Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has cautioned against complacency in India’s relations with China, especially in the context of its support for Pakistan during recent conflicts and diplomatic engagements.
Speaking at a policy forum, Tharoor reflected on regional tensions following Operation Sindoor and the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
“India has consistently kept communication channels open—even with adversaries,” Tharoor said, adding that despite ongoing border and diplomatic tensions, India’s trade with China remains at record levels.
China-Pakistan Collusion at the UN
Tharoor criticized China’s role in helping Pakistan dilute a UN Security Council press statement following the Pahalgam attack. The UNSC had condemned the act in the “strongest terms,” but failed to mention the Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front—a move attributed to Beijing’s support for Islamabad.
“We have no illusions. China used its position to shield Pakistan at the UN,” Tharoor noted, underlining the complex reality of geopolitics in the subcontinent.
Use of Chinese Tech in Pakistan’s Military
Responding to questions about the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Tharoor highlighted Pakistan’s deployment of Chinese military technology, including advanced radar, GPS systems, and integrated missile systems. He referred to this as part of a “kill chain” strategy—a doctrine perfected by the Chinese military.
“When we saw the Pakistanis use Chinese tech, we recalibrated. That’s how we hit 11 airfields and breached their air defences,” Tharoor revealed, implying real-time strategic adjustments by Indian forces.
Key Takeaways
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India remains open to engagement but is vigilant about Chinese support to Pakistan, especially in forums like the UN.
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During recent military confrontations, Indian forces had to adapt rapidly to counter Chinese-supplied systems.
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Tharoor emphasized development and diplomacy, but not at the cost of strategic blindness.
This candid assessment by Tharoor comes at a time when India continues to balance economic interdependence with China alongside growing security concerns rooted in its pro-Pakistan posture on the international stage.
