In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has initiated a diplomatic outreach program to present its stance on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism to the international community. As part of this effort, multi-party parliamentary delegations are being dispatched to various countries. Recent reports clarify that the government did not specifically request names from the Congress party for inclusion in these delegations, contrary to some initial assumptions.

Following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists, the government decided to undertake a major diplomatic offensive to expose Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. This initiative gained further momentum after Operation Sindoor, India's counter-offensive against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, conducted in early May.

To ensure a united front, the government proposed sending inter-party parliamentary delegations to several countries to articulate India's perspective. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju contacted key opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, to seek their participation. Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh confirmed the party's commitment to this endeavor, emphasizing the party's dedication to national interest and its policy of not politicizing national security matters.

However, recent developments suggest a nuanced approach in the selection process of delegation members. While the government engaged with opposition parties to ensure their representation, it appears that specific names were not solicited from the Congress party beforehand. This clarification comes amidst some confusion and conflicting reports regarding the inclusion of certain individuals, such as Shashi Tharoor, in the delegations.

The composition of these delegations reflects a broad spectrum of Indian politics and expertise. They include sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), former Union ministers, and retired diplomats, aiming to present a comprehensive and unified message to the global community. Noteworthy figures such as former Union ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad, M J Akbar, and Salman Khurshid are part of this outreach. Seasoned former diplomats like Syed Akbaruddin, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Harsh Shringla are also included, adding significant diplomatic weight to the delegations.

These delegations, deemed a "united front" by a government press note, are scheduled to visit 32 countries and the European Union. Their primary objective is to demonstrate India's collective resolve against terrorism and to garner international support for its position. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is providing detailed briefings to the delegation members to equip them with the necessary information and perspectives.

The Congress party has expressed its support for the government's diplomatic outreach, with Jairam Ramesh stating that the Indian National Congress will "definitely be a part of these delegations." He also pointed out that during the Narasimha Rao regime, then-Opposition leader AB Vajpayee led a delegation to the UN, setting a precedent for bipartisan collaboration on foreign policy matters.

Despite this show of unity, some internal tensions within the Congress party have surfaced. Certain leaders have criticized Shashi Tharoor for allegedly supporting the government's post-attack operations, leading to murmurs of potential disciplinary action. However, given the upcoming Kerala assembly elections in 2026, the Congress party is expected to tread carefully to maintain a cohesive front.

The government's decision to send these multi-party delegations is also influenced by the need to counter contradicting claims from some international experts regarding Operation Sindoor and its aftermath. The aim is to ensure that India's viewpoint is accurately conveyed and that international support is mobilized on the issue of terrorism.

In conclusion, the Indian government's diplomatic outreach initiative, while enjoying broad support, is navigating a complex political landscape. While the government is keen to present a united front against terrorism, it has not specifically asked Congress for names for foreign outreach and internal dynamics within the Congress party and differing perspectives on the approach to foreign policy add layers of complexity to this endeavor. The focus remains on effectively communicating India's stance on terrorism and securing international backing for its efforts.