New Delhi, May 17, 2025: In a significant diplomatic move, the Modi government has decided to send a delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties to different countries. The aim is to brief international leaders and diplomats about India’s recent military operation, codenamed “Operation Sindoor,” which was launched in response to cross-border terrorism. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to garner global support and expose Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism.
Operation Sindoor, executed in early May 2025, targeted key terrorist training camps and infrastructure deep within Pakistan, following a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. The operation marked a shift in India’s policy, signaling a readiness to respond decisively to provocations.
Diplomatic Offensive
The government’s decision to include MPs from opposition parties in this diplomatic mission underscores the seriousness of the issue and the intent to present a united front on the international stage. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will provide a detailed briefing to the MPs before their departure, ensuring they are well-equipped to articulate India’s position.
Sources indicate that the delegations will visit various countries over a 10-day period, with MPs assigned to different regional blocs as designated by the government. This move is seen as a major diplomatic offensive to counter Pakistan’s narrative and highlight the threat of state-sponsored terrorism.
List of MPs and Their Parties
Below is a table listing the MPs who have been approached or considered for this diplomatic mission, along with their respective political parties:
MP Name | Party |
---|---|
Shashi Tharoor | Congress |
Ravi Shankar Prasad | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
Sudip Bandyopadhyay | Trinamool Congress (TMC) |
Sanjay Jha | Janata Dal (United) (JDU) |
Sasmit Patra | Biju Janata Dal (BJD) |
Supriya Sule | Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) |
K Kanimozhi | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) |
John Brittas | Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) |
Asaduddin Owaisi | All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) |
Political Reactions
While the government has not officially commented on the delegations, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh confirmed that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju discussed the matter with the Congress president. This inclusion of opposition MPs is seen as a gesture to ensure bipartisan support for the diplomatic mission.
The delegations are expected to engage with global leaders, sharing evidence and insights into Operation Sindoor, which targeted strategic zones like Punjab province and Bahawalpur in Pakistan. This operation broke conventional norms by striking deep within Pakistan’s mainland, areas once considered untouchable.
Global Response
The international community’s response to Operation Sindoor has been largely supportive of India’s right to defend its citizens and territory. This diplomatic mission aims to reinforce that narrative and counter any attempts by Pakistan to misrepresent the situation.
As the MPs prepare for their international engagements, the Modi government’s strategy reflects a concerted effort to shape global opinion and strengthen India’s stance against terrorism. The success of this diplomatic offensive could have far-reaching implications for India-Pakistan relations and the broader fight against terrorism.