National: In a significant move to solidify international support against cross-border terrorism, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has announced a high-level, seven-member All-Party delegation of Members of Parliament set to engage with key partner nations. This initiative follows the recent deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and India’s subsequent military response, Operation Sindoor.
The delegation includes prominent leaders from across the political spectrum, with senior Congress figure Shashi Tharoor notably among the selected members. Tharoor’s inclusion has sparked considerable discussion, particularly within his own party, given his public support for Operation Sindoor, a stance that reportedly caused some internal friction.
Announcing the delegation via social media platform X, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju underscored the unified national stance driving this diplomatic effort. He stated, “In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero-tolerance to terrorism. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences.”
The distinguished list of parliamentarians chosen for this crucial mission includes Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP), and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena).
Confirming the development, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh detailed that Minister Rijiju had contacted the Congress President and the Leader of the Opposition on May 16, requesting four nominations from the party, which were promptly provided.
The planned diplomatic outreach will see multiple delegations, each comprising five to six MPs, visiting strategically important countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The tours are scheduled to commence after May 22, with invitations already extended to the respective host governments.
This concerted diplomatic push, spearheaded by Minister Rijiju, aims to build a robust international consensus regarding Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorist organizations. This action is a direct response to the Pahalgam attack, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 civilians. India’s Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps across the border, and the subsequent attempted drone strike by Pakistan had heightened regional tensions. However, military-level talks held on May 10 resulted in an agreement to de-escalate the situation, paving the way for this crucial diplomatic engagement.
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