SRINAGAR: An unprecedented outreach by seven all-party parliamentary delegations to 33 countries has resulted in widespread international condemnation of terrorism against India, with several nations explicitly acknowledging New Delhi’s right to self-defence.
The visits, conducted in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre, also helped counter Pakistani propaganda over Jammu and Kashmir and bolstered India’s position in global policy circles.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the delegations met with key interlocutors in governments, parliaments, think tanks, media, and the Indian diaspora. These engagements generated broad-based support for India’s position, particularly in light of Operation Sindoor, the country’s military and diplomatic response to the Pahalgam tragedy.
“All interlocutors unequivocally condemned terrorism against India,” Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Upper House. “Several recognised India’s right to defend itself, and the delegations were able to successfully raise awareness on Pakistan’s long record of cross-border terrorism.”
Comprising leaders from across India’s political spectrum, including MPs from BJP, Congress, DMK, NCP, TMC, AIMIM, and independents, the delegations were dispatched to five continents. Each was led by a senior parliamentarian and included former ambassadors to bring diplomatic gravitas to the discussions.
From Washington to Brussels, Tokyo to Riyadh, the Indian delegations used their engagements to present evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack and past terror incidents. They also provided a detailed rationale for Operation Sindoor, describing it as a measured but firm step to neutralise cross-border threats.
In the United States, the delegation led by Shashi Tharoor held meetings with members of Congress and State Department officials, receiving bipartisan sympathy and statements supporting India’s security interests.
In the European Union, a group led by Ravi Shankar Prasad engaged top EU policymakers in Brussels, Paris, and Berlin, where the discussions reportedly led to renewed calls for closer counterterrorism cooperation with India.
In the Middle East and Gulf, delegations received strong diplomatic support. Leaders in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE condemned the Pahalgam attack and expressed solidarity with India’s anti-terror campaign.
In Africa and Latin America, where India’s strategic partnerships are growing, the outreach helped in correcting misperceptions about Jammu and Kashmir and in building support for India’s narrative at multilateral forums.
Key figures who participated include Asaduddin Owaisi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Milind Deora, Tejasvi Surya, Kanimozhi, Supriya Sule, and Manish Tewari. Senior diplomats like Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Syed Akbaruddin, and Taranjit Singh Sandhu accompanied the groups to provide diplomatic continuity.
The Ministry said the strategy of deploying bipartisan voices proved effective in showcasing India’s united stance on terrorism. “The diversity in the delegations gave credibility to India’s message abroad. It demonstrated to the world that India is politically united when it comes to terrorism,” a senior official said.
The delegations also engaged extensively with the Indian diaspora. In cities like New York, London, Dubai, and Singapore, community events were organised to update Indians abroad on national security concerns and enlist their support in countering disinformation, especially online.
While the government has not yet announced any follow-up visits, officials say the outcomes from this round are being monitored and fed into India’s larger diplomatic strategy. Sources indicate the campaign helped shape conversations at the UN, FATF, and several other platforms where India’s case against Pakistan’s terror infrastructure is gaining momentum.
