For the first time, India is sending delegations of MPs from across party lines to several countries with the message: Pakistan must be held accountable for sponsoring terrorism.
Seven delegations, each including members from different political parties, will be visiting key nations like the US, Japan, UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and South Africa. The mission of the delegations is to inform the world about Pakistan’s alleged role in the deadly attack in Pahalgam and India’s response—Operation Sindoor.
The list of MPs in these delegations is quite broad. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, DMK’s Kanimozhi, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule, and JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha are among those leading the charge. Even AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, a consistent critic of the government, is expected to join.
Speaking to reporters, Owaisi said, “Pakistan has become a threat to humanity. They’ve financed and trained terrorists for decades.” He added, “We have to tell the world that India’s Muslims—20 crore of us—are safe and proud here. Pakistan cannot misuse Islam to justify terrorism.”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the move, calling it a “reflection of national unity above politics.” The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs said this cross-party initiative is aimed at showing the world a united front from India against terrorism.
Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the move. “It’s a good opportunity to present India’s case globally, just like we did after the 2001 Parliament attack,” he said. He also acknowledged the blow tourism in Kashmir has taken after the Pahalgam attack. “Our summer season is almost gone,” he admitted. “Now, we’re focusing on ensuring a safe and peaceful Amarnath Yatra in July.”
These diplomatic missions are also seen as India’s counter to Pakistan’s efforts to internationalize the Kashmir issue, especially after recent comments from US President Donald Trump.
This is the first time under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership that such a broad spectrum of elected MPs is being used as diplomatic emissaries.
