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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'I didn't plant it': Shashi Tharoor's son from the Washington Post asks a question on Operation Sindoor. Watch his sharp reply
In a moment that stood out during India's diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam terror attack , Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took questions at a press event in New York — one of them coming unexpectedly from his son, journalist Ishan Tharoor . The exchange took place at the Council of Foreign Relations during India's all-party global campaign, Operation Sindoor , aimed at highlighting the April 22 attack and India's response. A surprise in the room As Shashi Tharoor addressed the media, he paused when a familiar face stood up to ask a question. 'You have to stand up. That shouldn't be allowed. This is my son,' said Tharoor, smiling. Ishan Tharoor, a foreign affairs columnist at The Washington Post, introduced himself formally. 'Definitely asking a question in a personal capacity. And mostly to say hi before you go off to your next engagement,' he said, prompting laughter in the room. — ANI (@ANI) Ishan's question: Was Pakistan's role questioned? The younger Tharoor asked his father whether any Western officials had asked for proof of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. 'Have any of your government interlocutors asked you to show evidence of Pakistan's culpability in the initial attacks?' he asked. Live Events You Might Also Like: India would not have conducted strikes without convincing evidence, Shashi Tharoor replies to question from his journalist son Shashi Tharoor replied, 'Well, I'm very glad you raised this, Ishan. I didn't plant it, I promise you. This guy does this to his dad.' He continued, 'Very simply, no one had any doubt and we were not asked for evidence. But the media have asked in two or three places. Let me say very clearly that India would not have done this without convincing evidence.' Tharoor reiterates Pakistan's history Tharoor explained to the audience that India's diplomatic messaging was backed by past experience and a clear pattern of events. 'There were three particular reasons I want to draw your attention to all of you. The first is that we've had a 37-year pattern of repeated terror attacks from Pakistan, accompanied by repeated denials,' he said. You Might Also Like: 'Kill me too': Tharoor recounts terror survivor's cry to Indian diaspora in Washington He referred to the 2011 killing of Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan. 'Americans haven't forgotten that Pakistan didn't know, allegedly, where Osama bin Laden was until he was found in a Pakistani safe house right next to an army camp in a cantonment city. That's Pakistan.' On Pakistan's response to previous incidents, he added, 'Mumbai attacks – they denied having anything to do with it... So we know what Pakistan's all about. They will dispatch terrorists, they will deny they did so until they're actually caught with red hands…' Operation Sindoor continues Shashi Tharoor is leading the all-party team under Operation Sindoor, a diplomatic initiative aimed at countering terrorism and disinformation. The delegation is visiting multiple global capitals to present India's stance on the Pahalgam attack, which killed several security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The exchange between father and son added a personal touch to the ongoing diplomatic mission, even as the senior Tharoor maintained focus on the seriousness of the campaign.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
‘I Didn't Plant It': In US, Tharoor Gets Grilled By His Son On Pakistan's Role In Pahalgam
Last Updated: Shashi Tharoor's son, who is a reporter at a publication in the US, asked the Congress MP a question on Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation to the United States to expose Pakistan, was asked a question by his son about Islamabad's repeated denials of any role in the Pahalgam terror attack. Ishan Tharoor asked his father, who was taking questions during a press conference at the Council of Foreign Relations in New York, whether any country had asked his delegation for evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the April 22 terror attack in which 26 people were killed on religious lines. His follow-up question was about Pakistan's repeated denial of any involvement in the attack. Tharoor Gets Grilled By His Reporter Son Is US As Ishan got up to ask the question, Tharoor made it clear that the person is his son and said with a smile, 'It should not be allowed". Further responding to his son's question, Tharoor said, 'I'm very glad you raised this. I didn't plant it, I promise you." He then said that India would not have conducted such massive retaliation if it did not have convincing evidence against Islamabad. #WATCH | Washington DC: On a question asked by his son about whether any country had asked the delegation for evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack and about Pakistan's repeated denials of any role in the attack, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, 'I'm very glad… — ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2025 The Congress MP also stressed that no country had sought any evidence from the Indian delegation during their visits to any of the countries. 'Very simply, no one had any doubt, and we were not asked for evidence. But the media have asked in two or three places. Let me say very clearly that India would not have done this without convincing evidence," Tharoor pointed out. The Congress MP pointed out three reasons behind Pakistan's clear involvement in the terror attack and highlighted how the rogue country has repeatedly executed terror attacks in India and then denied it time and again, despite India providing ample evidence. He then cited the instances of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the discovery of Osama bin Laden near an army cantonment in Pakistan's Abbottabad. 'Let me say very clearly that India would not have done this without convincing evidence. But there were three particular reasons I want to draw your attention to all of you. The first is that we've had a 37-year pattern of repeated terror attacks from Pakistan, accompanied by repeated denials," he said. 'Americans haven't forgotten that Pakistan didn't know, allegedly, where Osama bin Laden was until he was found in a Pakistani safe house right next to an army camp in a cantonment city. That's Pakistan. Mumbai attacks- they denied having anything to do with it…So we know what Pakistan's all about," Tharoor highlighted. He said that Pakistan dispatches terrorists, then denies its role 'until they're actually caught with red hands." First Published: June 06, 2025, 08:49 IST
