Tharoor to Indian-Americans: Use Your Voice to Back India’s Fight Against Terror

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called on the Indian-American community to speak up in support of India’s fight against terrorism, as he recounted a chilling moment from the recent Pahalgam terror attack during an address in Washington.

Describing the experience of a woman who watched her husband be executed by terrorists, Tharoor said she begged, “Kill me too.” The attackers refused, telling her to survive and tell the story. He shared this account to underscore the brutal nature of the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Tharoor is in the United States leading a bipartisan Indian parliamentary delegation under Operation Sindoor, part of India’s broader diplomatic outreach following the incident. The group has been meeting U.S. lawmakers to build support for stronger cooperation against global terrorism.

“We’ve come to share what India has endured and seek solidarity,” said Tharoor. “The support we’ve received from a broad spectrum of U.S. legislators has been both unconditional and encouraging.”

He emphasized the inclusive nature of the Indian delegation, which comprises members from seven political parties, eight states, and three religions highlighting unity in the face of violence deliberately aimed at dividing people along religious lines. Terrorists in Pahalgam reportedly asked victims about their religion before shooting them. They wanted survivors to spread that message. Tharoor said the delegation was in the U.S. to counter that narrative with one of unity.

Tharoor also urged the Indian diaspora to engage politically. He said they are respected high achievers in the United States and that when they speak, their representatives listen. He encouraged them to use their influence to speak up for India’s interests and security.

The delegation includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (LJP), Sarfaraz Ahmed (JMM), G M Harish Balayogi (TDP), Tejasvi Surya, Shashank M Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), Mallikarjun Devda, and Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), along with Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former Indian Ambassador to the U.S.

Tharoor noted that U.S. lawmakers made time for meetings despite a packed legislative schedule, which he said reflects the strength of the Indo-U.S. relationship. He described the strategic partnership as real and evident in their engagements.

The visit is part of India’s efforts to maintain international attention on terrorism and to counteract attempts to exploit religious tensions.