India, May 17 -- Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said he was honoured to be called upon to serve the nation in a time of crisis, stressing that national interest must rise above politics.

Tharoor, who was named to lead one of the government's delegations to explain India's stance on cross-border terrorism, said he had no hesitation in accepting the role, calling it a matter of duty.

"As I have mentioned, it is a very great honour. As a citizen being called upon to serve the nation at the time of crisis, is a matter of duty for all of us. At the same time, it is an honour that I have been asked to lead a delegation and I look forward very much to playing my part," Tharoor told reporters.

The Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapur...