India's Multi-Party Delegations Set to Address Global Terrorism Concerns

India's Global Mission Against Terrorism

India is preparing to present its stance on terrorism to the international community, with multi-party delegations scheduled to visit various countries. These delegations aim to convey a clear message: 'Terrorism will not go unanswered.' On Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed representatives from different political parties about the key topics they should address during their foreign engagements. The delegations will travel to nations including the United Arab Emirates, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia.

Objectives of the Delegations

The primary goal is to reshape the global narrative surrounding the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. India intends to frame this not merely as a bilateral issue with Pakistan but as part of a broader dialogue on global terrorism and the inconsistencies in how different countries respond to it. Reports indicate that the Indian government will provide evidence-based dossiers outlining Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism. Indian embassies will play a crucial role in coordinating these delegations, determining meeting schedules and participants, and engaging with foreign parliaments, UN agencies, think tanks, diaspora leaders, and international human rights organizations.

Composition of the Delegation

The delegation is spearheaded by Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram and a former diplomat. He will oversee seven groups comprising 59 members from various political parties, including both seasoned and younger lawmakers. Notable figures in the delegation include Anand Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and V. Muraleedharan, along with several retired diplomats. Additionally, senior BJP leader and former union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will lead another group to several European nations, including the UK and Italy, to discuss Operation Sindoor.

Expert Opinions on the Initiative

Analysts suggest that a diverse Indian representation carries more significance than a government statement or official article. The inclusion of Indian Muslims, opposition MPs, and regional leaders adds credibility to the initiative, especially for neutral observers and skeptical foreign governments. In Europe, foreign policy often aligns with liberal values, while the Gulf region is sensitive to perceptions of anti-Muslim sentiment. Thus, India's varied delegation serves a dual purpose: it mitigates accusations of religious bias and highlights the double standards of nations that overlook cross-border terrorism when it suits their interests.