Vance Meets Tharoor-Led Delegation, Pledges US Support Against Terrorism
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – In a high-level diplomatic engagement, Vice President J.D. Vance met with an Indian All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Shashi Tharoor on June 5, where the two sides held what was described as an “excellent meeting” focused on counter-terrorism cooperation and regional security. The meeting came weeks after a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and amid growing strategic ties between India and the United States.
Tharoor, chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, posted after the meeting: “Excellent meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance today in Washington D.C. with our delegation. We had comprehensive discussions covering a wide array of critical issues, from counter-terrorism efforts to enhancing technological cooperation. A truly constructive and productive exchange for strengthening India-US strategic partnership, with a great meeting of minds.”
Vice President Vance, who was visiting India at the time of the Pahalgam terror attack had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express condolences and assured that the United States stands ready to provide “all assistance” in the joint fight against terrorism. He had also posted his condemnation of the violence.
The Pahalgam attack, which targeted a group of tourists, was a focal point of several meetings during the Indian delegation’s U.S. visit. Tharoor characterized it as “a sickening outrage” during a period of optimism in Kashmir. “Kashmir was booming. Ordinary Kashmiris are benefiting… and here’s this innocent group of holiday tourists on a dappled meadow in Kashmir being murdered in cold blood,” he said.
At the Council on Foreign Relations, Tharoor engaged in a dialogue moderated by former U.S. Ambassador to India Ken Juster. The session discussed India’s response to the Pahalgam attack, including the launch of Operation Sindoor—New Delhi’s calibrated counter-terror operation that has since shaped a “new normal” in India’s security posture.
On Capitol Hill, the delegation met Senator Andy Kim of the Homeland Security Committee and Senator Chris Van Hollen of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Both engagements included briefings on the threat of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and India’s response.
“Pleasure to host Chairman Shashi Tharoor and members of the Indian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs,” Congressman Gregory Meeks posted. “My colleagues and I expressed condolences for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to the US-India partnership.”
The Indian delegation also met with prominent members of the Indian American community on June 4. Discussions centered around national unity against terrorism and the diaspora’s support for India’s counter-terror efforts.
“What we are seeking to do in every country is to explain our version of events, our experience of the last few weeks, to seek the solidarity and understanding of those we meet,” Tharoor told the press. “So far, every single person we have met has immediately condemned the terrorist attack and explicitly endorsed India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.”
The visit capped a significant diplomatic outreach by Indian lawmakers as they seek to consolidate global support in confronting terror threats and strengthening bilateral ties with key partners like the United States.
