Shashi Tharoor, Eknath Shinde Part of 7-Member All-Party Delegation to Promote India’s Anti-Terror Message Globally

In a significant diplomatic move, the Government of India is sending an all-party delegation comprising seven prominent leaders from both the Opposition and the ruling NDA to key partner countries. Their mission: to project India’s united and resolute stance of zero tolerance against terrorism.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs announced on Saturday that, “In the context of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against cross-border terrorism, seven All-Party Delegations are set to visit key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council later this month.”

The press release emphasized that these delegations will represent India’s national consensus and unwavering commitment to counter terrorism in all forms. “Members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation,” it said.

Delegation Leaders

The seven-member delegation includes four representatives from the ruling NDA and three from the Opposition INDIA bloc. The MPs leading the delegations are:

• Shashi Tharoor (Congress)
  
• Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP)
  
• Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU)
  
• Baijayant Panda (BJP)
  
• Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK)
  
• Supriya Sule (NCP)
  
• Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena)
  

According to PTI sources, each delegation may visit around five countries during a 10-day tour beginning on May 23. Likely destinations include major global capitals such as the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Japan, ANI reported.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who is spearheading the coordination for this diplomatic initiative, 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. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences.”

This marks the first instance where the Centre is deploying MPs from various parties to jointly articulate India’s position on Kashmir and cross-border terrorism from Pakistan on the international stage.

Background: Operation Sindoor and India’s Firm Response

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The operation involved precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists.

In the ensuing four-day conflict along India’s northern and northwestern borders, Pakistan targeted both civilian and military infrastructure. India responded with strikes on strategic Pakistani military assets in Chaklala, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Jacobabad, and Sargodha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi later stated that Operation Sindoor has “set a new normal” in India’s counterterrorism doctrine. India’s approach now includes:

• Retaliating on its own terms
  
• Rejecting nuclear blackmail
  
• Making no distinction between terrorists and the regimes that support them
  

Indian officials reported the loss of five Indian soldiers, while estimating 35–40 Pakistani casualties.

Diplomatic Measures and Global Engagement

India has declared that terror and talks, as well as terror and trade, cannot co-exist. This stance includes placing the Indus Water Treaty—a long-standing water-sharing agreement with Pakistan—in abeyance, just one day after the Pahalgam attack.

As part of its diplomatic campaign, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who condemned the Pahalgam attack. Jaishankar shared on social media:

“Good conversation with acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.”India also raised concerns at international forums, including criticizing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for disbursing funds to Pakistan amid ongoing concerns about terrorism.