Following the terror attacks in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir and as part of India’s larger Operation Sindoor initiative, a high-level all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently conducted a significant diplomatic outreach with the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) in Washington, D.C.
The delegation met with prominent U.S. officials, including Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove, Congressman Bill Huizenga, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, and HFAC Chairman Brian Mast. The delegation represented several Indian states and political parties. Strong bipartisan condemnation of the attacks and unwavering support for India’s right to self-defense against terrorism were the outcomes of the sessions.
“You have no choice but to respond when you are attacked,” said Chairman Brian Mast, highlighting the U.S. Congress’s bipartisan agreement to assist India.
These reactions have to occur since the world did not permit anything else. He emphasized the long-standing friendship and strategic alliance between the two countries and forecasted more development and expansion of their bilateral relations. Echoing these views, Congressman Bill Huizenga emphasized the necessity of teamwork in combating terrorism and preventing such crimes from endangering any nation.
In addition to expressing gratitude for the truce and denouncing the Pahalgam attacks, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove emphasized the significance of further enhancing U.S.-Indian ties in areas including visa access, technology, and cultural engagement. She also mentioned how important it is to establish connections with Bollywood and India’s tech sector.
As Ranking Member, Congressman Gregory Meeks highlighted the two nations’ common democratic traditions by referring to the United States and India as “the oldest and the largest democracies in the world.” Citing India’s constructive engagement in international fora like the QUAD and in tackling crises like Russia and Ukraine, he reaffirmed America’s support for India’s right to self-defense and urged for coordinated international action against terrorism.
The head of the Indian delegation, Shashi Tharoor, thanked the U.S. congressmen for their “strong and unconditional” support, pointing out that they were completely in agreement in denouncing the attacks and supporting India’s right to retaliate.
Tharoor also emphasized more general talks like the economy, trade, student exchanges, and visas, which illustrates the complex nature of the partnership between the United States and India. The delegation’s goal to make the partnership “stronger, more effective, and covering more aspects of life and geopolitics” was emphasized by him.
The Indian delegation’s trip to Washington was a component of a broader international endeavor that also included trips in Brazil and Europe. The goal of the trip was to further India’s strategic interests following Operation Sindoor and to strengthen international support against terrorism. The delegation further strengthened community and policy links by interacting with U.S. think tanks and members of the Indian diaspora.
Strong bipartisan support, a shared commitment to counterterrorism, and a reaffirmation of the growing strategic cooperation between the two democracies characterized the U.S. senators’ response to India’s diplomatic approach.
There was general agreement that the United States supports India in its battle against terrorism and in its efforts to expand bilateral cooperation, and that incidents such as those in Pahalgam call for a strong reaction.
