India can talk to Pak if it takes action against terrorism: Tharoor

India Today

2 days ago

Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has said India is open to dialogue with Pakistan, but only if Islamabad takes concrete and visible action against terrorist networks operating on its soil.Tharoor, who is leading an all-party parliamentary delegation to Brazil for the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, made the remarks in a candid interview with PTI Videos, stressing that 'the problem in talking to Pakistan is not the language but finding a common vision for decency and peace.'advertisement'You crack down on this infrastructure of terrorism that is visible everywhere in your country. Then, of course, we can talk,' Tharoor said, underlining that India has no issue with communication -- but rather, with credibility.
'We can talk to them in Hindustani. We can talk to them in Punjabi. We can talk to them in English,' he said. 'There is no problem in finding common ground with Pakistan. The problem is finding a common vision for decency, for peace.'Tharoor challenged Pakistan's claims of innocence, asking why internationally wanted terrorists are able to live openly and operate freely within its borders.'If Pakistan is as innocent as they claim to be, why do they give safe haven to wanted terrorists? Why are they able to conduct training camps, radicalise people, equip them with arms, and let them practice with Kalashnikovs?' he asked.advertisementOn the frequently-cited notion of Pakistan's strategy to 'bleed India by a thousand cuts,' Tharoor responded sharply: 'They're not going to bleed us to death so easily. Better forget that idea.'Tharoor also noted that his delegation had effectively conveyed India's stance against terrorism to Latin American nations, including those who may have previously misunderstood India's position.'We've been very clear. International forums are not our main concern. Our concern is bilateral -- Pakistan's complete failure to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in their country,' he said.Asked whether Brazil, as BRICS host, might issue a statement condemning terrorism against Indian citizens, Tharoor said he wasn't aware of such plans. 'Honestly, BRICS has a different agenda... that's not really my brief,' he said.In his remarks, Tharoor reiterated that India seeks peace, prosperity, and stability—but not at the cost of overlooking terrorism.'We want to be left in peace, to grow and develop,' he said. 'They don't want to leave us alone. They want to harass us. They want to undermine us.'On a question whether nations have been recognising India's stance against terrorism, Tharoor said his delegation has been to four nations—Guyana, Panama, Colombia and Brazil- so far and 'this has been very clear in all the countries we've been to'.advertisement'And I would say in all four countries, we've had a very, clear success, if that's the word, I don't like to boast of success. That's for others to judge. But we have got our message through very clearly, including to those who may have had some misunderstandings,' he said, referring to Colombia.Earlier, Tharoor had said Colombia withdrew a statement offering condolences to Pakistan for the loss of lives following India's military strikes in response to the Pahalgam attack after his delegation explained Islamabad's relentless support to cross-border terrorism.'And as a result of getting our message through, we have certainly been able, in my view, to come back feeling that these countries understand our situation better and express full solidarity with our struggle against terrorism, which is the main purpose of our trip,' Tharoor said.The delegation concluded their visit with a meeting with Brazil Vice President Geraldo Alckmin.'The visit of the Indian parliamentary delegation concluded on a high note with a meeting with the Vice President of Brazil @geraldoalckmin. The delegation thanked him for Brazil's firm stand against terrorism and welcomed his emphasis on deepening bilateral ties in trade, defence, science & technology, and other key sectors,' the Indian Embassy in Brazil posted on X.The Tharoor-led delegation is heading to Washington DC from Brazil.With inputs from PTITune InMust Watch