Indian Parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor led an all-party delegation to the 9/11 memorial in New York City, where they paid homage to the victims of terrorist attacks and expressed solidarity with the global fight against terrorism. Tharoor described the visit as a “very moving moment” and emphasised the importance of standing united against the scourge of terrorism.
The delegation, which included other members of the Indian Parliament and former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, laid roses on the names of victims at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The visit was part of a diplomatic outreach aimed at projecting India’s resolute stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Tharoor highlighted the need for countries to work together to combat terrorism, especially in the wake of recent attacks in India. He mentioned the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed, as an example of the ongoing threat of terrorism faced by India.
The delegation’s upcoming visits to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil are part of India’s broader engagement with key international partners to foster global cooperation in addressing terrorism. Tharoor stressed the importance of countries coming together to fight against the forces of evil that perpetrate terrorist attacks.
Tharoor also addressed the issue of listing terror entities like The Resistance Front under the UN Security Council’s sanctions committee. He acknowledged the challenges of getting organizations listed but emphasized that India would not confine itself to diplomatic efforts and listings alone. He stated that India reserves the right to self-defense and will take necessary actions to protect its citizens.
Tharoor called upon the Indian-American community to support India’s efforts in combating terrorism and raising awareness about the challenges faced by the country. He described the community as a “force multiplier” and encouraged them to engage with their elected representatives and raise awareness about the fight against terrorism.
Overall, the delegation’s visit to the 9/11 memorial served as a poignant reminder of the impact of terrorism and the need for countries to stand united in the fight against this global threat. Through their diplomatic outreach, they hope to garner support and cooperation from international partners to combat terrorism and uphold the values of democracy, human freedom, and diversity.
