Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted an informal meeting at his official residence in New Delhi with over 50 members of all-party delegations involved in conveying India’s intentions behind Operation Sindoor. The delegation was composed of current and former MPs and former diplomats, visited 33 foreign capitals and the European Union to advocate for India’s firm stance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi praised the delegates for presenting India’s side of the story on global platforms. Operation Sindoor was India’s response to the terror attack that killed 26 people. It targetted terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had previously met the delegations, commending their efforts. Prominent MPs like BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, Congress’ Shashi Tharoor, DMK’s Kanimozhi, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde among others led the mission in groups to the countries. PM Modi was seen spendinv over an hour engaging with the groups, moving between tables to hear their experiences. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor suggested making such diplomatic visits a regular practice, a proposal that resonated with the PM well. Tharoor dubbed the meeting ‘good, lively and informal’.
The delegations’ diplomatic messages garnered support from nations like Saudi Arabia, France, and South Africa, with Italy proposing a more enhanced bilateral cooperation. Although AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi was notably absent from the meeting due to a medical emergency in Dubai, his part in the delegation was equally important.
The initiative displayed a rare instance of national unity with 31 NDA and 20 non-NDA members participating. It involved seven multi party groups, not like any seen before.
