In a significant diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the government has named seven Members of Parliament (MPs) to lead all-party delegations to key partner nations. This initiative aims to present a united front against terrorism and convey India's zero-tolerance stance on the issue. The move comes after the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and the subsequent Indian offensive against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The seven MPs chosen to lead these delegations come from a diverse range of political parties, reflecting a national consensus on combating terrorism. These leaders are Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, BJP MPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde.
These delegations, each comprising five to eight members, are expected to visit key global capitals starting May 23 for a 10-day international tour. The countries likely to be visited include the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Japan. The aim is to raise global awareness about Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism and explain the rationale behind India's actions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Shashi Tharoor is expected to lead the delegation to the United States. Ravi Shankar Prasad's delegation is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. Supriya Sule's team will travel to Oman, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt. Sanjay Kumar Jha is likely to lead a delegation to Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Shrikant Shinde may lead a delegation to the UAE and several African countries, while Kanimozhi is expected to head a delegation to Russia and Spain.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs stated that the delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms. They will also carry forth the country's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism. The delegations will also visit members of the UN Security Council.
The inclusion of opposition leaders in these delegations is intended to showcase India's bipartisan resolve in confronting terrorism. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that in moments that matter most, India stands united. He described the all-party delegations as a powerful reflection of national unity above politics and beyond differences.
However, the selection of Shashi Tharoor to lead a delegation has stirred some controversy within the Congress party. According to reports, the Congress party had recommended other names for the delegation, and Tharoor's inclusion was not initially part of their plan. Despite this, Tharoor has accepted the responsibility, stating that when national interest is involved and his services are required, he will not be found wanting.
Supriya Sule expressed her honor in joining the all-party delegation and representing India on the global stage. She conveyed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister Kiren Rijiju, and the Ministry of External Affairs for the opportunity. Sule emphasized that the mission of the delegations is to convey India's united and unwavering message of zero tolerance against terrorism.
