Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed members of a multi-party delegation at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi. These delegations, comprising over 50 members—including current and former Members of Parliament (MPs) as well as seasoned diplomats—recently returned from a global outreach mission under the banner of ‘Operation Sindoor’. The initiative aimed to highlight India’s firm stance against terrorism and its unwavering commitment to global peace.
A United Front Against Terrorism
The delegations, representing a rare show of cross-party unity, were dispatched to various countries with a clear mandate: to communicate India’s strong opposition to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and to reinforce the nation’s image as a responsible global player advocating peace. The teams included MPs from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its allies, and opposition parties such as Congress, DMK, and NCP (SP). Notable leaders who led these delegations included BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, Congress’ Shashi Tharoor, JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule.
Prominent former parliamentarians, such as ex-Union Ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Salman Khurshid, also played key roles in the outreach efforts. The government lauded the delegations for presenting a united front, with even opposition figures like Shashi Tharoor and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi joining hands with ruling alliance members to champion India’s cause on the international stage.
Sharing Experiences with the Prime Minister
During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence, delegation members shared their experiences and insights from their visits abroad. They recounted their interactions with foreign leaders, diplomats, and policymakers, highlighting how India’s message of unity and peace was received globally. The central government has already praised the work of the seven delegations, which covered multiple continents and engaged with a diverse array of international stakeholders.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had earlier met with the delegations, commending their efforts in effectively conveying India’s position on terrorism and national security. He emphasized that such coordinated diplomatic outreach is crucial for countering misinformation and strengthening India’s global partnerships.
Notable Absence and Future Engagements
While the event saw participation from a broad spectrum of political leaders, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi was notably absent from the meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence. Despite this, the overall turnout underscored the bipartisan commitment to the nation’s security interests.
The evening also included a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi for the delegation members, further fostering a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose among the participants.
National Unity on the Global Stage
The government’s decision to send multi-party delegations abroad reflects a strategic approach to foreign policy—one that leverages India’s democratic diversity to present a cohesive message to the world. As the delegations return, their experiences and diplomatic engagements are expected to inform future strategies in India’s ongoing fight against terrorism and its pursuit of global peace.