In a powerful and emotionally resonant statement during his official visit to Panama, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor reaffirmed India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, particularly in the wake of continued aggression from across the border. Speaking as the head of an all-party delegation, Tharoor did not mince words when addressing the painful history of terror attacks endured by India and the decisive shift in how the country now responds.
Tharoor emphasised that over the past four decades, India has suffered deeply from repeated terror strikes, with countless innocent lives lost. Since the insurgency in Kashmir began in 1989, Indian civilians have borne the brunt of these violent acts, with families shattered and communities left scarred. “We have suffered attack after attack for almost four decades now,” he said, his voice reflecting the grief of a nation that has seen too many of its sons and daughters perish.
However, the senior leader highlighted a critical change in India’s defence approach — a shift from passive endurance to proactive deterrence. “What has changed in recent years is that the terrorists have also realised they will have a price to pay,” Tharoor stated firmly. He recalled the landmark moment when India crossed the Line of Control in 2016 to carry out surgical strikes in retaliation for the Uri attack. He further referenced the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, a significant moment when India crossed the international border to strike terror infrastructure in Pakistan’s heartland.
In a deeply human moment, Tharoor spoke about the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 women widowed. He recalled how some survivors were told by the attackers to go back and tell the world what had happened. Their cries, he said, did not go unheard. “We heard, we heard their cries and India decided that the colour of the sindoor on the foreheads of our women will also match the blood of the killers,” Tharoor said, evoking the symbolic and cultural significance of sindoor — a mark of marital bliss that was cruelly snatched away from many.
Tharoor’s remarks were part of a solemn event at the Sociedad Hindostana de Panama, where the Indian community and the visiting delegation paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam attack. A moment of silence was observed, standing in solidarity with the families affected and reaffirming India’s moral and strategic resolve.
Operation Sindoor, India’s ongoing counter-terrorism initiative, was launched in response to the Pahalgam tragedy. Tharoor defended its necessity, noting that it is not just about strategy but about honouring the pain of those left behind. The operation’s name itself is a poignant reminder of the cost of terrorism on Indian families and the commitment to ensure that such pain is not repeated.
Tharoor’s message was clear: India will not be a silent victim anymore. The nation’s military strategy has evolved, and those who seek to harm its people must be prepared to face the consequences. In his words and tone, there was not just political rhetoric, but the weight of sorrow, empathy, and an unshakeable will to protect every Indian life.
