Shashi Tharoor answer's son's tough question at US press briefing; cites evidence of Pak culpability in Pahalgam attack
The Indian all-party diplomatic delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, faced a pointed question during a press conference in New York — from none other than Tharoor's own son. Ishan Tharoor, a foreign affairs columnist at The Washington Post, took the mic to pose a serious question about Pakistan's alleged involvement in the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
When Ishan rose to ask the question, Tharoor jokingly remarked, 'It shouldn't be allowed.'
Tharoor clarified for the audience that the journalist questioning him was indeed his son.
When Ishan introduced himself and picked up the mic to ask his question, the senior Tharoor gestured to lift the mic higher.
Thereafter the proceedings shifted to a serious mode.
Ishan Tharoor asked whether any country had sought evidence from the Indian delegation regarding Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. He also asked about Pakistan's repeated denials of any role.
Tharoor responded that while foreign governments had not demanded evidence, 'the media have asked in two or three places.' He emphasized that India would not have taken military action without solid proof: 'Let me say very clearly that India would not have done this without convincing evidence.'
Tharoor outlined three main reasons behind India's conclusion of Pakistan's involvement.
He cited Pakistan's 37-year record of supporting terrorism while issuing denials. He referenced the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the safe haven given to Osama bin Laden near a Pakistani military facility, and the intercepted communications between terrorists and handlers during the Mumbai siege. 'They will dispatch terrorists and deny it until they are caught red-handed,' he said.
Tharoor noted that the Resistance Front, widely recognized as a proxy for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack within 45 minutes—before most of the world had even heard of the incident. Though the claim was later retracted, he said, the initial admission was telling. India has presented evidence against the group at the UN Security Council's 1267 Sanctions Committee, though listing was blocked, allegedly due to Pakistan's membership on the committee.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bangladesh settles $384 million payment to Adani Power amid financial struggles
Bangladesh paid $384 million to Adani Power in June, significantly reducing its outstanding dues under a power supply agreement with the Indian firm, according to sources. In June (till June 27), Bangladesh has paid $384 million of the committed $437 million to be paid during the month, two sources aware of the matter said. This would clear Bangladesh's "admitted" claims till March 31. With this, Adani's "claimed" dues, while still substantial, will come down to around $500 million (assuming Bangladesh meets its month-end commitment), they said. Bangladesh has struggled to meet its payment obligations under the 2017 deal, as rising import costs following the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 and domestic political turmoil - which led to the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina - strained the country's finances. As a result, Adani had halved supply last year and full supplies were resumed in March 2025 after the country's monthly payments started covering some of the dues. With the latest payments, Bangladesh has paid nearly $1.5 billion of the roughly $2 billion total billed amount. Adani has reportedly agreed to waive late payment surcharge (LPS) for January-June period, amounting to about $20 million, if Bangladesh keeps its payment commitment. Sources said both parties are engaged in discussion to resolve some issues related to coal cost and plant capacity calculations. These are the key reasons behind the difference between "claimed" and "admitted" dues. When contacted, an Adani Power spokesperson confirmed the payments but didn't share details on "claimed" and "agreed" dues stating these discussions are private. The 2017 power supply deal between Adani Power and Bangladesh had come in for scrutiny after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government last year. Interim government, led by Nobel Peace prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, called for the formation of a high-level committee, comprising energy and legal experts, to re-examine the power purchase agreement (PPA). Under the 2017 deal, Adani Power's Godda power plant in Jharkhand was to supply 100 per cent of the electricity generated from burning coal, to Bangladesh for a period of 25 years. After payment defaults, Adani had cut supplies by half in November 2024. It restored full electricity supply, which is around 1,600 MW, in March after the country reduced liabilities. Bangladesh stepped up repayments from July last year, clearing monthly dues. This came after the country suffered from increased power shortages in rural areas. Bangladesh has been struggling to generate sufficient dollar revenues to cover the cost of essential imports such as electricity, coal, and oil. Its foreign currency reserves declined amid months of student-led protests and political unrest, which culminated in the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. The interim government that succeeded her sought an additional $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on top of the existing $4.7 billion bailout package. Adani's power deal with Bangladesh was one of the many under Sheikh Hasina, which the current interim government has called opaque. Besides Adani Power, other Indian state-owned firms also sell power to Bangladesh, including NTPC and PTC India Ltd.