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"That Shouldn't Be Allowed": Shashi Tharoor's Quip After Son Asks Question In US
Shashi Tharoor made it clear at the outset that the person questioning him at the press conference in New York is his son, Ishan Tharoor, adding with a big smile that "it shouldn't be allowed". Mr Tharoor, leading the all-party delegation on Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic effort launched to combat terrorism and disinformation following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, is in the United States to brief key stakeholders on India's efforts following the deadly attack. It was during one such press conference at the Council of Foreign Relations in New York that Ishan Tharoor got up to ask a question. "You have to stand up. That shouldn't be allowed. This is my son," said Shashi Tharoor with a big smile. "Ishan Tharoor of the Washington Post," the son replied, with a straight face. #WATCH | Washington DC: On a question asked by his son about whether any country had asked the delegation for evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack and about Pakistan's repeated denials of any role in the attack, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "I'm very glad… — ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2025 "Definitely asking a question in a personal capacity. And mostly to say hi before you go off to your next engagement," said the Junior Tharoor, who is a foreign affairs columnist at the Washington Post. The columnist son asked his father that as he has been touring countries in the western hemisphere as part of India's diplomatic outreach efforts, have any of your "government interlocutors asked you to show evidence of Pakistan's culpability in the initial attacks". "Well, I'm very glad you raised this, Ishan. I didn't plant it, I promise you. This guy does this to his dad," said the Senior Tharoor, before switching gears to answer the question. "Very simply, no one had any doubt and we were not asked for evidence. But the media have asked in two or three places. Let me say very clearly that India would not have done this without convincing evidence. But there were three particular reasons I want to draw your attention to all of you. The first is that we've had a 37-year pattern of repeated terror attacks from Pakistan, accompanied by repeated denials. I mean, Americans haven't forgotten that Pakistan didn't know, allegedly, where Osama bin Laden was until he was found in a Pakistani safe house right next to an army camp in a cantonment city. That's Pakistan. Mumbai attacks - they denied having anything to do with we know what Pakistan's all about. They will dispatch terrorists, they will deny they did so until they're actually caught with red hands..." said Mr Tharoor.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump Considering Pardons for Men Who Tried to Kill Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan's Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has spent the last month cozying up to Donald Trump—but the president is still considering pardoning her attempted kidnappers. During a press conference Wednesday, Trump was asked whether he'd considered pardoning the nine men convicted of charges related to a conspiracy to kidnap Whitmer in 2020, in an attempt to liberate the state from her Covid-19 safety policies. 'I'm gonna look at it. I will take a look at it. It's been brought to my attention,' Trump said. 'I did watch the trial. It looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job, I'll be honest to you. It looked to me like some people said stupid things, you know? They were drinking, and I think they said stupid things.' Trump insisted that he'd heard that question from 'both sides, actually.' Earlier this week, the Department of Justice's new pardon attorney Ed Martin Jr. said that he would give the case a 'hard look,' comparing the convictions to those of the January 6 insurrectionists Trump pardoned upon entering office. It should be particularly unsurprising that Trump would consider pardoning those accused in the plot; he called the scandal a 'fake deal' in 2022. Whitmer even blamed Trump's incendiary rhetoric for giving 'comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division.' But in recent weeks, Whitmer has become a surprising defender of the president's disastrous tariff policy, and in doing so, kneecapped any chance she had to be a Democratic presidential nominee in 2028. Whitmer even appeared for a photo-op in the Oval Office—seemingly against her will—where she stood awkwardly behind the president as he signed an executive order asking the Justice Department to investigate two former White House aides for treason. During an address at the Council of Foreign Relations in April, Whitmer said she and Trump agreed on tariffs as a way to bolster domestic manufacturing. 'I understand the motivation behind the tariffs, and I can tell you, here's where President Trump and I do agree. We do need to make more stuff in America—more cars and chips, more steel and ships. We do need fair trade,' she said. 'We should be able to celebrate good policy no matter where it comes from, and also criticize bad policy no matter where it comes from.' But Trump's stop-and-start economic policies have yet to yield positive results, as CEOs warn that rising prices are on the horizon and Wall Street has adopted a new term for Trump's cowardly negotiations.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. signs new mineral deal with Ukraine: ‘It is about investments, investments and investments'
