‘India Never Asked Trump’: Shashi Tharoor Counters Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Surrender’ Jibe on Operation Sindoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has responded to party leader Rahul Gandhi’s controversial “Narendra surrender” remark, clarifying that India never sought third-party intervention during Operation Sindoor and was prepared to stop hostilities independently. Tharoor, currently leading an all-party delegation to the US, made the statement while addressing questions about President Donald Trump’s claims of brokering peace between India and Pakistan.
Speaking from Washington DC, Tharoor emphasized that India did not require persuasion to cease operations and was ready to stop the moment Pakistan agreed to do the same. His comments come in response to the political storm triggered by Rahul Gandhi’s Tuesday remarks alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “surrendered” following a call from Trump.
Addressing Trump’s repeated claims about US involvement in de-escalating tensions, Tharoor explained: “India didn’t need persuading to stop. No one needed to tell us to stop because we were telling them the moment Pakistan stops, we are prepared to stop.”
He further elaborated on the US role, stating: “So if they, in turn, told the Pakistani, You better stop because the Indians are willing to stop and that was what they did. And that’s a wonderful gesture on their part.”
The Congress MP made it clear that there was no third-party intervention at any point during the military operation, contradicting implications in Gandhi’s earlier statements.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi had stirred controversy on Tuesday by claiming that Prime Minister Modi surrendered after receiving a call from Donald Trump. Gandhi drew comparisons with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, asserting that she never backed down in 1971 despite pressure from the United States.
The remarks have intensified political debates over India’s handling of cross-border operations and its diplomatic approach with Pakistan.
When asked about Gandhi’s reference to Trump’s claims, Tharoor issued a firm warning about India’s future response to terrorism. “We have no real difficulty speaking the same language as the Pakistanis, as long as they use the language of terrorism. We will use the language of force, and that doesn’t require a third party,” he stated.
The MP emphasized that India remains prepared to use force in the future if terrorist attacks emanate from Pakistan, underscoring the country’s independent decision-making capability.
Tharoor’s statements come while he is leading an all-party delegation to the United States, highlighting the diplomatic sensitivity of the issue. His clarification appears aimed at damage control following Gandhi’s controversial remarks that have drawn criticism from opposition parties.
The Congress MP’s emphasis on India’s autonomous decision-making seeks to counter narratives suggesting external pressure influenced the government’s military decisions.
Operation Sindoor refers to India’s military response following cross-border tensions with Pakistan. The operation has been a subject of political debate, with different parties offering varying interpretations of its conduct and conclusion.
Gandhi’s comparison with the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where Indira Gandhi defied US pressure, has added historical context to the current political discourse.
