The United States stands firmly with India in the fight against terrorism. This was stated by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to an all-party delegation of Members of Parliament led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
India US Ties: Strategic and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and India have reached new heights, with the U.S. firmly assuring its support for India in the fight against terrorism. This was conveyed by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau during a meeting with an all-party parliamentary delegation from India, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
This delegation, on the final leg of a multi-country tour, briefed the U.S. side extensively on the Pulwama terrorist attack and Operation Sundar.
Warm Welcome for Indian Delegation in the U.S.
The delegation, led by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, included MPs Sarfaraz Ahmed, Ganti Harish, Madhur Balyogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhuvaneshwar Kalita, Milind Deora, Tejasvi Surya, and former Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Taranjit Sandhu. During the discussions, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau clarified that the U.S. stands firmly with India in the fight against terrorism.
The Indian Embassy stated on X (formerly Twitter) that it was a productive meeting where both sides discussed expanding U.S.-India strategic relations. The Deputy Secretary also noted that both countries emphasized strengthening trade and commercial ties for economic growth and prosperity.
Detailed Discussion on Pulwama Terrorist Attack and Operation Sundar
The delegation briefed U.S. officials on the details of the heinous terrorist attack in Pulwama, which resulted in the brutal murder of 26 innocent civilians. Following this, information was shared regarding the retaliatory action taken by the Indian government, Operation Sundar, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The discussion also emphasized India's right to border security and self-defense, giving the U.S. side a complete understanding of India's position and the gravity of the situation.
Meetings with U.S. Senate Members
The delegation also met with Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Indian representatives apprised him of the challenges posed by terrorism in India and reiterated India's unwavering commitment against cross-border terrorism. Senator Van Hollen expressed sympathy regarding the devastating situations arising from repeated terrorist attacks in India. He expressed the U.S.'s full support for India and its commitment to standing alongside India in the fight against terrorism.
Additionally, Shashi Tharoor spoke over the phone with Senator Cory Booker, a young Congressman and member of the Foreign Relations Committee. Booker bly condemned the terrorism and expressed sympathy for the victims. Tharoor briefed him in detail about Operation Sundar and expressed hope for continued U.S. support for India's security. He expressed his hope to meet Senator Booker in person in the future.
A New Chapter in the India-U.S. Strategic Partnership
This delegation aimed to deepen understanding and strengthen cooperation with the U.S. A special reception hosted by the Indian Embassy was attended by U.S. lawmakers, policy experts, and several other members of Congress, who interacted with the delegation. Discussions focused on deepening India-U.S. cooperation against terrorism, expanding trade and commercial ties, and promoting growth and prosperity between the two nations.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Deputy Secretary Landau reaffirmed America's b support for India in the fight against terrorism. The importance of advancing key areas of the bilateral relationship between the two countries was also discussed.
This partnership between the U.S. and India will give new strength to the fight against terrorism. Both countries shared a commitment to leaving no room for cross-border terrorism and not sparing terrorist activities. India briefed the U.S. on its retaliatory actions and security measures, and the U.S. supported India's right to self-defense.
