Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has stated that the real reason behind Pakistan’s request for a ceasefire with India after Operation Sindoor was New Delhi’s decisive military action and the successful interception of a Pakistani missile response, and not any external mediation as claimed by former US President Donald Trump. Speaking at the launch of the book Whither India–Pakistan Relations Today? in New Delhi, Tharoor revealed that the evening of 9–10 May 2025 saw highly successful Indian strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, followed by the Indian military intercepting incoming missiles launched by Pakistan on the morning of 10 May, which prompted the Pakistani DGMO to call his Indian counterpart to request a ceasefire.

Tharoor, who led an official outreach delegation to the United States after the operation, made it clear that it was purely the decisive and effective nature of India’s military response that forced Islamabad to step back, despite the public narrative being pushed by certain foreign leaders. He categorically dismissed Donald Trump’s repeated claims that the United States mediated and ended the conflict, emphasizing instead that India’s strategic response during Operation Sindoor left Pakistan with no choice but to seek immediate cessation of hostilities.

He explained that the Pakistani missile response launched on 10 May was neutralised by Indian defence forces before causing any damage. “The moment the Pakistani side realised their response had been intercepted, their DGMO reached out to ours, seeking peace. That conversation had absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Trump,” Tharoor said, underlining that India’s operational readiness and defensive capability were the real deterrents.

‘Onus lies on Pakistan to normalise relations’

The senior Congress MP also stressed that New Delhi can no longer immediately trust Islamabad due to a long history of betrayal and cross-border terrorism. According to Tharoor, Pakistan must take the first step toward normalisation by shutting down all terror training camps operating on its soil. He pointed out that international agencies and the United Nations have clearly identified numerous terror outfits and individuals who continue to operate openly in Pakistan. “Why can’t Pakistan act on a list that even the UN committee has published?” he asked, highlighting the lack of political will in Islamabad to dismantle terror networks.

Tharoor further observed that India has demonstrated enormous restraint over the years, tolerating multiple terror attacks and choosing diplomacy over retaliation in several instances. However, the policy began to shift with the 2016 surgical strikes, and later culminated in a firm stance with the Balakot strikes (2019) and Operation Sindoor (2025). These operations, he said, sent a clear message that India will no longer turn a blind eye to attacks on its sovereignty.

Balakot strikes and Operation Sindoor changed the rules of engagement

Tharoor also used the occasion to underline that the success of the Balakot strikes and the precision of India’s Operation Sindoor fundamentally changed the strategic posture between the two countries. According to him, these operations “clearly underscored India’s readiness to act decisively” in response to terror provocations.

He added that New Delhi’s capability to intercept the Pakistani missile attack during Operation Sindoor showed not only offensive strength but also defensive preparedness, forcing Islamabad to reassess its escalation plans. “There was no choice left for them after May 10,” Tharoor said. “Pakistan realized quickly that India would not only respond but could effectively intercept retaliatory efforts. That is what led to the call for peace.”

The Congress MP reiterated that India’s primary objective remains long-term stability and peace in the region, but that repeated betrayals by Pakistan have made it increasingly difficult to return to normal ties without concrete and verifiable actions on the ground. He noted that India has already fulfilled its obligations toward peace and must now wait for Pakistan to prove its sincerity.

In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor emphasized that the ceasefire request following Operation Sindoor was a result of India’s strong military posture, and not due to any outside influence. He maintained that Pakistan must first dismantle terror infrastructure and take responsibility for preventing cross-border terrorism if it hopes to rebuild trust with New Delhi and pave the way towards normalised diplomatic relations.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are NIS Management, Sattva Engineering Construction, Globtier Infotech, Current Infraprojects, Anondita Medicare, Classic Electrodes (India), Vikran Engineering, Shivashrit Foods, ARC Insulation & Insulators.

The Current active IPO are Mangal Electrical Industries, LGT Business Connextions, Vikram Solar, Gem Aromatics, Shreeji Shipping Global, Patel Retail, Studio LSD.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.