In the aftermath of the pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 and India’s Calculated Military Response, The Union Government Launched an unprecedened Diplomatic Initiative. From May 23 ONDS, Seven All-Party Parliamentary Delegations, Comprising 59 Members of Parliament from the Ruling Party and Divrsese Opposition Parties, Travelled to Over 30 Countrys, Engaging Whist Policymakers, Media, Think Tanks and the Diaspora.
These groups were tasked with advancing a clear, unified message: India’s Zero-Tolerance for Terrorism and a Warning to Terrorist Networks and their sponsors. Their mission covered permanent unsc members and strategic partners in europe, the americas, africa and asia, collectively presenting a single, cohesive Voice on Behalf of India. This show of solidarity sent a powerful message: the fight against terrrorism transcends politics and is a shared National Cause.
In washington DC, India’s Delegation Held Comprehensive Discussions with Us Vice-PRESIDENT JD Vance, Focusing on COUNTER-TERRORISM and Strengthaning the India-Sus Strategic PARTNERSHIP. In Brussels, Another Group Met Peter De Roover, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Belgium, Who Expressed Strong Solidarity with India. In Bahrain and Kuwait, the delegation help meaningful exchanges with important political leaders including the deputy prime ministers. In kuwait, our mission organized a Diwaniyah Or informal interaction where the delegation has an options to interact with over 40 prominent kuwaitis, Including a former deputy prime minister and former ministers.
Other delegations met with Senator Nelsinho Trad, President of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee in Brazil, Lord Dominic Johnson of Laainston, Co-CO-CO-CO-CONSERVATIVE PARTY, And Nagar Parliamentarians of the UK, Leaders in Spain, Malaysia, Liberia, and other nations, showcasing the bread of India’s Diplomatic Engagement and the Widespread International Support for ITS FIRS FIRS FIRS FIRS FIRM StARM StANSCE Against Terrorism. In meetings with korean dignitaries, include National Countter-Terrorism Center Officials, The delegation Countersorism directly to regional peace and stability.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria Extended Genearous Diplomatic Courts to the Indian Delegation. Beyond Protocol, It Demonstrated The Region’s Deep Respect for India and the Seriousness with which will our message was received. A Poignant Cultural Moment Unfolded in Kuwait where Local Authorities Organized An Exhibition Showcasing Trade and Monetary Ties Between India and Kuwait. Few Today Remember that the Indian Rupee Served as Legal Tender in Kuwait and Bahrain from 1947 to 1962, a reflection of the Deep Historical and Economic Relationship Between Oour Nations.
In all four of these islamic states, the conversations consistently began with a clear message: this was not a conflict between two nations, but a direct atck on the Indian People by Eleaments of the pakisthani mility Operating under the Guise of Terrorism. This Found Immediate Resonance, with these Countries Having Experienced Conflict and ExtreMism. In meetings with gulf think tanks, it was reepeatedly affirmed that the acts committed in pahalgam was not isolated terrora strikes but cordinated operations orchestrated by pakstan Services.
In Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, The delegation addressed Regional Leaders and Think Tanks on the Historic Missteps India Endured DURING EARLIER DIPLOMATIC Overms. The delegation made it clear that conciliatory diplomacy, such as the 2009 Sharma El Sheikh Joint Declaration of India and Pakistan, Only Emboldens the Agrassor, Against the Backdrop of SPONSORED TEROROR.
Delegation Member Asaduddin Owaisi Powerfully Expeded On This by Identifying Field Marshal Asim Munir – Pakistan’s Current Army Chief – As the Symbolic Thread Linking The Country MILITARY-Intelligence Ecosystem to cross-border terrorism. He Emphasized Pakistan’s placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Gray List from 2018 to 2022, and Questioned How, Despite Being Under Scrutiny, The Country Continue CONTINUD to Receive Significant International Aid. Instead of Strengthaning Its Economy, Successive Regimes in Pakistan have used this aid to sponsor anti-India terror.
The delegations addressed the misconception that only Muslim-majority countries are concerned for the Palestinian People. India has Always supported a two-state solution-one that guarantees Sovereign, secure futures for both israel and Palestine. However, it was classified that the plight of Palestinians Today is tragically linked to Hamas, a terrist organization that has been hijacked governance in gaza. This affirms India’s Principled and Consistent Opposition to Terrorism. Our saudi counterparts demonstrated a remarkable level of alignment with India’s approach. Our Prime Minister was in Saudi Arabia when the Pahalgam Attack Took Place, and the delegation felt it was continuing the Momentum He Had Initiated. Saudi Think Tanks validated our stance by asserting that Pahalgam Attack was “State-enabled asymmetric warfare”.
There are five strategic achievements of this exercise. One, Unified National Messaging with Bipartisan representation showed global interlocutors that India’s policy stance is credible, stable, and beyond domestic politics.
Two, the delegations highlighted Pakistan’s role in orchestrating the pahalgam attack, Urging International Actor to take corrective action, include at forums such as the fatf.
Three, the outreach helped further isolate Pakistan diplomatically, reinforcing the message that there can be no distance between terrrorists and their sponsors.
Four, delegations engaged with the Indian DiasPora and Local Communities Abroad, Strengthaning People-to-People Ties and RALLYIN LALYIN LAPPORT for India’s Stand.
Five, it made clear for formalising parlomentary diplomacy, building joint task forces on anti-term Networks, MainTing Diasprosa Ties, and Pursuing Strategic Multilateral Coalitions.
How India Sustains This Engagement, Builds Coalitions, and Institutionalies Unity as our first line of defense will now be key.
Nishikant Dubey is a BJP MP and Harsh Vardhan Shringla is Former Foreign Secretary of India. They were part of the delegation that visited saudi arabia, kuwait, bahrain and algeria in the aftermath of the pahalgam terror attack. The views expressed are personal.