The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a major economic agreement granting America preferential access to Ukraine's rare earth resources through a jointly run investment fund, signaling improved relations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. While the deal avoids framing the aid as debt repayment, it strengthens U.S. influence in Ukraine's reconstruction and sends a clear message of ongoing support against Russian aggression. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky seem to have buried the hatchet as their nations sign a long-awaited minerals deal, solidifying America's aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia. Since taking over the Oval Office, President Trump has needled the Ukrainian president on how he would repay the billions in military aid supplied to the Eastern European nation after its territory was invaded by Russia. The deal agreed yesterday—which would give the U.S. investment powers and preferential access to Ukraine's rare earth resources—is less about settling the debt and more about securing America's role in Ukraine's rebuilding. Most notably, it gives the U.S. access and voting rights over Ukraine's sought-after natural resources such as oil, gas and minerals including titanium, zirconium, graphite, and manganes. The deal revolves around the establishment of the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which will "unlock" Ukraine's natural resources. The fund will be run 50-50 by Ukrainian and American representatives, with each nation having three seats on the board. A Ukrainian official has described the deal as "friendly," a far cry from the barbed outlook when the ideal was first tabled. "This agreement is a win-win and it is written in friendly language. It is about investments, investments and investments," Ukraine's deputy economy minister Taras Kachka told Axios. While the finer points of the negotiations haven't been made public, Ukraine's economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko did share some of the headlines on X. Perhaps the most salient point is that the deal contains "no debt"—nixing President Trump's complaints that Ukraine has a bill to foot when it comes to American aid. "The agreement does not mention any debt obligations of Ukraine to the USA," wrote Svyrydenko. "The implementation of the agreement will allow both countries to enhance their economic potential through equal cooperation and investments." President Trump has previously claimed America has spent approximately $350 billion on supporting Ukraine, though the Council of Foreign Relations has calculated a figure of $128 billion for the war effort. For example, the diplomat confirmed the agreement does not change the status of private or state-owned companies—such as oil company Ukrnafta or electricity provider Energoatom—currently operating in the minerals industry. Other details include the fact that the fund will be replenished solely from new licenses established following the deal and that "revenues from already started projects or planned budget receipts are not included." The politician added that the agreement is legal and compliant with Ukraine's national constitution and does not violate any international laws. Any "envisioned" changes only relate to the budget. Ukraine's prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, clarified further that any disputes would not be handled overseas: "Disputes under this agreement are resolved through mutual consultations. In the previous agreement, this was stipulated [through proceedings in a U.S. court] under U.S. law. "We've removed this so that the agreement is truly a partnership. This is an important achievement." And the budget could change—likely for the upside, added Svyrydenko. That's because the deal not only says America "will help attract additional investments and technologies" but, Svyrydenko adds: "Ukraine contributes 50% of state budget revenues from the new rent on new licenses for new plots. "Ukraine may also make additional contributions beyond this baseline if it deems it necessary. This pertains to cooperation for decades ahead." The fund will also be exempt from tax in both Ukraine and the U.S. to ensure maximum returns, added the diplomat. Like the finer financial details of the agreement, no confirmation of military support has been made public. However, Trump and Zelensky's tone has warmed up since their famous showdown in Washington, D.C. While Trump has framed the deal as "protecting" America's contribution to Ukraine's war effort, his administration has made it clear this is a siding against Russia. Trump, for example, told NewsNation on Wednesday that the Ukrainian president signing would be a "very good thing' because 'Russia is much bigger and much stronger.' Likewise, in a video released following the deal's announcement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said: "Today's agreement signals clearly to Russian leadership that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. "It's time for the cruel and senseless war to end. The killing must stop, and both the United States and the government of Ukraine look forward to quickly operationalizing this historic economic partnership for both the Ukrainian and American people." Likewise, Svyrydenko added that as part of the deal, the U.S. will help Ukraine "in attracting investments and technologies ... that support our fight against the Russian enemy." She further added that in addition to direct funds, America could also contribute new air to projects like air defense systems. The deal opens doors for further support and ensures the Trump administration can't pull the rug out from under Ukraine's feet. This has happened previously, with America reportedly temporarily pausing intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March to push Kyiv towards peace negotiations. The White House did not respond to Fortune's request for comment on any further military aid the U.S. may offer to Ukraine. This story was originally featured on
