Shashi Tharoor Urges US to Address Pakistan's Terrorism Support During Trump Meeting

Tharoor's Call for Action Against Terrorism

Thiruvananthapuram: On Thursday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized the need for the United States to remind Pakistan of its past in harboring Osama bin Laden. He expressed hope that the recent meeting between Donald Trump and Pakistan's Army General Asim Munir would serve as a platform for the US to address Islamabad's support for terrorism.

Responding to inquiries from journalists regarding Trump's lunch with General Munir, Tharoor stated that he wished the US had taken the opportunity to stress the importance of Pakistan refraining from supporting terrorism and providing safe havens for terrorists, particularly those targeting India.

He noted that some American Senators and Congress members had already conveyed this message to the Pakistani delegation and expressed hope that the entire US government would follow suit.

Tharoor, who recently led a group of Indian parliamentarians to the US and other nations to discuss India's counter-terrorism efforts following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, remarked that the US should not forget the implications of Osama bin Laden's actions.

He recalled that bin Laden was responsible for the deaths of over 2,000 individuals during the 9/11 attacks and the destruction of significant American landmarks. Tharoor highlighted that Pakistan's role in concealing bin Laden until his discovery in a safe house near a military installation is a matter that should remain in the American consciousness.

When asked why the US President met with the Pakistani General instead of the Indian delegation, Tharoor pointed out that the Indian representatives were welcomed by Vice President J D Vance, which he considered a significant honor.

Typically, parliamentary delegations are received by lower-ranking officials, such as Deputy Secretaries of State. He also reminded that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously met with Trump.

Tharoor stated, "We conveyed the same message that the Prime Minister delivered to the US President, and our message was received without any objections by the Vice President and the Deputy Secretary of State."

Regarding the alleged US mediation in the India-Pakistan conflict, Tharoor clarified that India has always been clear that it would cease hostilities if Pakistan did the same.

He asserted, "If there was any pressure from President Trump, it would have been directed at Pakistan. When Pakistan agreed to halt, we complied. Therefore, there was no need for mediation or pressure on our part."

Tharoor also described the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran as "grave," noting that both nations have historically been friends of India, which prefers peace between them.

He acknowledged that the situation is currently beyond India's control and that the country can only observe with concern. "Our primary concern is for the safety of the people in the region and our own citizens," he added.

Tharoor mentioned that several Indian students have been evacuated from Iran to neighboring countries and expressed confidence that the Indian government is closely monitoring developments in West Asia.