Shashi Tharoor, who defended Modi govt over truce with Pak, was not Congress' choice for global outreach delegation

After the government announced Tharoor will lead one of seven delegations, Congress media-in-charge Jairam Ramesh revealed the parliamentarian, who has of late praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policies, was not the primary opposition party's one of four recommendations.

Ramesh posted on X, "Yesterday morning, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju spoke with the Congress President and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The INC was asked to submit names of 4 MPs for the delegations to be sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan.

"By noon yesterday May 16th, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha wrote to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs giving the following names on behalf of the INC. 1. Shri Anand Sharma, former Union Cabinet Minister 2. ⁠Shri Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader, INC LS 3. ⁠Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, MP, RS 4. ⁠Shri Raja Brar, MP, LS."

In response to the new role, Tharoor, who will lead the delegation to the US, said in an X post, "I am honoured by the invitation of the government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation’s point of view on recent events. When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind!"

Though the Operation Sindoor was hailed by the Opposition bloc INDIA, the ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan was widely jibed by the Congress with its social handles comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his predecessor late Indira Gandhi who defied the United States' objection to liberate East Pakistan and form Bangladesh with a war in 1971.

Going against the Congress' stand, Tharoor said, "The truth is the circumstances of 1971 and 2025 are not the same. As far as I am concerned, I believe the people of India deserve peace, we have suffered a lot, had a lot of casualties... I am not saying we should always stop wars when there are reasons to continue but this was not a war we intended to continue. We just wanted to teach the terrorists a lesson..."

The delegations will showcase India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism globally.

Each delegation comprises Members of Parliament from different parties, political personalities, and diplomats.

Welcoming the targeted military strike on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, Tharoor had said India has hit legitimate targets and lauded the government for handling the matters responsibly.

Congress's 'Laxman Rekha' remark against Shashi Tharoor

Tharoor's name came a day after reports suggested that some Congress leaders, during the CWC meeting held on Wednesday, alleged that the Thiruvananthapuram MP had crossed the 'Laxman Rekha' with his statements.

The phrase "Lakshman Rekha", borrowed from the Ramayana, is often used metaphorically to indicate a boundary that should not be crossed.

Clarifying his stand, Tharoor said his remarks in support of the BJP-led Centre during the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict were made in a personal capacity, and did not reflect the official stance of the Congress party.

Speaking to reporters, the Thiruvananthapuram MP on Thursday said he shared his opinion as an Indian citizen.

"People seem to think that I have some knowledge, so they come and ask my views. But I have made it very clear, sometimes explicitly and sometimes implicitly, that I am expressing my personal views as an Indian and as a proud citizen," Tharoor said.