In a strategic move to internationalize the issue of cross-border terrorism and strengthen India’s global narrative, the government is reportedly sending a bipartisan delegation of Indian parliamentarians to major world capitals. The delegation, which includes Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, will highlight Pakistan’s sustained support for terrorism and the objectives behind Operation Sindoor, India’s latest counterterrorism response.
According to sources cited by news agency ANI, the mission is part of a large-scale diplomatic campaign aiming to counter Pakistan’s persistent denial of harboring terror networks. Nearly 40 parliamentarians, forming seven distinct teams, are slated to visit key nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, the UAE, and South Africa. The 10-day tour is expected to commence on May 23.
This marks a rare instance of Indian diplomacy where lawmakers from across party lines will collectively represent the nation’s stance on terrorism and regional security. The initiative, reportedly coordinated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, reflects a shift in strategy—placing elected representatives at the forefront of foreign policy advocacy.
Shashi Tharoor to Head Delegation: Kerala Congress Welcomes Move
The selection of Shashi Tharoor, a seasoned diplomat and parliamentarian from Thiruvananthapuram, to spearhead the global outreach, has sparked political conversations. The Kerala Congress, while endorsing the decision, also took the opportunity to critique the current regime’s international stature.
“At a time when Prime Minister Modi and his External Affairs Minister have lost credibility internationally, the nation needs a voice that commands respect,” the party said on social media platform X. The post further stated, “We appreciate the government for recognising the talent vacuum within the BJP and choosing a Congress leader to represent the country.”
Tharoor, a former UN Under-Secretary-General and an articulate spokesperson on foreign affairs, is seen as a fitting choice to present a nuanced and fact-driven account of India’s national security concerns.
The diplomatic push comes against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. As part of the operation, Indian forces reportedly carried out precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), targeting terror camps and killing over 100 militants.
Though India has not made an official statement detailing the specifics of Operation Sindoor, the MEA is believed to be compiling comprehensive dossiers. These documents include intelligence reports, satellite imagery, intercepted communications, and a timeline of Pakistan’s complicity in cross-border terrorism.
Sources indicate that an official from the Ministry of External Affairs will accompany each delegation to provide diplomatic support and coordinate local engagements.
All-Party Delegation: A Symbol of National Unity
The composition of the delegation underscores an effort to convey domestic political consensus on issues of national security. Apart from Tharoor, Manish Tewari (Congress), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena), Sasmit Patra (Biju Janata Dal), Sanjay Jha (JD-U), Salman Khurshid (Congress), and Aparajita Sarangi (BJP) are among those expected to participate.
This is the first time in India’s diplomatic history that a multilateral parliamentary team will be officially tasked with engaging international stakeholders directly on sensitive geopolitical issues, including Kashmir and Pakistan’s alleged terror infrastructure.
The move also comes at a time when international attention on South Asia’s security dynamics is intensifying. The rise in targeted attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, coupled with geopolitical shifts in Afghanistan and Central Asia, has renewed global focus on terror networks operating across Pakistan’s borders.
Government Silent, But Machinery in Motion
Though the initiative is yet to be officially announced, multiple ministries, including the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, are already in coordination to prepare the groundwork.
The delegations are expected to hold meetings with foreign lawmakers, think tanks, policy forums, and diaspora groups, aiming to explain India’s counterterrorism framework and the necessity of international cooperation against state-sponsored extremism.
By pushing the terror narrative to global platforms, India hopes to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and garner broader international support for its counterterrorism operations. The choice of target countries reflects a mix of traditional allies, strategic partners, and global influencers.
Engagements in the United States and the United Kingdom will focus on legislative interactions, while visits to the UAE and South Africa aim to rally regional consensus. Japan, a key partner in Indo-Pacific stability, is likely to be briefed on China-Pakistan ties and their implications for regional security.
The outreach will also seek to ensure that India’s narrative remains prominent amid growing international concerns over civil liberties, press freedom, and democratic backsliding—issues often raised in parallel discussions on South Asia.
Opposition Participation: Optics and Reality
While opposition leaders are actively participating, the initiative remains politically sensitive. Some parties have questioned the motives behind the timing, citing proximity to the national elections and a potential attempt by the government to project unity while silencing dissent on other domestic fronts.
Nevertheless, the bipartisan nature of the effort could enhance India’s credibility abroad. Unlike traditional diplomatic missions, where government representatives are often viewed as part of the ruling party machinery, a multi-party delegation may offer a more balanced and inclusive image of Indian polity.
India’s decision to dispatch a diverse group of parliamentarians to global capitals as part of a coordinated diplomatic campaign reflects a bold new direction in foreign policy execution. By combining statecraft with parliamentary representation, the initiative aims to build international consensus against Pakistan’s support for terrorism, reaffirm India’s right to defend its sovereignty, and reinforce the country’s image as a responsible regional power.
As the delegations prepare to embark on their mission starting May 23, their effectiveness will be measured not just by media headlines, but by tangible shifts in foreign policy alignment, global opinion, and strategic cooperation.
