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In a significant diplomatic endeavor, India is dispatching seven Members of Parliament (MPs) across the globe to champion its unwavering stance against terrorism. This initiative, orchestrated by the central government, aims to reshape the global narrative on terrorism by presenting compelling evidence of India's experiences and resolute determination to combat the menace. The delegations, comprised of representatives from diverse political parties, underscore the bipartisan consensus on the need for a united front against terrorism. Among the prominent figures selected to lead these delegations are Shashi Tharoor from the Indian National Congress (INC), Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Supriya Sule from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The selection of these individuals reflects a strategic approach to leverage their expertise, experience, and international networks to effectively communicate India's message on the global stage.
The decision to send these delegations stems from a heightened sense of urgency following recent terrorist attacks, including the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22. This tragic event served as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorism and the imperative for concerted international action. By directly engaging with foreign governments and international bodies, India seeks to foster greater understanding and collaboration in the fight against terrorism. The delegations will be tasked with presenting India's evidence related to the Pahalgam attack and other instances of terrorism, highlighting the cross-border nature of the threat and the need for coordinated efforts to dismantle terrorist networks.
Shashi Tharoor, a seasoned diplomat and former Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information at the United Nations, brings a wealth of experience in international affairs to the delegation. As the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, Tharoor possesses a deep understanding of global security challenges and the complexities of international relations. His selection to lead a delegation to the United States underscores the importance India attaches to its strategic partnership with the US in countering terrorism. Tharoor's recent remarks on the India-Pakistan conflict, while drawing some criticism from within his own party, reflect his nuanced understanding of the regional dynamics and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of terrorism. His participation in the high-level delegation to the United States, following 'Operation Sindoor', signals India's commitment to a proactive diplomatic outreach to key allies.
Ravi Shankar Prasad, a parliamentarian representing the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in Bihar, brings a strong political background and deep understanding of domestic security challenges to the delegation. His leadership of a delegation to the Middle East highlights the importance of engaging with countries in this region, which has been significantly impacted by terrorism and extremism. Prasad's experience as a parliamentarian and his understanding of the Indian political landscape will be invaluable in conveying India's perspective on terrorism to counterparts in the Middle East. His selection reflects the government's recognition of the need for a multifaceted approach to counterterrorism, encompassing both domestic and international efforts.
Supriya Sule, a parliamentarian from the Baramati Constituency in Maharashtra and the daughter of NCP leader Sharad Pawar, brings a strong understanding of regional security dynamics and the challenges posed by terrorism in South Asia. Her leadership of a delegation to South Africa and Egypt reflects the importance of engaging with countries in Africa, which has also been grappling with the growing threat of terrorism. Sule's experience as a parliamentarian and her understanding of the political landscape in Maharashtra will be valuable in conveying India's perspective on terrorism to counterparts in South Africa and Egypt. Her participation in the delegation underscores the government's commitment to a comprehensive approach to counterterrorism, encompassing engagement with countries across different regions of the world.
In addition to Tharoor, Prasad, and Sule, the other MPs selected to lead delegations include Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena). Sanjay Kumar Jha, the national working president of the JDU and a Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar, will lead a delegation to Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This underscores the importance of engaging with countries in East and Southeast Asia, where there are growing concerns about the spread of extremism and terrorism. Baijayant Panda, the national vice president of the BJP and a five-time MP from Odisha, will head the team to Western Europe, highlighting the need for continued cooperation with European countries in countering terrorism. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, a Member of Parliament from the Thoothukkudi constituency in Tamil Nadu and the deputy general secretary of the DMK, will visit India’s key partner countries Russia and Spain, reflecting the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing global security challenges. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, an MP from the Kalyan constituency in Maharashtra and the son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, will represent India in the UAE and Africa, emphasizing the importance of engaging with countries in these regions to counter terrorism.
The composition of these delegations, comprising representatives from different political parties, underscores the bipartisan consensus on the need for a united front against terrorism. This cross-party representation sends a strong message to the international community that India is united in its resolve to combat terrorism, regardless of political affiliations. The delegations will be tasked with presenting India's evidence related to terrorist attacks, highlighting the cross-border nature of the threat, and advocating for coordinated efforts to dismantle terrorist networks. They will also emphasize India's commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law in its counterterrorism efforts. The initiative is a proactive step by India to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and to ensure that its voice is heard on the global stage. The selection of experienced and influential MPs to lead these delegations demonstrates India's commitment to this endeavor and its determination to make a significant contribution to the global effort to counter terrorism.
Furthermore, the global outreach program reflects India's broader strategic objectives in the realm of international security. By actively engaging with foreign governments and international bodies, India aims to enhance its credibility as a responsible and influential global actor. The country seeks to contribute to the development of international norms and standards for countering terrorism, while also promoting its own experiences and best practices in this field. India has long been a victim of terrorism, and its leaders believe that the country has valuable lessons to share with the international community. The global outreach program provides a platform for India to share its insights, perspectives, and strategies for combating terrorism, thereby contributing to a more effective and coordinated global response to this threat.
The timing of this initiative is also significant. The world is currently facing a complex and evolving security landscape, with the rise of new terrorist groups, the spread of extremist ideologies, and the increasing use of technology by terrorists. In this context, it is crucial for countries to work together to address these challenges and to share information and intelligence. India's global outreach program is a timely and important contribution to these efforts. By sending delegations of MPs to different regions of the world, India is demonstrating its commitment to working with its partners to counter terrorism and to promote peace and security.
In conclusion, India's decision to send seven MPs abroad to advocate its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism is a significant diplomatic initiative. The delegations, comprised of representatives from diverse political parties, underscore the bipartisan consensus on the need for a united front against terrorism. By directly engaging with foreign governments and international bodies, India seeks to foster greater understanding and collaboration in the fight against terrorism. The initiative reflects India's broader strategic objectives in the realm of international security and its commitment to contributing to a more effective and coordinated global response to terrorism. The program will serve as a crucial step in reinforcing international cooperation and ensuring that India remains at the forefront of global counterterrorism efforts.
Source: Who Are The 7 MPs Part of Centre's Anti-Terror Global Outreach? Check List