In Panama, Shashi Tharoor Slams Pakistan “Cynical” Terror Agenda, Defends India's Right to Retaliate
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan over its alleged role in terror activities in India, particularly referencing Kashmir. With passion and precision, Tharoor defended India’s response to terrorism, denounced Pakistan’s duplicity, and issued a clarion call for freedom from fear—a sentiment echoing deep across India's socio-political spectrum.
“Even the Land of Gandhi Will Not Turn the Other Cheek”: Tharoor’s Fiery Speech in Panama
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, while addressing a gathering in Panama, delivered an impassioned speech underscoring India's right to defend itself against terrorism and aggression. In his remarks, Tharoor highlighted that India cannot remain passive in the face of repeated terror attacks and must respond decisively.
“Freedom from fear is what we in India have to fight for these days against the evil attacks of malign men,” said Tharoor, emphasizing that India cannot afford to show weakness when innocent lives are at stake.
He categorically stated that no self-respecting country would remain silent when terrorists cross borders to carry out attacks and retreat, expecting diplomatic immunity. Drawing on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, he added, “Even the land of Gandhi will not turn the other cheek.”
#WATCH | Panama | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "...We must always stand up in principle for the values we believe in, and we must live without fear that freedom from fear is what we in India have to fight for these days against the evil attacks of malign men who are called by… pic.twitter.com/IHMcbAiDil
— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2025
Tharoor Questions Pakistan’s Military: “You Don’t Mourn People You Don’t Know”
In one of the more pointed parts of his address, Tharoor referred to a funeral that took place after India struck a terror facility. According to him, top Pakistani Army and police officials were seen mourning individuals with direct links to terrorism, including one name listed by the UN Sanctions Committee.
“When we struck the terror headquarters... There were people in uniform from the highest threat echelons of the Pakistani Army mourning a UN-designated terrorist,” Tharoor remarked, casting doubt on Pakistan’s repeated claims of non-involvement.
This statement is likely to intensify diplomatic tension, as it directly implicates the Pakistani establishment in shielding and honoring individuals associated with terrorism.
#WATCH | Panama | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "...When we struck the terror headquarters, we took some lives and of course a funeral was conducted. There were some very prominent people at that funeral. There was at least one individual whose name had been listed by the… pic.twitter.com/ogZl1NYBd6
— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2025
Targeting Kashmir’s Economy Through Terror: A “Cynical” Pakistani Agenda
Tharoor also suggested that these terror activities are part of a deliberate attempt to sabotage Kashmir’s economic revival, especially through tourism.
“Kashmir’s economy, particularly Pahalgam, was thriving. I was told by my friend, the Indian Ambassador to Washington, that there were more tourists in Pahalgam than in Aspen, Colorado,” Tharoor shared.
This boom, he said, might have rattled some powers in Pakistan who see a prosperous Kashmir as a threat to their narrative.
#WATCH | Panama | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "This terrorist action was in pursuance of a cynical set of objectives that sadly only the Pakistani military seems to want to pursue to undermine our country, to undermine the Kashmiri economy, which was booming with tourism...… pic.twitter.com/p6vOWarIlj
— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2025
What Tharoor’s Panama Speech Signals for India-Pakistan Relations
Tharoor’s remarks come at a time of heightened tensions and after a series of events, including India’s retaliatory strikes, that have drawn global attention. While the Indian government has remained tight-lipped about specifics, Tharoor’s statements offer a rare insider glimpse into how the Congress party and segments of India’s diplomatic community view Pakistan’s role.
What’s notable is the international platform—Panama—from which Tharoor chose to deliver this message. This not only internationalizes India’s stance but also serves as a counter-narrative to any attempts by Pakistan to win sympathy on global forums.
Standing Firm in the Face of Fear
At its core, Tharoor’s message is one of resilience, responsibility, and realism. Whether speaking of retaliation or remembrance, he called on India to maintain its principles while firmly defending its people and sovereignty.
As debates continue over India’s strategy in Kashmir and beyond, this speech might be remembered as a moment where diplomacy met candor—and where standing up without fear was put into powerful words.
