Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, India has taken a strong diplomatic step. The government has formed seven delegations of Members of Parliament (MPs) to travel across the world. Their mission is to expose Pakistan-backed terrorism and share evidence directly with foreign governments and global institutions.
These delegations aim to build international support and clarify India’s position on the growing terror threat. They also seek to counter any misinformation being spread internationally.
Shashi Tharoor Chosen for US Despite Internal Party Criticism
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will lead the delegation to the United States. Interestingly, this comes at a time when Tharoor is under fire within his own party for his recent remarks on India-Pakistan relations. Still, the government has picked him for this key diplomatic task, showing that national security is taking precedence over political differences.
Multi-Party Team to Show United Indian Front
The government selected leaders from multiple parties to show that India’s response to terrorism is bipartisan. Each delegation includes MPs, senior political leaders, and experienced diplomats. The goal is to present a unified Indian voice abroad.
Here are the MPs leading each international delegation:
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Shashi Tharoor (Congress) – United States
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Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP)
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Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU)
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Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda (BJP) – Western Europe
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Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK)
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Supriya Sule (NCP) – South Africa and Egypt
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Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) – UAE and Africa
Delegates Assigned to Key Regions
According to government sources, each delegation has a specific region of focus. For example:
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Supriya Sule will meet leaders in South Africa and Egypt.
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Jay Panda will take India’s message to Germany, France, and the UK.
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Shrikant Shinde will travel to the United Arab Emirates and other African nations.
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Tharoor will meet officials and think tanks in Washington DC and New York.
Focus on Pahalgam Attack and Cross-Border Terror
The delegations will present strong evidence about the Pahalgam attack, which India blames on Pakistan-based groups. They will also explain how terrorism affects regional peace and India’s internal security. Many of these meetings will take place at embassies, global forums, and think tanks.
Why This Outreach Matters Now
This diplomatic effort comes at a critical time. India recently closed the Attari-Wagah border after the Pahalgam attack. The region is already tense due to accusations that Pakistan is trying to create distrust between India and Afghanistan. India hopes these global meetings will help build partnerships in counter-terrorism and improve its image in the international community.
Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Jaishankar said, “Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continued support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward.” He also welcomed Muttaqi’s “firm rejection” of false reports linking India to missile strikes in Afghanistan.
India’s Broader Strategy
India has often used parliamentary diplomacy to build global alliances. By involving opposition leaders in its outreach, it signals unity and transparency. Additionally, it ensures that the international community sees India’s response as a national issue—not just a government initiative.
This move also comes ahead of important international events like the United Nations General Assembly and G20 engagements, where India wants strong global backing against terrorism.
