In a significant diplomatic maneuver following the recent Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has designated 59 Members of Parliament to lead a global outreach initiative, aiming to present a unified front against terrorism and to articulate India's perspective on the situation. This cross-party delegation, which includes prominent figures from both the ruling and opposition parties, will engage with key partner nations to convey India's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, involved a series of targeted strikes by the Indian Armed Forces on alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This action was a response to the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. India has maintained that the strikes were aimed at specific militant groups and were intended to be "focused, measured, and non-escalatory."
The composition of the parliamentary delegation reflects a broad spectrum of political ideologies, underscoring a national consensus on the issue of terrorism. Among the notable leaders are Shashi Tharoor from the Indian National Congress and Supriya Sule from the Nationalist Congress Party, both representing the opposition. Their inclusion signals a bipartisan effort to communicate India's concerns and objectives to the international community.
The initiative, coordinated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, involves dispatching seven all-party delegations of MPs to key global capitals. The 10-day outreach mission is scheduled to commence on May 23, 2025.
Shashi Tharoor will lead a delegation to the United States, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia. Supriya Sule will head the delegation to Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Other leaders include Ravi Shankar Prasad (UK, France, Germany, EU, Italy, and Denmark), Sanjay Kumar Jha (Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore), Baijayant Panda (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Algeria), Shrikant Eknath Shinde (UAE, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone), and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia).
The selection of these leaders and the composition of their respective teams appear strategically designed to ensure effective communication with diverse audiences across the globe. The delegates will be tasked with explaining the rationale behind Operation Sindoor, presenting evidence of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, and seeking international support for India's counter-terrorism efforts.
This diplomatic outreach is viewed as crucial for several reasons. First, it aims to counter any potential misinformation or misinterpretations of India's actions. Second, it seeks to build a stronger international coalition against terrorism. Finally, it reinforces India's commitment to peace and stability in the region, while also asserting its right to self-defense.
The inclusion of opposition leaders in this initiative is particularly noteworthy. It sends a powerful message that India is united in its resolve to combat terrorism, regardless of political affiliations. This unified front is expected to lend greater credibility to India's diplomatic efforts and enhance its standing on the global stage.
The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to provide comprehensive briefings and logistical support to the delegations, ensuring that they are well-equipped to articulate India's position effectively. The success of this mission will depend on the ability of these parliamentarians to engage in constructive dialogue, build bridges, and foster a deeper understanding of India's security concerns among key international stakeholders.
