Tharoor, Kanimozhi, Ravi Shankar Prasad among key MPs leading international outreach post-Operation Sindoor
New Delhi, May 17 – In a significant diplomatic move following Operation Sindoor, India is sending seven all-party delegations to key partner nations to reinforce its strong stance of zero tolerance against terrorism. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, brings together leaders from both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, underscoring a rare display of political unity on matters of national interest.Prominent leaders including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, DMK's Kanimozhi, BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad, and JD(U)'s Sanjay Jha will head the delegations. They will be joined by other senior parliamentarians such as NCP-SP's Supriya Sule, BJP's Baijayant 'Jay' Panda, and Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde. The mission aims to present India’s unified response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
Purpose of the Delegations
According to the ministry’s official statement, the delegations will "project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations." The visits aim to deliver a direct message to key global partners, including UN Security Council members, reinforcing India’s uncompromising stance on cross-border terrorism.Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X, "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."
Planned Itinerary and Participants
Each delegation will include six to seven members of Parliament and visit four to five countries. The following travel plans have been outlined:- Ravi Shankar Prasad-led delegation: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria
- Supriya Sule-led team: Oman, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt
- Sanjay Jha-led group: Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia
Other notable participants include MPs Anurag Thakur, Aparajita Sarangi, Manish Tewari, Asaduddin Owaisi, Amar Singh, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Brij Lal, and Sasmit Patra. Former Congress minister Salman Khurshid, though not an MP, will be part of Jha’s team. Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay was also invited but declined due to health reasons.
Voices of Unity Across Political Lines
Shashi Tharoor expressed gratitude for being chosen to lead the delegation to five crucial capitals. In a post on X, he stated, "When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind!"Shrikant Shinde echoed similar sentiments, affirming, "We will firmly convey to the international community that terrorism has no place in India, and that it is Pakistan which continues to nurture terrorism on its own soil."
India’s Assertive Global Stand
This outreach is part of India’s broader diplomatic strategy following its forceful response to the Pahalgam attack. The Indian government has clarified that Operation Sindoor has only been paused, not concluded, and any future provocation from Pakistan will be viewed as an act of war.The move reinforces India’s demand for global acknowledgment of Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. It shifts the narrative away from the Kashmir issue, focusing instead on the broader threat of terror.
By deploying bipartisan delegations to international capitals, India is showcasing a united front and a clear, unwavering message: terrorism in any form will not be tolerated.
