The significant diplomatic initiative comprises seven multi-party delegations, totaling 51 political leaders, who will visit over 30 countries. This effort aims to convey India’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in light of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent actions under Operation Sindoor on May 7.
This new approach is seen as India’s declaration against terrorism and Pakistan, utilizing both military and diplomatic avenues.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju released a comprehensive list of delegates on Saturday, May 17, via X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing it as India’s “collective resolve against terrorism.”
“One mission. One message. One Bharat. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon engage key nations under Operation Sindoor, reflecting our collective resolve against terrorism,” stated Rijiju.
Leadership and Delegation Details
The seven groups, each headed by a senior parliamentarian, will include members from both the ruling party and the opposition.
Group 1, spearheaded by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, will visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. This group comprises MPs from the BJP, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and other parties, along with former diplomats like Harsh Shringla.
Group 2, led by BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad, is set to travel to the UK, France, Germany, and several other European nations. Members include BJP MPs, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, and former minister M J Akbar.
Group 3 is led by Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)’s] Sanjay Kumar Jha, planning visits to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. The group includes members from the BJP, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], and others, including former External Affairs Minister (EAM) Salman Khurshid.
Group 4, led by Shiv Sena MP Eknath Shinde, will have representatives from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and will visit the UAE, Liberia, Congo, and Sierra Leone.
Group 5, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, will consist of members from the BJP, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party, traveling to the United States, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia.
Group 6, directed by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, is slated to head to Russia, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, and Latvia. It will feature members from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Samajwadi Party (SP), and National Conference (NC).
Group 7, led by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule, is designated to visit Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin is also part of this delegation.
Congress Critiques Government on Selection Process
The Indian National Congress (INC) has expressed criticism regarding the selection process. Jairam Ramesh, general secretary and spokesperson for Congress, mentioned, “Only one of the four names suggested by the INC leadership has been included,” accusing the government of engaging in “cheap political games” concerning an essential national security issue.
Ramesh informed ANI that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had proposed four names for recommendation — Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Raja Brar — but only Anand Sharma was selected.
Conversely, the BJP government has appointed other Congress leaders such as Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Amar Singh, and Salman Khurshid, who were not part of the recommended names submitted by their party.
In Kerala, the Congress distanced itself from the controversy surrounding Tharoor’s agreement to lead a delegation. “The central leadership of the party should express its opinion,” commented VD Satheesan, leader of the Opposition in Kerala, to PTI.
Tharoor defended his involvement, stating, “I saw no politics in the matter,” citing his experience in foreign affairs as a reason for his participation.
Pakistan’s Counter-Diplomatic Efforts
In response, Pakistan has initiated its own outreach efforts following India’s diplomatic actions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided after discussions with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to dispatch a delegation to global capitals, including the US, UK, France, Russia, and Brussels.
According to PTI, referencing Radio Pakistan, the delegation aims to “expose Indian propaganda” and advocate for peace in Pakistan.
“I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times,” Bilawal reportedly stated.
TMC Selects Abhishek Banerjee
On May 20, TMC announced its choice of MP Abhishek Banerjee to represent the party. Initially, Yusuf Pathan was selected by the Centre but declined the invitation on May 19, reportedly at the request of Mamata Banerjee.
“We’re delighted to share that our Chairperson Mamata Banerjee has nominated National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee to represent Trinamool Congress in the all-party delegation for India’s global outreach against terrorism,” the party proclaimed on X (formerly Twitter) on May 20.
