Congress MP Shashi Tharoor faced a unique situation during a diplomatic event when his son, Eshaan Tharoor, posed a pointed question to him in front of an international audience and media. The event was held at a US think tank, where Eshaan, a senior columnist at the Washington Post, was present in the audience. Eshaan asked if the delegation had been provided with any evidence by the Indian government regarding Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack, given Pakistan's consistent denials.
Recognising the familiar voice from the crowd, Tharoor smiled and said, “This shouldn’t happen… this is my son!” Eshaan politely introduced himself, “Eshaan Tharoor, Washington Post. Asking a question in a personal capacity.” However, his question was entirely professional: Had any foreign government asked the Indian government for evidence of Pakistan's role in the Pahalgam terror attack?
Tharoor responded seriously, “India is not a country that launches operations without concrete proof. Operation ‘Sindur’ (ऑपरेशन ‘सिंदूर’) did not happen without solid inputs.” He also added that no government representative had directly asked him for evidence.
Tharoor lightheartedly remarked, “Eshaan, I didn’t ask this question… this is what a man does to his father!” He also mentioned that there had been no official objection, but journalists had raised the question in several places.
Tharoor stated that there were 24 terrorist attacks from Pakistan last year, but India exercised restraint. “We eliminated terrorists when necessary, but an attack like Pahalgam was exceptional – it involved the killing of innocents based on religious identity.”
He stated that this was not a random attack, but a planned operation involving reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and religiously motivated targeting. “We have been enduring this for 37 years, but the response has changed now.”
Tharoor reminded the US that Osama Bin Laden was caught next to a military camp in Pakistan, yet Pakistan remained unaware. “Was this a coincidence?” he questioned.
He said that Pakistan denies involvement every time, whether it's Mumbai or Pahalgam. “Recordings of Pakistani terrorists’ conversations exist in the Mumbai case, yet Pakistan denied it.”
Discussions in political circles: Congress supporters described Tharoor’s response as a perfect blend of “professional balance and family humour,” while BJP spokespersons termed it a “calculated publicity stunt.”
Press fraternity’s appreciation: Eshaan Tharoor’s integrity is being praised for asking a sharp yet necessary question, setting aside family ties.
Foreign policy experts stated: This shows that Indian representatives are now standing confidently on the international stage, regardless of where the question comes from.
Questions raised: Tharoor mentioned “concrete evidence” but did not share details. Will the Indian government publicly confirm this in the coming time?
MEA statement?: An official press note from the MEA is now expected following this entire conversation.
Awaiting Pakistan’s reaction: A strong reaction from Islamabad is expected after this statement, especially on the ‘Resistance Front = Lashkar’ statement.
Published on:
06 Jun 2025 08:54 am