Tharoor Refutes Nuclear Threat During Recent India-Pakistan Clashes
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor asserted that the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, triggered by the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, did not approach any nuclear threshold. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington DC on June 5, 2025, Tharoor described concerns about nuclear escalation as "laughable" and emphasized the measured nature of India's response.
Nuclear Brinkmanship Viewed as Overstated
Addressing questions on the possibility of nuclear warfare, Tharoor criticized Pakistan for leveraging nuclear rhetoric to provoke anxiety among the international community. He highlighted the ongoing conflict involving nuclear powers in Europe and questioned why the India-Pakistan skirmish was met with greater nuclear alarm despite being far less severe.
Tharoor underscored India's adherence to its "no first use" nuclear policy, contrasting it with Pakistan's lack of such a commitment. He labeled India's military action—dubbed Operation Sindoor—as a calibrated and justifiable response, not threatening Pakistan's existence.
Rejection of US Mediation in Bilateral Conflict
Tharoor firmly rejected the idea of US-mediated negotiations between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that India does not entertain "mediation" in this context. He argued against equalizing the parties involved, stating there is no equivalence between a democratic nation combating terrorism and a nation providing safe havens to terrorists.
While acknowledging communication between Indian and US officials during the conflict, Tharoor speculated that US efforts were likely aimed at persuading Pakistan to cease hostilities rather than brokering peace.
Comments on Pakistan’s Military and Terrorism Links
Tharoor condemned remarks made by Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, who asserted the fundamental differences between Hindus and Muslims—a statement Tharoor characterized as "astonishingly bigoted."
On accountability for the Pahalgam attack, Tharoor noted that international interlocutors did not demand proof, pointing to Pakistan’s historical association with terrorism. He referenced the involvement of entities like The Resistance Front and cited Pakistan’s military presence at terrorists’ funerals as indicators of state complicity. He described the attack as a meticulously planned operation.
Key Points Summary
- Tharoor dismisses nuclear war concerns during the India-Pakistan conflict as unrealistic.
- India’s nuclear policy is based on no first use, unlike Pakistan.
- The Indian military response was measured retaliation, not existential threat.
- India does not endorse US-led mediation in resolving bilateral conflict.
- Pakistan's military stance and ties to terrorism criticized as inflammatory and dangerous.
