The storm around Rahul Gandhi's 'surrender' statement targeting PM Modi continues to rage. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has now entered this dialogue. Currently leading India's outreach mission concerning Operation Sidur, Tharoor and his team are stationed in Washington, D.C.
During a press conference, Tharoor responded to Gandhi's remarks. A journalist questioned him about ongoing contentions regarding President Trump's alleged attempts to mediate recent India-Pakistan conflicts.
This female journalist pointed out that this is a matter your party often raises. Just yesterday, your party leader Rahul Gandhi stated that PM Modi surrendered to Trump?
In response, Tharoor stated that while we hold immense respect for the U.S. Presidency, we have not specifically requested mediation from anyone.
'No Third Party Needed'
Leading India's outreach mission on Operation Sidur, Tharoor clearly stated India's stance:
"As mentioned, as long as Pakistan continues its terror dialogue, we have no issue matching that tone. We will speak the language of power, requiring no third party..."
Tharoor also commented,
"Conversely, if they wish to dismantle the terror infrastructure, we are open to dialogue if they take serious measures to show Pakistan's willingness for normal relations with India. In such scenarios, we do not need mediators."
He further asserted that
in no situation did India need persuasion to cease. We communicated that once Pakistan ceases, we are prepared to stop, which is a fine gesture from their side. Ultimately, only Pakistan can explain what transpired.
Tharoor emphasized India's positive discourse approach, acknowledging the respect and significant strategic partnership shared with the U.S. — a relationship not to be jeopardized over isolated issues.
What Rahul Gandhi Previously Said
Rahul Gandhi, while in Madhya Pradesh on June 3rd, addressed party workers stating, 'I have come to know the BJP and RSS well. Press them, and they swiftly retreat.'
Gandhi further claimed,
"From the other side, Trump called and hinted, 'What are you doing, Mr. Modi?' And an acquiescent Modi followed Trump's cue."
BJP Deems This an Insult to the Army
The Bharatiya Janata Party condemned Gandhi's remark as an insult to both the nation and its army. BJP President JP Nadda criticized Gandhi for labeling the unparalleled bravery and valor of the Indian military as 'surrender', equating it to a grave insult to the army, the nation, and 1.4 billion Indians.
Nadda added that even if a Pakistani said such a thing, we would laugh it off, but after Operation Sidur's impact, no one in Pakistan, from civilians to their military or Prime Minister, dared to say such a thing. Yet Rahul Gandhi ventures such claims, which borders on betrayal.
This military operation, Operation Sidur, undertaken by India in response to the May 7 Pahalgam terrorist attack, persisted until March 10th. India agreed to a ceasefire following Pakistan's request.
