Shashi Tharoor Counters Rahul Gandhi's 'Surrender' Jibe On PM Modi, Dismisses Third-Party Role In India-Pakistan Conflict

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, heading the all-party Operation Sindoor delegation to the US, dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s “Narender surrender” jibe at Prime Minister Modi, asserting that no third-party intervention occurred during the India-Pakistan conflict, India Today reported.

Addressing media queries about Gandhi’s accusation that PM Modi "surrendered" after a call from Trump, Tharoor clarified, “India didn't need persuading to stop. No one needed to tell us to stop because we were telling them the moment Pakistan stops, we are prepared to stop. So if they, in turn, told the Pakistani, 'You better stop because the Indians are willing to stop,' and that was what they did. And that's a wonderful gesture on their part."

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks had invoked former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s firm stance during the 1971 war, contrasting it with what he termed Modi’s capitulation.

Tharoor further emphasised India’s firm stance on cross-border terrorism, asserting that the country is prepared to respond with force if provoked.

"We have no real difficulty speaking the same language as the Pakistanis, as long as they use the language of terrorism. We will use the language of force, and that doesn't require a third party," he said.

Avoiding domestic political controversies, Tharoor highlighted the significance of India’s strategic partnership with the United States and expressed great respect for the country. 

Fellow delegate Milind Deora supported Tharoor’s position, noting that he consistently prioritises the nation above party interests.

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