New Indian Express
39 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Revision of Bihar electoral rolls: Congress says will oppose exercise legally, politically
NEW DELHI: As the EC began its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls, the Congress on Sunday said it will oppose the move legally, politically, and on all fronts. The move invited scathing criticism from the Opposition parties as the EC on Saturday said around 2.93 crore of 7.89 crore voters, or about 37% of the electorate, will have to submit proof of their eligibility. Speaking with this newspaper, Congress leader Praveen Chakravartyquestioned the methodology adopted by the EC to ascertain that 37% of the Bihar electorate will have to re-register. 'How did they get the figure of 37%? This means they have the electoral roll of 2003 in a machine-readable format. Otherwise, it's impossible to analyse and come up with the figure. The Congress has been demanding the Maharashtra electoral rolls for a long time. If they have the 2003 rolls, why are they not showing us the 2024 Maharashtra voter rolls?' said Chakravarty, a member of EAGLE, an eight-member Congress panel tasked with looking into polls. He also pointed out that the EC had mooted a proposal on March 8 for electoral roll cleaning using Aadhaar, which, while not perfect, is a more viable alternative solution than an intensive voter revision in Bihar. 'Why did the EC abandon that to suddenly announce an SIR three months after the Aadhaar proposal?' he asked. The EC's move on June 24, requiring all existing voters who were not on the 2003 rolls to provide proof of their and their parents' citizenship, has also sparked concerns of disenfranchisement and exclusion of the poor and marginalised from voter rolls. 'If I was a voter in 2024 or 2019, that doesn't mean I am a voter now. I have to re-register. Now, they are saying I have to prove my veracity as a voter and prove date and place of birth. Why am I guilty until proven innocent?' he said. Chakravarty also said the EC has come up with arduous rules for providing birth certificates of voters and their parents, depending on the year of birth. Besides Union and state government officials will now dictate who has correct documents and who doesn't, thus dictating who gets to vote in the upcoming Bihar assembly polls.
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Anand Mahindra upbeat about India's prospects in volatile world
Mahindra group Chairman, Anand Mahindra believes China's present adversarial stance in global trade may create opportunities for India to position itself as a supply chain alternative — 'a long-term goal for Indian business.' He has made these observations in the Mahindra & Mahindra Integrated Annual Report 2024-25. According to the Chairman, innovation and R&D in India could receive renewed focus while manufacturing could once again take centre stage. 'Restrictions on China and high tariffs for other competing countries could open new markets for Indian goods. The potential exists, but achieving it will require a concerted focus on manufacturing and a palpable increase in private investment,' says Mahindra. In his view, speed and agility are essential, as countries like the Philippines and Vietnam are already touting themselves as future manufacturing hubs. 'We must act swiftly and strategically to secure our share of the Amrit,' a reference to the nectar of eternal life in Hindu mythology. 'Today's turmoil is another such churning, another such mega-trend. A growing wave of protectionism is challenging decades of liberal trade order, dramatically highlighted by the Trump administration's tariffs,'Anand Mahindra The great churning Interestingly, Mahindra's message draws analogies with this well known narrative where the great Samudra Manthan, or churning of the ocean, occurred many thousand years ago to obtain the precious Amrit, the nectar of immortality. According to him, the present state of the world is akin to this massive churn where it is in a state of flux thanks to the ongoing wars and imposition of tariffs by the US. 'If we zoom out and adopt a broader perspective, it becomes clear that over the course of history, the world has undergone many such churnings. Mega trends — forces so powerful they reshape political, economic, and social landscapes — have defined human progress,' says Mahindra. Read more: CCI approves Mahindra's ₹555 crore acquisition of 59% stake in SML Isuzu From the industrial revolution to globalisation, from the digital age to climate change, he adds, these 'tectonic shifts' have tested resilience, inspired innovation, and compelled businesses to evolve. 'Today's turmoil is another such churning, another such mega-trend. A growing wave of protectionism is challenging decades of liberal trade order, dramatically highlighted by the Trump administration's tariffs,' says Mahindra. These measures are sparking global responses, including retaliatory tariffs, disrupted supply chains, shifting political alliances, and economic groupings. 