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The article details a significant moment during India's diplomatic outreach in Washington D.C., following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, a member of an all-party delegation tasked with highlighting the Pahalgam carnage and India's response to key global capitals, encountered an unexpected and probing question from his son, Ishaan Tharoor. This interaction underscored the complexities of India-Pakistan relations and the international scrutiny surrounding accusations of Pakistani involvement in terrorist activities. Ishaan, presenting himself with a touch of humor, inquired whether any country had requested evidence from the Indian delegation regarding Pakistan's complicity in the Pahalgam attack, particularly given Pakistan's consistent denials of such involvement. Shashi Tharoor responded candidly, acknowledging that while foreign governments had not demanded evidence, the media in some instances had raised the question. He firmly asserted that India would not have taken its actions without compelling evidence, citing a long history of terror attacks originating from Pakistan, each followed by predictable denials. This pattern, he argued, was exemplified by Pakistan's disavowal of knowledge regarding Osama bin Laden's presence, even when he was discovered in close proximity to an army camp in Abbottabad, and by Pakistan's denial of involvement in the devastating 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Tharoor emphasized that Pakistan’s modus operandi involved dispatching terrorists and subsequently denying their actions until irrefutable evidence surfaced. The exchange highlighted the delicate balance India must strike between asserting its position on terrorism and navigating the international community's expectations for demonstrable proof. The situation is further complicated by Pakistan's repeated denials and its attempts to deflect blame, requiring India to present a strong and coherent narrative to counter these efforts. The article implicitly raises questions about the effectiveness of current diplomatic strategies and the need for more proactive measures to address the root causes of terrorism and hold state sponsors accountable.
Furthermore, the article delves into India's rejection of American mediation in the ongoing tensions with Pakistan. Shashi Tharoor explicitly dismissed the notion of mediation, arguing that it implies an equivalence between the two nations that simply does not exist. He articulated a clear distinction between a country, India, that is a flourishing multi-party democracy striving for progress and a country, Pakistan, that provides a safe haven for terrorism. This stance underscores India's unwillingness to negotiate with a country that it accuses of sponsoring terrorism and destabilizing the region. Tharoor's remarks also allude to past instances where the United States has claimed to have brokered ceasefires between India and Pakistan, particularly during the Trump administration. India, however, has consistently denied these claims, asserting that any de-escalation of tensions was a result of its own diplomatic and strategic efforts. The article implicitly critiques the United States' approach to the India-Pakistan conflict, suggesting that American attempts at mediation may be perceived as undermining India's position and legitimizing Pakistan's actions. The rejection of mediation also highlights India's growing assertiveness in its foreign policy and its determination to address security threats on its own terms. This stance reflects a broader trend in Indian foreign policy, characterized by a greater emphasis on self-reliance and a willingness to challenge established norms and power dynamics. The article raises questions about the role of external actors in managing regional conflicts and the limitations of mediation when one party is accused of sponsoring terrorism. It suggests that a more effective approach may involve addressing the underlying causes of conflict and holding state sponsors of terrorism accountable.
The article also provides insights into India's response to Operation Sindoor and its strategic considerations in dealing with Pakistan. Tharoor drew a stark contrast between India's actions, which targeted terror bases in Pakistan, and Pakistan's retaliatory measures, which he claimed targeted civilians in India. He asserted that there are no terrorist organizations in India listed in the UN or the State Department, implying that Pakistan's attacks on civilians were indiscriminate and unjustified. This comparison underscores India's attempt to portray itself as a responsible actor that is committed to fighting terrorism while minimizing collateral damage. Tharoor emphasized that India's response was precise and calibrated, signaling that India is not interested in war with Pakistan but rather in addressing the specific threat of terrorism. He also addressed concerns about Chinese military technology and Pakistan's alleged use of it, stating that India responded innovatively and effectively during the conflict. Tharoor acknowledged China's strategic interest in Pakistan, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, but asserted that India was able to maneuver its military plans to give a befitting reply to Pakistan, even with its use of Chinese technology. He highlighted India's ability to overcome technological disadvantages through innovative strategies and tactics. The article implicitly suggests that India is capable of deterring Pakistan, even with its close ties to China. It also raises questions about the implications of China's growing influence in the region and the challenges it poses to India's security interests. The article concludes by reflecting on the broader context of the conflict, describing it as a distraction for India but fundamental to the Pakistani military's sense of self-importance. Tharoor's wry remark about the 'failed general' who promoted himself to field marshal suggests a degree of contempt for the Pakistani military establishment and its perceived obsession with maintaining its power and influence. This final point reinforces the article's overall message that India views Pakistan as a problematic actor that is driven by self-interest rather than a genuine desire for peace and stability.
The discussion surrounding China's involvement adds another layer of complexity to the India-Pakistan dynamic. Tharoor's acknowledgment of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) underscores the deep economic and strategic ties between Beijing and Islamabad. India views CPEC, which passes through disputed territory in Kashmir, as a violation of its sovereignty. The article suggests that despite China's support for Pakistan, India is confident in its ability to defend its interests and respond effectively to any threats. The mention of the 'kill chain' technology that China specializes in, and India's ability to circumvent it, hints at a growing technological arms race between the two Asian giants. It also highlights India's focus on developing innovative military strategies to counter China's growing military capabilities. The article raises questions about the long-term implications of China's presence in the region and the potential for further escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. It suggests that India must continue to strengthen its military capabilities and develop close strategic partnerships to counter China's growing influence. The commentary also highlights the role of global powers in shaping regional conflicts. The United States, as a major arms supplier to both India and Pakistan, has a significant stake in the region's stability. The article suggests that the United States must adopt a more nuanced approach to the India-Pakistan conflict, one that recognizes India's concerns about terrorism and China's growing influence. The discussion of China's military technology underscores the importance of technological innovation in modern warfare. India, which has a burgeoning technology sector, has an opportunity to leverage its strengths to develop cutting-edge military technologies and counter China's growing military capabilities. The article also highlights the need for closer collaboration between the government, the private sector, and academia to foster innovation in the defense sector.
Furthermore, the article implicitly addresses the challenges of countering disinformation and propaganda in the context of the India-Pakistan conflict. Tharoor's emphasis on the need for evidence to support accusations of Pakistani involvement in terrorist activities underscores the importance of transparency and accountability. The article also suggests that Pakistan has a long history of disseminating false information and denying its involvement in terrorist activities. This makes it difficult to build international consensus around India's position and to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions. The article implicitly calls for greater efforts to combat disinformation and propaganda, both domestically and internationally. This includes strengthening media literacy, promoting fact-checking, and using digital platforms to counter false narratives. The proliferation of social media has made it easier for state and non-state actors to spread disinformation and propaganda. This poses a significant challenge to democratic societies, which rely on an informed citizenry to make sound decisions. The article implicitly highlights the importance of investing in education and research to better understand the dynamics of disinformation and propaganda. This includes studying the motivations of those who spread false information, the techniques they use, and the impact of disinformation on public opinion. The article also suggests that governments must work with social media companies to develop effective strategies for combating disinformation and propaganda. This includes identifying and removing fake accounts, labeling false information, and promoting accurate information. The challenge of countering disinformation and propaganda is particularly acute in the context of the India-Pakistan conflict, where there is a long history of mutual distrust and animosity. Overcoming this challenge requires a sustained commitment to transparency, accountability, and critical thinking.
Source: He does this to his dad, Shashi Tharoor quips after son's curveball on Op Sindoor