New Delhi: The ongoing debate surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s “surrender” comment, aimed at Prime Minister Modi, has taken a new turn with the entry of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Leading India’s outreach mission on Operation Sindoor in Washington D.C., Tharoor addressed the controversy during a press conference, firmly articulating India’s position on external mediation in its affairs.
When questioned by a journalist about President Donald Trump’s alleged mediation efforts during recent India-Pakistan confrontations, and in light of Rahul Gandhi’s “PM Modi surrendered to Trump” remark, Tharoor responded with unwavering clarity. While acknowledging India’s respect for the office of the US President and its important strategic partnership with the United States, he emphasized that India has never sought mediation from any third party.
A Clear Message to Pakistan
Tharoor’s statement was unequivocal: “As I said, as long as Pakistan continues to use the language of terrorism, we have no problem speaking the same language with the Pakistanis. We will use the language of strength, and there is no need for any third party for this.” This assertion underscores India’s steadfast resolve in addressing cross-border terrorism.
He further elaborated that if Pakistan genuinely desires normal relations and takes concrete steps to dismantle its terror infrastructure, India is ready for dialogue, again, without any need for a mediator. Tharoor highlighted that India’s past actions, including the ceasefire during Operation Sindoor, were contingent on Pakistan halting its aggressive stance. He suggested that if the US played a role, it was in conveying to Pakistan that India was ready to cease operations once Pakistan did the same, a move Tharoor termed a “good gesture.”
The “Surrender” Row and Its Repercussions
Rahul Gandhi’s original statement, made on June 3rd in Madhya Pradesh, claimed that PM Modi “surrendered” to Trump’s alleged intervention, implying a concession to US pressure. This comment drew immediate and strong condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP President JP Nadda slammed it as an insult to the Indian army and the nation, even going as far as to label it “treason.” Nadda highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor (which ran from May 7th to March 10th in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack), stating that even Pakistan’s army and prime minister wouldn’t dare make such a derogatory remark after the devastation it caused.
India’s Independent Foreign Policy
Shashi Tharoor’s intervention effectively refocused the conversation from the political mudslinging around Rahul Gandhi’s comment to India’s established foreign policy principles. His remarks reinforce India’s commitment to bilateral engagement with Pakistan, provided it addresses terrorism, and its firm rejection of any third-party intervention in its sovereign matters. India values its strategic partnerships, including with the US, but not at the expense of its independent decision-making on critical security issues. The message is clear: India will determine its own course, based on its national interests and security imperatives, without external dictates.
