In a significant diplomatic outreach, India is dispatching a 51-member political delegation to 32 nations and the EU headquarters in Brussels to communicate its firm stance against terrorism in the wake of Operation Sindoor. This initiative involves leaders from across the political spectrum, aiming to present a united front to the international community.
The delegation is divided into seven groups, each led by a senior Member of Parliament. These leaders include Baijayant Panda (BJP), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (DMK), and Supriya Sule (NCP-SP). Each group comprises seven or eight political figures, assisted by former diplomats, ensuring a blend of political experience and diplomatic expertise.
Of the 51 political leaders, 31 belong to the ruling NDA coalition, while the remaining 20 represent non-NDA parties. This inclusive composition underscores the national consensus on combating terrorism. Furthermore, each delegation includes at least one Muslim representative, either a politician or diplomat, highlighting India's commitment to inclusivity and representation in its global outreach.
The mission, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," aims to convey a singular message of zero tolerance against terrorism. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized this unity, stating, "One mission. One message. One Bharat." This coordinated effort seeks to reinforce India's commitment to global security and counter-terrorism efforts.
The delegations will engage with key nations, including members of the United Nations Security Council, to share information, address concerns, and foster cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The visits are scheduled to commence on May 23rd and will span approximately 10 days.
Several prominent leaders are part of these delegations. Baijayant Panda's group will visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria, and includes Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. Ravi Shankar Prasad will lead a delegation to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, and Denmark, accompanied by M.J. Akbar and former diplomat Pankaj Saran. Sanjay Kumar Jha's team will travel to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, including Salman Khurshid and former diplomat Mohan Kumar. Shrikant Shinde will head to the UAE, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone. Shashi Tharoor's delegation will visit the USA, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia, and Kanimozhi will lead a group to countries in Africa.
This diplomatic initiative follows Operation Sindoor, which was reportedly launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam and aimed at terrorist infrastructure across the border. By sending these delegations, India seeks to present a united front against terrorism and garner international support for its counter-terrorism efforts. The inclusion of diverse political voices and experienced diplomats underscores the seriousness and comprehensive nature of India's approach to this critical issue.