'Mahindra & Mahindra's core businesses — auto and tractor — form the trunk, while the aerial roots represent new ventures that anchor themselves independently, expanding resilience and reach,'Anand Mahindra Exit the old global order 'If I were to look for a single sentence that describes the world today, I would quote the American folk singer Bob Dylan and say, 'The times, they are a-changing,' quips Mahindra while making a reference to the old global order — social, political, and economic — which has been 'rudely shaken' while a new one has not quite emerged. The situation 'remains fluid' though recent US-China tariff talks and strengthened trade ties with the UK suggest a 'pragmatic layer' to US trade policy, combining protectionism with strategic global engagement. However, cautions the Mahindra Chairman, there remains a strong likelihood of significant decoupling between the US and China. Whatever the outcome, it is apparent that many nations will have to swallow some 'poison'. International trade has already slowed amidst heightened uncertainty and dampened investor confidence. According to him, industries reliant on global supply chains like electronics and consumer goods will bear the brunt of rising input costs. Countries deeply integrated into global trade networks must 'rethink dependencies' and diversify sourcing. 'Continued government support is vital to power our transition to a manufacturing economy. Renewable energy, defence, and digital infrastructure are becoming sunrise industries in India,'Anand Mahindra New era of nationalism Established geopolitical alliances are being realigned, ushering in a new era of economic nationalism. Mahindra says businesses worldwide will adapt by localising operations, reengineering supply chains, and exploring alternate markets. India, too, will be no exception to the rule and will face its own set of challenges. 'Our large trade deficit, vulnerabilities in certain sectors, increased competition among nations, and uncertainties affecting GDP aspirations are all challenges that must be met,' he elaborates. Key industries, such as steel and aluminium, could face headwinds, and export volumes may be impacted. The challenge will be to minimise the adverse effects. 'However, focusing solely on mitigation reflects a reactive mindset. Instead, we can proactively view this as an opportunity to enable some Amrit to emerge. What if we seize this challenge as an opportunity to accelerate economic growth? Private enterprise can play a pivotal role in this transformation,' says Mahindra. Read more: Lessons from space can help Indian auto leap ahead, says Pawan Goenka Opportunities for India In a scenario with so many moving parts, it is difficult to predict outcomes. However, two significant implications of the current manthan, or churning, offer opportunities that India must leverage. Inspired by the US, countries are likely to adopt a more self-centred approach, raising economic nationalism to unprecedented levels. Even before these shifts, India 'was moving in this direction' through initiatives such as PLI and Make in India. 'Continued government support is vital to power our transition to a manufacturing economy. Companies can greatly benefit from aligning their strategies with national objectives. Renewable energy, defence, and digital infrastructure are becoming sunrise industries in India,' notes Mahindra. Globalisation reborn He reiterates that economic nationalism 'does not spell the death of globalisation but heralds its rebirth'. Globalisation is evolving: US market centrality and China-centric supply chains are being replaced by multi-polar, regional collaborations. As structural and political uncertainties diminish US dominance, alternative capital destinations are emerging. Similarly, global supply chains are diversifying away from China, creating new trade partnerships. As Mahindra puts it, lower tariff barriers among regional partners may emerge, boosting free trade and reshaping international trade centres of gravity. The US shift toward de-globalisation may actually lead to a 'new avatar' of globalisation which is multi-polar, regional, and driven by domestic imperatives. 'In such shifting sands, I believe India is well-positioned to emerge as one of the new centres of gravity. We are a stable democracy, generally regarded as a trustworthy partner, and are bolstered by a strong military that is not politicised,' continues Mahindra. Also Read: Global car market gazing through the lens of a top Chinese brand Resilience is key Whether it be a country or a business, the winners will be the ones who can successfully navigate uncertainty and ambiguity – the ones who are resilient. In the case of the Mahindra group, he says resilience has been its mantra for over eight decades where it has adapted, transformed and evolved. 'Our federated structure, symbolised by the banyan tree is key to this resilience. Mahindra & Mahindra's core businesses — auto and tractor — form the trunk, while the aerial roots represent new ventures that anchor themselves independently, expanding resilience and reach,' explains Mahindra. This structure provides agility and flexibility to adapt swiftly to geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Independent decision-making within each business ensures alignment with shared values while leveraging synergies across the group. 'Success in one branch strengthens the entire tree, while failures are ring-fenced to protect the broader ecosystem. Like the banyan tree that endures storms and thrives in diverse conditions, the Mahindra Group is poised not just to survive but to flourish, even in turbulent times,' signs off Mahindra.
