Indian Parliamentary Delegation Engages with US Lawmakers
A multi-party delegation of Indian parliamentarians, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, met with members of the US Congress and Senate on Capitol Hill to discuss India's ongoing efforts against terrorism. The delegation sought to communicate India's stance following recent tensions and military operations stemming from terrorist attacks.
Positive Reception from US Congress
Tharoor described the meetings as “extremely rewarding,” emphasizing the bipartisan support received from both Congressmen and Senators. Every official they met expressed unequivocal condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and fully endorsed India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.
The delegation highlighted India's recent Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure, and stressed the need for international solidarity in combating terrorism.
Key Highlights from the Meetings
- Engagements with bipartisan co-chairs of the India Caucus in the House of Representatives.
- Briefings to the House Foreign Affairs Committee leadership detailing cross-border terrorism challenges.
- Discussions with senior Senators from key committees including Foreign Relations and Intelligence.
- Consistent, positive endorsements of India's counterterrorism measures and security concerns.
Expanding US-India Relations Beyond Security
While support for anti-terrorism efforts formed the core of discussions, delegates noted the growing interest among US policymakers in strengthening broader bilateral ties. Tharoor remarked on the enthusiasm for enhanced economic cooperation, trade, and investment between the two countries, underscoring the strategic partnership's multifaceted nature.
Addressing Defense Procurement Diversification
In response to concerns regarding India’s military equipment sources, Tharoor emphasized a shift away from overreliance on any single country. Although India continues to maintain some Russian military hardware, its dependence has significantly decreased. The country has diversified its defense procurement, acquiring advanced systems from the United States, France, and Israel.
Congressman Tejasvi Surya added that unlike Pakistan, which depends heavily on Chinese military imports (approximately 81% of its equipment), India's defense portfolio is both indigenously developed and sourced from multiple countries.
Context of Recent India-Pakistan Tensions
The delegation's visit followed heightened tensions between India and Pakistan resulting from a terror attack in Pahalgam in April. India responded with precision strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in early May. Subsequent cross-border hostilities included attempted attacks on Indian military bases by Pakistan, to which India retaliated firmly.
The military escalation ceased following talks between both nations’ directors general of military operations in mid-May, leading to a mutual understanding to halt offensive actions.
Conclusion
Shashi Tharoor and the Indian parliamentary delegation's meetings with US lawmakers reaffirmed strong bipartisan support for India’s anti-terrorism efforts and highlighted prospects for deepened bilateral cooperation. The delegation left Capitol Hill confident in the US commitment to stand alongside India against terrorism while exploring comprehensive engagement in economic and strategic domains.
