New Delhi | May 17, 2025 — In a rare display of bipartisan solidarity, the Government of India has appointed seven senior Members of Parliament, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, to lead high-level delegations to key global capitals as part of its diplomatic outreach following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The initiative aims to convey India’s unequivocal stance of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and counter Pakistan’s narrative on the international stage.
The outreach, announced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, marks the first time that the Modi government has entrusted elected representatives from across the political spectrum with such a strategic international mandate.
“In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united,” Rijiju posted on X. “Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero tolerance to terrorism. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences.”
Tharoor to Lead U.S. Delegation
Among the seven appointed delegation heads, Tharoor’s inclusion is particularly notable given recent criticism from within his party over his remarks on India-Pakistan relations. Nonetheless, the former UN diplomat and current Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs will lead a diverse delegation to the United States, underlining a shared commitment to national interest over party politics.
Taking to X, Tharoor stated, “I am honoured by the invitation of the Government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation’s point of view on recent events. When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting.”
Tharoor’s delegation includes MPs Shambhavi Chaudhary (LJP-Ram Vilas), Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmad (JMM), Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi (TDP), Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), and Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), along with former Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
Who’s Going Where
According to government sources, the following lawmakers will lead delegations to various regions:
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Supriya Sule (NCP) – South Africa and Egypt
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Baijayant Panda (BJP) – Western Europe
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Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena) – UAE and Africa
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Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU) – Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia
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Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) – Middle East
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Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK) – Russia and Spain
Each delegation comprises MPs from multiple parties and experienced diplomats, tasked with engaging governments, think tanks, and media to present India’s position following Operation Sindoor—a targeted military campaign conducted by India on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Operation Sindoor: Context and Fallout
India launched Operation Sindoor after credible intelligence linked the April 22 Pahalgam attack—which killed 26 civilians—to Pakistan-based terror networks. The Indian military carried out precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, neutralizing over 100 militants affiliated with groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched drones and missiles toward western India, all of which were intercepted by Indian defense systems. India subsequently struck designated military targets deeper within Pakistani territory, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Diplomatic Messaging
The multi-nation diplomatic campaign underscores India’s efforts to internationalize the issue of cross-border terrorism and reposition its narrative before global policymakers. With the delegations spanning continents—from Europe and North America to Asia and Africa—New Delhi appears determined to build a cohesive international consensus against state-sponsored terrorism.
Political analysts say the government’s decision to include opposition leaders, particularly those like Tharoor who are well-respected in international circles, adds gravitas to the campaign. “It’s a calculated move to demonstrate unity at home while enhancing credibility abroad,” said a senior official familiar with the planning.
As India seeks to navigate the complex intersection of diplomacy and security, this bipartisan initiative may prove to be a pivotal step in reshaping global perceptions and strengthening its strategic position on the world stage.
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