Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly asserted that India will not engage in dialogue with Pakistan while facing ongoing threats and acts of terror, saying the country cannot talk “with a gun pointed at our head.”
Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington DC, where he is leading an all-party delegation to brief US stakeholders on Operation Sindoor, Tharoor dismissed the idea that American diplomacy helped avert a war between India and Pakistan.
“We’re happy to talk to Pakistan in any language they understand,” said Tharoor. “But we will not talk to people who are pointing guns at our heads. That’s not how dialogue works.”
He went on to use a vivid metaphor to explain India’s stance:
“If your neighbour unleashes Rottweilers to attack your children and then says ‘Let’s talk’, you’d either expect him to leash those dogs or lock them up. That’s our position.”
Tharoor also disputed claims that US trade diplomacy played a role in preventing escalation after India’s retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor.
“That’s not the impression I have. There were several calls from global leaders, including the UAE, France, Saudi Arabia and the US. But not one mentioned trade.”
He emphasized that India was firm but not aggressive, explaining:
“We retaliated for a terror attack. We weren’t interested in prolonging the conflict. If Pakistan stops, we stop. But if they hit us, we will hit back.”
Tharoor stated that the purpose of the US visit was not to negotiate any specific outcomes but to enhance understanding of India’s position on cross-border terrorism.
“We’re here to clarify any doubts, not to ask the US for favors. We want the world to understand what happened and what could happen again if Pakistan doesn’t act against terror camps.”
He added that the terror infrastructure India targeted in PoK could be rebuilt in months — which is why sustained pressure on Pakistan is vital.
India has long maintained that any talks with Pakistan must be bilateral, and no engagement on trade or treaties — including the Indus Waters Treaty — is possible while Pakistan continues supporting terrorism.
Tharoor reiterated:
“We’re not seeking sympathy. We’re seeking understanding. If there’s a next time, we want the world to know why India will act.”
