**India’s Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Response to Terrorism**
In a significant move following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed strong support for the Indian government’s recent military action, dubbed Operation Sindoor. Speaking to India Today TV, Tharoor characterized the post-midnight air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as “calibrated” and “very, very calculated.”
Tharoor, a former senior UN diplomat, emphasized that India has sent a clear message in its response to the attack. “We have made our point, acted in self-defence,” he stated, while also highlighting the necessity for de-escalation. He urged all parties involved to act wisely to prevent any uncontrolled escalation of tensions.
In his endorsement of the operation, Tharoor praised the precision of the strikes, noting that India targeted legitimate sites, including nine terrorist launch pads and well-known headquarters like Muridke, recognized as a base for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He commended the Indian military’s decision to avoid hitting Pakistani military or government installations and to conduct the strikes at night to minimize civilian casualties, calling it “a very sensible thing to do.”
Tharoor clarified that the operation was not intended to initiate a prolonged conflict but rather to convey that terrorist attacks on Indian soil would incur consequences. “This is clearly a one-off action… not the opening salvo of a protracted war,” he remarked.
Regarding Pakistan’s reaction, Tharoor described Islamabad’s “blood-curdling threats” as more about preserving national pride than indicating genuine intent. He pointed out that the true measure of Pakistan’s response would be its actions, not just its rhetoric. Tharoor also noted India’s restraint in retaliating only in kind to Pakistani shelling, which resulted in the deaths of over ten civilians on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC).
Tharoor asserted that India has no plans for further military action, placing the responsibility for de-escalation on Pakistan. “We’re not planning to take further action. It is only Islamabad that has, if you like, the key of control up the escalatory ladder,” he stated.
He also referenced unconfirmed reports suggesting logistical challenges facing Pakistan’s military, indicating that their army could be out of fuel in a matter of days. “It’s not exactly a country prepared for a long war with India. I would hope that common sense will prevail,” he added.
When asked if Operation Sindoor would serve as a deterrent, Tharoor responded, “For now, that point has been effectively made,” while acknowledging that dialogue with Pakistan seems unlikely in the near future. “We’ll probably go back to that sort of bristling hostility short of war,” he concluded.
On the topic of internal security and accountability for lapses in the Pahalgam incident, Tharoor maintained that this is not the appropriate time for such discussions. “If there is a quarrel inside the home, that quarrel pauses when bandits break in and point guns at you. There will be time for a more detailed opinion,” he stated.
**FAQ**
**Q: What was the purpose of Operation Sindoor?**
A: Operation Sindoor aimed to target terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, demonstrating India’s commitment to self-defense and deterrence against future attacks.
