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Following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent military response known as Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has decided to embark on an extensive diplomatic initiative. This initiative involves dispatching seven all-party delegations, composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the political spectrum, to various major partner nations around the world. The primary objective of these delegations is to communicate India's unwavering stance of “zero tolerance against terrorism” and to present what the government describes as a “national consensus” on this critical issue to key capitals globally. The timing of this diplomatic campaign is crucial, as it aims to solidify international support for India's counter-terrorism efforts and to address the root causes of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The delegations will serve as conduits for conveying India's concerns and expectations regarding the international community's role in combating terrorism. The selection of MPs from diverse political parties underscores the government's commitment to building a broad-based consensus on national security issues and projecting a united front on the global stage. Each delegation will be meticulously prepared with comprehensive briefing materials and strategic talking points to ensure consistency and effectiveness in their messaging. Furthermore, the inclusion of experienced diplomats and retired bureaucrats with specialized regional expertise alongside the MPs will provide valuable insights and guidance during their interactions with foreign counterparts. The government's decision to deploy these all-party delegations reflects a multifaceted approach to addressing the complex challenges of terrorism. It recognizes that military action alone is insufficient to eradicate terrorism and that sustained diplomatic engagement is essential to building international coalitions and isolating state sponsors of terrorism. The campaign is also intended to highlight the human cost of terrorism and to emphasize the urgent need for collective action to protect innocent civilians from the scourge of terrorism. By engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, lawmakers, policy influencers, and civil society organizations, the delegations will seek to raise awareness of the global threat posed by terrorism and to promote a coordinated response based on shared values and principles. The success of this diplomatic initiative will depend on the ability of the delegations to effectively communicate India's concerns, to build trust and understanding with foreign partners, and to secure concrete commitments to support India's counter-terrorism efforts. The government is committed to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure that the delegations are well-equipped to carry out their mission and to achieve their objectives.
The composition of these delegations is notable. The inclusion of prominent figures from various political parties aims to demonstrate a unified national approach to counter-terrorism, transcending partisan divides. Shashi Tharoor, a prominent member of the Congress party, has been selected, a move that has generated significant discussion and debate, particularly between the BJP and Congress. His inclusion suggests an attempt by the government to foster cross-party cooperation on matters of national security and foreign policy. Ravi Shankar Prasad, a former Union Law Minister and a BJP MP, will lead a delegation expected to visit key Muslim-majority nations in West Asia and North Africa, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. These countries are vital partners for India in terms of economic and security cooperation, and Prasad's visit will aim to strengthen these ties and underscore India's commitment to combating terrorism in the region. Sanjay Kumar Jha from Janata Dal (United) will head a delegation to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, highlighting India's strategic engagement with East and Southeast Asia. Baijayant “Jay” Panda, a BJP national vice president, will lead a delegation that notably includes AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, demonstrating an effort to incorporate diverse perspectives and voices in the diplomatic outreach. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, a DMK MP, is the only representative from southern India leading a delegation, emphasizing the importance of regional representation in the government's diplomatic efforts. Supriya Sule from the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) will lead a team covering Oman, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, countries with significant Indian expat populations and historical diplomatic ties. Finally, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, the son of the former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and a Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MP, is the youngest among those leading delegations, signaling a focus on engaging younger leaders in the diplomatic process. The selection of these individuals reflects a strategic approach to engaging with different regions and constituencies, ensuring that India's message resonates effectively with a wide range of audiences.
The core message that these delegations are tasked with delivering is the urgent need for the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its continued support of terrorist groups operating across the border. The Indian government has made it clear that it views any future terror attacks originating from Pakistan as acts of war, signaling a heightened level of concern and a willingness to take decisive action to protect its national security. This message is intended to send a strong signal to Pakistan and to the international community that India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism and that it expects concrete action to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent future attacks. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, each delegation will engage in meetings with senior officials, lawmakers, and policy influencers in their respective destinations. The discussions will focus on key issues such as the Pahalgam attack and India's response, the persistent problem of cross-border terrorism, India's firm position on Jammu and Kashmir, and the critical need for stronger mechanisms to counter terror financing and eliminate safe havens for terrorists. These discussions aim to foster a deeper understanding of India's security concerns and to galvanize international support for its efforts to combat terrorism. The delegations will also emphasize the importance of international cooperation in sharing intelligence, coordinating law enforcement efforts, and implementing effective sanctions against terrorist organizations and their sponsors. Furthermore, the delegations will seek to promote a shared vision of a region free from terrorism and extremism, where all countries can coexist peacefully and cooperate for mutual benefit. The government's diplomatic campaign is a critical element of its overall strategy to counter terrorism and to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. By engaging with the international community, India aims to build a global consensus on the need to address the root causes of terrorism and to hold accountable those who support and enable it. The success of this campaign will depend on the effectiveness of the delegations in conveying India's message, building trust with foreign partners, and securing concrete commitments to support its counter-terrorism efforts. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing all available avenues to combat terrorism and to protect its national interests.
Source: These 7 MPs Will Carry India's Anti-Terror Message To The World