Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jun 5: An Indian parliamentary delegation visiting the United States has firmly conveyed to American officials that New Delhi will not entertain dialogue with Pakistan "at gunpoint" while Islamabad continues to shelter and sponsor terrorism.

The delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, met with US Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Thursday to reinforce India’s position. Tharoor characterized Pakistan as a neighbor who "unleashes a rottweiler to bite your children and do worse, and then says 'let’s talk.'" India, he emphasized, would only engage in dialogue once Islamabad dismantles its terror infrastructure.

"Talks are possible only if Pakistan locks up the rottweilers or puts them to sleep," Tharoor said. He dismissed any suggestion that the US should mediate, underscoring that while India respects the American presidency, "we have never particularly wanted to ask anyone to mediate."

The Indian team also met with members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the India Caucus, highlighting robust bipartisan support for India. The India Caucus, with nearly 200 members, dwarfs the Pakistan Caucus, which has about 50 members, a differential the delegation pointed out to emphasize the breadth of support for India’s stance.

At the same time, a Pakistani delegation trailing the Indian team in Washington scrambled for meetings and sought US mediation on the Kashmir issue, repeating its oft-cited claim that Kashmir remains an “unfinished agenda” at the United Nations. Indian officials rejected this narrative outright, pointing to Pakistan’s own failure to withdraw from territories it occupies.

Tharoor underscored India’s position on Kashmir, asserting that the region was experiencing record economic growth and tourism before the Pahalgam terrorist attacks. "More tourists than Aspen, Colorado," he said, ridiculing Pakistan’s claim of a humanitarian crisis in Jammu & Kashmir.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, also part of the delegation, drew a sharp contrast between the two countries in a presentation to US lawmakers, listing five Pakistanis associated with terrorist attacks in the US—Ramzi Yousef, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Faisal Shahzad, Tashfeen Malik, and Muhammad Shahzeb Khan—and contrasting them with five Indian corporate leaders—Indra Nooyi, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Ajay Banga, and Arvind Krishna—who have driven billions in economic activity in the US.

“India gives tech titans; Pakistan gives terrorists,” Surya said.

Vice President Vance initially declared the India-Pakistan standoff "not our business," signaling US support for India’s retaliatory strikes after the Pahalgam terrorist attacks. However, he later attempted to facilitate a truce. India quickly clarified that Vance was only conveying Pakistan’s desire to stand down and that New Delhi does not accept any external mediation on bilateral issues.

Tharoor said after the meeting: “Excellent meeting with Vice President @JDVance 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 & productive exchange for strengthening the India-US strategic partnership, with a great meeting of minds.”

Meanwhile, Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in a social media post, repeated familiar allegations about a humanitarian crisis in Jammu & Kashmir, despite no such crisis existing except for terrorist attacks exported from Pakistan.

The Indian delegation’s visit underscores New Delhi’s firm stand against terrorism and refusal to engage in dialogue until Pakistan takes concrete steps to dismantle its terrorist infrastructure.