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S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, seldom passes up the chance to inform the world about the existence of terrorism that is sponsored by Pakistan. While Marco Rubio placed a wreath at the 26/11 memorial in Mumbai on Tuesday, Jaishankar ensured that the US Secretary of State heard the account of a person who personally experienced the atrocities of the 2008 attacks. Rubio was given a thorough explanation of how Lashkar militants besieged the Taj Hotel for about sixty hours by Sunil Kudyadi, the hotel's security chief.
Even though the conversation was brief, its message was difficult to ignore at a time when the Trump administration has been working to build strong connections with Pakistan. During the terror attacks that claimed 166 lives, including six Americans, the Taj Hotel was one of the main targets.
FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF THE 26/11 ATTACKS GIVEN TO RUBIO
Jaishankar allowed Kudyadi, who was inside the Taj during the attack, to speak exclusively after Rubio paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 massacre.Jaishankar introduced Kudyadi to Rubio and said, "He was the security person in charge." One of the unsung heroes, Kudyadi, was instrumental in warning others about the attack.
The US Secretary of State then asked for information regarding how the terrorists entered the premises while on a three-day visit to India. "They arrived in the midst of the nite. From the kitchen, they ascended to the sixth level," Kudyadi informed him.
Jaishankar went on to say that other persons had perished in the kitchen. 31 Taj Hotel staff members and trainees were killed during the terrifying 60-hour siege, according to Kudyadi."They barricaded them," Jaishankar clarified, alluding to the protracted effort to drive out the militants.
On November 26, 2008, at around 9 p.m., the attackers entered the lavish Taj Hotel, which was crowded with guests, including foreigners. The four armed terrorists killed victims at random while stalking the hallways for two nites and three days, trapping hundreds of visitors and employees inside.
Surprisingly, not a single Taj employee ran away. To assist the visitors, they all remained at the hotel. Kudyadi was one of them.SUNIL KUDYADI: WHO IS HE?
During the siege, Kudyadi had a crucial but unnoticed role. An unarmed Kudyadi guided the police and commandos, including MARCOS, through the Taj using his understanding of its intricate layout.
Throughout the 60-hour siege, he remained inside and helped with rescue operations while there was gunfire and explosions. During the operation, his expertise of the huge heritage site helped neutralize the attackers and save lives. In the end, it stopped more deaths.
Kudyadi was called a "unsung hero" by former Union Home Secretary Ram Pradhan, who led the committee that looked into the attacks. Pradhan stated in the report that security operations would have encountered significant obstacles in the absence of his direction across the complex hotel.
Regarding US-Pakistan relations, what did Rubio say?
In light of this, it is thought that Jaishankar made a wise diplomatic decision by allowing Kudyadi to inform Rubio on the 26/11 assaults. India reminded the US of the price of cross-border terrorism by allowing a first-hand witness to describe the horrors of the 2008 devastation. To India's dismay, Trump has attempted to strengthen strategic and commercial ties with Pakistan.
Jaishankar ensured that Rubio understood India's dismay.
The Union Minister stated, "We expect our partners to show zero tolerance for terrorism," at a celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary of independence."We are certain that we have the right to protect ourselves from terrorism," Jaishankar stated.
Later, Rubio justified the US's growing involvement with Pakistan in an interview with News18. He emphasized that America's engagement with Pakistan offers it the power to "discourage" actions by Islamabad that could raise red flags in New Delhi."We must maintain a relationship with Pakistan. It is a nation with nuclear weapons. Geographically speaking, we must be able to communicate with this nation," Rubio stated.
Rubio emphasized that Washington must retain relations with nations with which it disagrees as part of US foreign policy.
"It could be a positive thing because if we have a relationship, and we can speak to them (Pakistan)... it puts us in a position to help discourage the kinds of things that India is worried about," Rubio further stated.
Rubio did, however, take care to deliver a clear message to Pakistan, a state sponsor of terrorism. "Anywhere in the world, we oppose terrorism. "Anyone who supports terrorism is against us," he declared.
