Wed May 07 18:25:37 UTC 2025: ## India’s Strikes Against Pakistan Terror Sites Draw International Support, Says Tharoor

**NEW DELHI** – Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has lauded India’s precise pre-emptive strikes on terrorist sites in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, noting that several countries have expressed understanding of India’s actions. Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Tharoor highlighted that France, Russia, and Israel have explicitly acknowledged India’s right to self-defense against terrorism, while other nations have adopted a more cautious stance, emphasizing de-escalation. He pointed out that even China, a close ally of Pakistan, has refrained from directly supporting Islamabad, instead calling for diplomacy and negotiation.

Tharoor suggested that the Pahalgam attack, which targeted tourists, was a diversionary tactic by the Pakistani army to deflect attention from its declining popularity and economic woes within Pakistan. He emphasized that India acted with meticulous planning, conducting the strikes after 1 a.m. to minimize civilian casualties and deliberately avoiding Pakistani military or government facilities. While acknowledging the Pakistani military’s role in supporting the terrorists, Tharoor stressed that the strikes were aimed at avenging the civilian deaths, not initiating a wider conflict.

The Congress MP praised the precision and calculation of the strikes, asserting that India has sent a clear message to terrorists while avoiding any action that could escalate tensions. He noted that the ball is now in Pakistan’s court, and India is prepared to respond if Pakistan escalates the situation. Tharoor expressed confidence that India is better positioned to withstand a prolonged conflict than Pakistan, suggesting that Pakistan’s limited resources and international support make escalation a risky move.

Tharoor also highlighted the national unity displayed in response to the attack, emphasizing the Congress party’s full support for the government and armed forces. He commended the government’s clear communication strategy, particularly the inclusion of women officers, one of them Muslim, in a press briefing to counter Pakistan’s attempts to portray the conflict along religious lines. He dismissed the need for immediate debate or inquiry, urging national unity and support for the armed forces. Finally, he explained the emotional significance of the operation’s name, “Operation Sindoor,” linking it to the tragic death of a newlywed tourist in Pahalgam.

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