Operation Sindoor not prelude to war, says Shashi Tharoor in Guyana

The all-party delegation led by Tharoor with the prominent business community in Guyana.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, speaking during a media interaction in Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, clarified India’s stance on the recent cross-border military operation, Operation Sindoor, stating that the country's actions were purely retaliatory and not a prelude to a larger conflict with Pakistan.

Tharoor, speaking in Georgetown late Monday night, underlined that New Delhi had no intention of escalating tensions or launching a prolonged military campaign. “We had no desire to convey that it was the opening salvo in what was meant to be a sort of protracted war. Each strike was retaliatory. Each action taken by India was in response to Pakistan,” he said.

The Congress leader also noted that India’s message to the global community has been consistent, that it seeks peace but not at the cost of its sovereignty or security.

“We are at peace today, and we want to remain at peace. But that peace must be backed by strength, not by fear,” Tharoor said, adding that India’s response to any future aggression would be “stronger and more decisive.”

Tharoor, visiting Guyana as part of New Delhi's global diplomatic outreach, also underlined the strategic importance of the South American nation, particularly due to its current membership in the United Nations Security Council. “As a member of the UNSC, Guyana’s voice matters when the global community formulates its response to issues of peace and security,” he said, expressing hope that the country would stand by India in its fight against terrorism.

“We have requested the President and the Foreign Minister of Guyana to convey to their delegation how much value we attach to their constructive assistance in ensuring that the world.... through the UN Security Council....stands up against terror and its sponsors,” Tharoor said.

Addressing concerns raised by foreign governments in the aftermath of the operation, Tharoor said India had communicated its position clearly that it was not interested in war and would cease military action if Pakistan stopped provoking violence. He recalled that on the morning of May 10, Pakistan reached out to India’s Director General of Military Operations, indicating a de-escalation.

He also pointed out that terrorism is not a challenge India faces alone. “The battle against terrorism is one that the entire world must share. We came here to explain our experience with cross-border attacks and to seek support for our right to defend ourselves. I’m pleased to say that we received unconditional sympathy and support from Guyanese leaders,” he noted.

Further, in a strong message against communal polarisation, Tharoor said that attempts by terror groups to fan communal tensions in India had failed. “There was clearly an attempt to provoke communal discord between Hindus and Muslims, but it failed spectacularly. People stood united,” he said.

He also noted that during the four-day cross-border tensions, the Indian military’s daily briefings included women officers, one of whom was a Muslim, a symbolic gesture that the nation’s fight is not religious in nature but targeted solely at countering terrorism.

Tharoor’s comments come amid continuing efforts by India to garner international support in its fight against cross-border terror, while reiterating its commitment to peace, diplomacy, and national security.

After meeting with the delegation led by Tharoor, Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali ALSO reiterated his country’s strong opposition to terrorism and extremism, calling them a direct affront to human dignity.

“Guyana has consistently made it very clear that terrorism and extremism have no place in this world,” President Ali said. “They are against every aspect of human dignity, and we reject them in every shape and form. Everything must be done to ensure that terrorism and extremism are defeated at every front.”

President Ali also expressed Guyana’s long-standing support for the expansion of the UNSC, stating that the current structure does not reflect the realities of today’s world.

“Guyana has always supported the view that the Security Council should be expanded,” he said. “We have not only supported this view, but we have championed the cause of countries that deserve representation, including nations from the African continent, based on factors such as population and economic size.”