All-party delegations to visit key nations to promote India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism
New Delhi, May 17 – Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay has opted out of the government's high-profile diplomatic outreach programme scheduled later this month, citing health concerns.The initiative, announced in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, involves sending seven all-party delegations to key partner nations, including members of the UN Security Council. The objective is to reinforce India’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism.
Bandyopadhyay confirmed that he had received a call from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and the Ministry of External Affairs, requesting his participation in the delegation to the United States. However, he informed the officials that he would not be able to join due to health issues.
In an official statement, the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry said, “The all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism.”
The government has selected prominent and articulate parliamentarians across party lines to lead each of the delegations. Those named include BJP MPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, DMK MP Kanimozhi, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde.
Each delegation will also include distinguished diplomats to support the outreach, ensuring a unified and impactful representation of India’s anti-terrorism stance on the global stage.