India Will Not Initiate War, But Will Respond Decisively if Provoked: Shashi Tharoor

 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,  — Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor on Thursday reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace while making it clear that any aggression by Pakistan targeting civilians, the military, or government establishments would be met with a firm response.

Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Tharoor stated that the Indian government delivered a "calibrated response" to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, but stressed that New Delhi had no intention of further escalating hostilities.

“We had to reply to the terror attack and we did that,” Tharoor said. “We did that by targeting terrorist base camps and at night to prevent any civilian casualties. We gave a calibrated response.”

He added that while Indian forces continue to respond to Pakistani artillery shelling in Poonch — which has resulted in 15 deaths and 59 injuries — the objective remains de-escalation. “We do not intend to escalate it,” he reiterated.

Tharoor emphasized that India’s measured approach was also a signal to the international community of its responsible conduct. “We did not hit Pakistani government or military installations, even though we know they are behind the terror attack. It clearly indicates we are not interested in a war,” he said.

However, he issued a stern warning regarding any direct attacks on Indian assets. “If Pakistan attacks our military or government installations or civilian locations — as we do not have any terror camps here — we will surely give a strong reply. I have no doubt about it. But, we will not initiate it,” he stated.

The Congress MP also noted that the recent all-party meetings convened before and after the Indian Army's Operation Sindoor reflected national unity in the face of external threats. “The country is standing as one with its armed forces,” he affirmed.