Indian citizens, Tharoor noted that BRICS has its own agenda and he was uncertain if such a statement would be included in their discussions.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Tharoor highlighted that their delegation had visited four countries—Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil—where they found a clear understanding of India's position on terrorism. He mentioned that Colombia had retracted a statement expressing sympathy towards Pakistan following India's military actions in response to the Pahalgam attack.
Meeting with Brazilian Officials
The delegation concluded its visit with a meeting with Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. The Indian embassy in Brazil shared on social media that the delegation thanked Alckmin for Brazil's strong stance against terrorism and welcomed his commitment to deepening bilateral relations in trade, defense, science, technology, and other key areas.
Looking Ahead to Washington
Tharoor's delegation is set to travel to the United States next. When asked about expectations for their visit to Washington D.C., he acknowledged that it would be a challenging trip with various audiences to engage with. He expressed readiness to address interesting and potentially challenging questions that may arise.
Positive Engagement in Brazil
Tharoor noted that the delegation had productive discussions in Brazil, receiving strong support and goodwill from both government officials and legislators. He appreciated the deep understanding and robust backing from Brazilian officials regarding India's perspective on recent events, which he believes strengthens the ties between the two democracies.