New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has raised concerns over the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir, cautioning the United States against overlooking Islamabad’s history of supporting terrorism.
Speaking to reporters, Tharoor reminded the international community of Pakistan’s role in harbouring Osama Bin Laden—the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, predominantly Americans. "Bin Laden was responsible for the deaths of thousands and the destruction of two iconic American towers. His discovery in a secure compound near a military base in Abbottabad points to Pakistan’s complicity, which should not be easily dismissed," he said.
Tharoor expressed hope that Washington used the opportunity to remind Pakistan of its obligation to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and avoid offering sanctuary or support—logistical, financial or strategic—to terror outfits, especially those targeting India.
His comments come shortly after he led a delegation of Indian parliamentarians to the US and other countries for discussions on counter-terrorism, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor.
When questioned about Trump’s choice to meet General Munir over the Indian parliamentary team, Tharoor noted that US Vice President J.D. Vance had received the Indian delegation—an engagement he described as "an important gesture." He clarified that visiting parliamentary delegations are typically hosted by senior officials like Deputy Secretaries of State, and reminded the press that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously held high-level talks with Trump.
Responding to speculation regarding US mediation in India-Pakistan tensions, Tharoor dismissed any suggestion of American pressure on India. "India never needed to be convinced to stop. Our stance has been consistent—if Pakistan ceases hostilities, so will we. Any diplomatic pressure would have been directed solely at Islamabad," he stated.
Tharoor's remarks underscore India's longstanding position on cross-border terrorism and the necessity of holding states accountable for enabling extremist elements.
