National: A high-level Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, recently visited the solemn 9/11 memorial in New York, paying heartfelt tributes to the victims of the horrific terror attacks. The visit, described by Tharoor as a “very moving moment for us,” underscored India’s unwavering solidarity with victims of terrorism worldwide and its resolute stance against the global menace.
The delegation emphasised that terrorism is a “shared problem” requiring united global action. Tharoor pointed out that while the US bore the scars of 9/11, India has endured a “very much larger number of terrorist attacks,” including the recent Pahalgam attack on April 22. This visit served as a potent message that India stands firm, especially in the wake of such atrocities within its own borders.
During their time at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in lower Manhattan, the delegation placed roses on the names of victims etched on the Memorial Pool. A significant number of Indian diaspora members were also present, marking the solemnity of the occasion.
This diplomatic outreach by the all-party delegation, which will travel from New York to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil before returning to Washington DC, aims to project India’s united and resolute stance against terrorism in all its forms. Other prominent members of the delegation include Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Murli Deora, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Ganti Harish Madhur, and former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
Speaking to the media at the memorial site, Tharoor articulated the delegation’s goal: “to explain to the world how important it is for all of us to stand together against the scourge of terrorism.” He drew parallels between the US’s determination post-9/11 and India’s steadfastness against the “forces of evil” that attacked the country, particularly referencing the Pahalgam terror attack where 26 civilians lost their lives.
Tharoor stressed that India would not “be sitting quietly” if such attacks are repeated. He urged the world to recognise this as a time for “mutual strength and mutual solidarity” to collectively uphold the values of democracy, human freedom, and diversity, which are anathema to those who perpetrate terror.
He affirmed India’s preference to focus on growth and development, but unequivocally stated, “if that is going to be thwarted, or attempted to be thwarted by malign people with weapons, then we will answer them in kind.” Tharoor reiterated the commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice and holding accountable those who finance, train, equip, and direct terror operations from their safe havens.
Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, Tharoor mentioned that three of the countries the delegation will visit – Guyana, Panama, and the US – are currently members of the UN Security Council. When questioned about the Security Council’s 1267 sanctions committee listing of terror entities like The Resistance Front, which claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, Tharoor acknowledged the consensus-based process among the 15 Council members.
He alluded to the complexities, particularly referencing veto-wielding China’s past actions in relation to Pakistan, a non-permanent Council member. While acknowledging that such listings take time, Tharoor asserted that “for us, the listing is only part of a process. There is something much more direct that needs to be done and we are not going to confine ourselves only to listings, diplomacy, and production of international dossiers. We are also going to exercise our right to self-defence, which every country recognises.”
Tharoor described the Indian-American community as a “force multiplier” and a “very influential diaspora,” urging them to convey their concerns to their elected representatives and help sensitise public and political opinion in the US about the challenges India faces from terrorism. He concluded by asking the diaspora to “please remind people around you of what the challenges are that India is facing.”
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