India's Global Outreach: How Multi-Party Delegations Are Strengthening Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Strengthening Global Alliances Against Terrorism

Bogota/Copenhagen/Addis Ababa: On Saturday, all-party parliamentary delegations continued their global outreach, engaging with various stakeholders across multiple nations. In a significant turn, Colombia retracted its earlier statement expressing condolences to Pakistan following India's Operation Sindoor.

Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with India in the fight against terrorism, while Latvia expressed its unwavering opposition to all forms of terrorism. Sierra Leone also voiced strong support for India's efforts to combat this global issue as the delegations met with political and diplomatic leaders to communicate New Delhi's stance.

India has dispatched seven multi-party delegations to 33 capitals worldwide to raise awareness about Pakistan's actions and India's counter-terrorism measures, particularly in light of the April 22 Pahalgam attack that resulted in 26 fatalities.

In Colombia, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading the delegation, confirmed the withdrawal of the controversial statement after discussions with Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio and her team.

Tharoor stated, “I conveyed India's perspective on recent events and expressed disappointment regarding Colombia's May 8 statement offering 'heartfelt condolences' to Pakistan. The Minister assured me that the statement had been retracted, and our position is now clearly understood and supported.”

The Indian delegation also met with Alejandro Toro, president of the Second Commission of the Chamber of Representatives, and Jaime Raul Salamanca, president of the Chamber of Representatives, both of whom expressed strong support for India's right to defend its sovereignty.

In Ethiopia, the delegation met with Deputy Prime Minister Adem Farah, who emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to collaborate with India on counter-terrorism efforts, as reported by the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia.

Previously, the delegation had met with Hailemariam Dessalegn, the former prime minister, who expressed condolences for the Pahalgam attack and linked it to terrorist activities in the Horn of Africa.

In Copenhagen, the delegation briefed Danish leaders on the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism, meeting with former MPs and diplomats. The Indian Embassy highlighted Denmark's influential role in global affairs as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, leading the delegation, praised Denmark's strong condemnation of terrorism, recognizing the country's commitment to combat this global threat.

In Latvia, the delegation participated in a special community event, Sindoor Sammaan, organized by the Indian diaspora. MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi emphasized India's robust democracy and initiatives, stating, “Nothing is going to divide us anymore.”

The delegation also met with Latvian State Secretary Andzejs Vilumsons, who reiterated Latvia's firm opposition to terrorism and acknowledged India's significant role in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sierra Leone's Deputy Defence Minister Muana Brima Massaquoi expressed strong support for India's anti-terrorism stance, urging African nations to unite against this threat.

The Indian High Commission in Freetown reported extensive meetings with key Sierra Leonean officials, including the Speaker of Parliament and the Deputy Minister of Defence, who condemned the Pahalgam attack and observed a moment of silence for the victims.

The multi-party delegation, led by Sanjay Kumar Jha, concluded its mission in Indonesia, where a prominent Islamic organization condemned terrorism and called for collaboration between New Delhi and Jakarta for peace and economic development.

The delegation is now in Kuala Lumpur, where it plans to meet with Malaysian ministers and MPs, as well as engage with think-tanks, academia, and the Indian community to reinforce India's commitment to combating terrorism.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the Pahalgam attack, leading to precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan attempted to target Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10, prompting a strong response from India, which inflicted significant damage on key Pakistani military installations.

On May 10, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced an understanding between India and Pakistan to cease all military actions across land, air, and sea immediately.