India First: Cross-Party Delegation of MPs to Brief Global Leaders on Pakistan-Sponsored Terror; Owaisi, Tharoor Likely Included
New Delhi, May 16, 2025 – In a major diplomatic push, the Modi government is set to deploy a multi-party delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) to key nations to brief them about Operation Sindoor and expose Pakistan’s role in escalating tensions with India.
According to sources, the delegation—comprising senior leaders such as Shashi Tharoor (Congress) and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM)—will embark on an international outreach mission after May 22. Each team will include 5-6 MPs and be accompanied by a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official to ensure a coordinated diplomatic offensive.
Strategic Diplomacy: Countering Pakistan’s Narrative
The move aims to counter Pakistan’s propaganda and present India’s stance on the recent military confrontation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. India’s retaliatory strike, Operation Sindoor, targeted terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to a four-day escalation before both nations agreed to de-escalate on May 10.
The MPs will visit the US, UK, South Africa, Qatar, and UAE, engaging with foreign governments, think tanks, and civil society groups. The government’s objective is to highlight Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and rally global support against Islamabad’s actions.
Opposition Backs Government’s Move
An all-party meeting held after Operation Sindoor saw opposition leaders extending support to the government’s measures. The delegation also includes former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, reinforcing India’s secular and united stance against terrorism.
India’s Diplomatic Measures Against Pakistan
In response to Pakistan’s aggression, India has taken several steps, including:
- Cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals
- Downsizing diplomatic missions
- Closing land borders and airspace
- Halting trade and business ties
- Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty
The Modi government has also strategically showcased women officers like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh in military briefings to reinforce India’s inclusive and secular image.
Global Outreach to Counter Terrorism
“The idea is to bring the focus back on the core issue of terrorism, which perhaps has not received the necessary attention from world leaders,” said an opposition Rajya Sabha MP.
This diplomatic offensive follows India’s rejection of US President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating the de-escalation, asserting that the ceasefire was a bilateral decision.
With this move, India aims to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and ensure the international community recognizes Islamabad’s role in fostering cross-border terrorism.
