In the aftermath of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that led to death of 26 lives, India has intensified its international campaign against cross-border terrorism. This renewed diplomatic drive highlights New Delhi’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism which is emphasizing the need for a collective global response to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
Jaishankar Amplifies India's Message in Europe
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, currently on a diplomatic tour across the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, has used his platform to underscore India’s expectations for a decisive global stand against terrorism. Speaking to a Dutch media outlet, he reiterated that while a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan may have temporarily stopped direct military engagement, persistent terror activities from across the border will not be tolerated.
“Our message is clear,” he stated. “The ceasefire has brought a temporary end to military hostilities, but if terrorism continues to emanate from Pakistan, there will be consequences. The onus is on Pakistan to understand and act accordingly.”
Strengthening Strategic Ties: Japan Reiterates Support
India’s anti-terrorism campaign has also extended to the East with Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra's visit to Japan acting as a key moment of bilateral solidarity. In a series of high-level meetings in Tokyo including talks with Japan’s National Security Adviser Mr. Okano and Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Hiroyuki Namazu, India acknowledged Japan's firm support in the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit provided a platform to ,“reflect on and reaffirm the two countries’ shared determination to combat terrorism in all its forms, as well as the support networks that enable such acts.”
Mr. Kwatra’s mission coincided with another significant diplomatic event where a multi-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha. The delegation met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who firmly declared that terrorism can never be justified and expressed Japan’s solidarity with India in its global fight against extremist violence.
Parliamentary Diplomacy: India’s Unified Global Outreach
As part of a broader diplomatic initiative, India is preparing to have communication with over 40 Members of Parliament to 30 countries under seven all-party delegations. Each group will consist of a diverse composition, including at least one minority and one woman parliamentarian, symbolizing the nation’s inclusive and collective resolve against terrorism.
This outreach follows Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam attack and seeks to engage international partners, especially members of the United Nations Security Council in reinforcing a universal consensus against terrorism.
On 17TH may, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs unveiled the leaders of these delegations. Eminent figures such as Congress MP and former Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor, BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, NCP-SP’s Supriya Sule, DMK’s Kanimozhi, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, and JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha will each spearhead a delegation.
India's multi-pronged diplomatic parties reflects a rare and vital political unity. With leaders from across the political spectrum offering their voices to a shared national message, the country is demonstrating an organized and firm attitude towards terrorism policy. The international community is now being urged not only to acknowledge the dangers posed by terrorism but to join in proactive, cooperative measures to eliminate this plague from global society.
The Diplomatic Tightrope: India's Post-Pahalgam attack outreach
The aftermath of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has seen the Indian government, under Prime Minister Modi, deploy a unique strategy by sending delegations of Members of Parliament and retired diplomats as official spokespersons. This move prompts a crucial question that why such a concerted effort to articulate India's stance on Pakistan-inspired terrorism to the international community?
The World's Reluctance to Point Fingers
The global response to the Pahalgam tragedy, while condemning the act of terrorism was notably controlled when it came to directly involving Pakistan. While many nations expressed sympathy and solidarity with India, a direct accusation against Pakistan was largely absent. This cautious approach likely stemmed from a perception that India might have acted proactively, particularly with the retaliatory airstrikes on May 6 and 7, which targeted terrorist camps near Pakistan territory.
Only a select few, specifically the unrecognized Taliban government in Afghanistan and Israel, openly attributed blame to Pakistan. Other key players adopted a more cautious tone. Iran, for instance, emphasized the broader need for regional cooperation against terrorism, while France offered condolences and affirmed its support for India in the fight against terrorism by without explicitly naming Pakistan. Even the G7 foreign ministers, representing major global powers like Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the US, and the European Union, issued a joint statement. While condemning the attack and urging de-escalation between India and Pakistan, they clearly refrained from directly or indirectly blaming Pakistan. This collective diplomatic tone highlights the challenge India faces in gathering explicit international condemnation of Pakistan for such incidents.
Projecting Unity: A Domestic and International Message
The composition of these delegations was featuring a diversity of political figures from across the fields and seasoned diplomats, is a deliberate and rare display of political unity. The underlying message is multifaceted. Domestically, it aims to demonstrate that India stands united on matters of foreign policy and national security, surpassing internal political divides. It seeks to convey that the nation's commitment to a "zero-tolerance" approach to terrorism is universally accepted across the political landscape. Furthermore, it aims to solidify the government's narrative surrounding "Operation Sindoor" (likely referring to the retaliatory actions) and its aftermath, suggesting first use of vengeance against terrorism. As a direct consequence, this unified front also serves to project an image of political stability for the Modi regime on the global stage.
Examining the International Landscape: Unintended Consequences?
The efficacy of such all-party delegations in shifting the perspectives of crucial Indian strategic partners, current and prospective United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members, and the EU headquarters remains a significant question mark. The primary objective is undoubtedly to prevent Pakistan, a UNSC member, from misusing the forum to its advantage. However, there is a distinct possibility that this diplomatic outreach could inadvertently complicate India's position.
One major concern is the potential for the narrative to spiral beyond India's control. When delegations are pressed on the root causes of "Pakistan-inspired terrorism," can the sensitive issue of Kashmir truly be avoided? Opening this door could risk further internationalizing the Kashmir issue, a scenario India has consistently sought to prevent. Moreover, these delegations will undoubtedly face scrutiny regarding concrete evidence. Will they be able to conclusively prove that the Pahalgam terrorists were indeed Pakistani citizens, or will they be asking the world to accept their assertions on faith? Furthermore, there will likely be questions about India's military losses, including any alleged loss of fighter aircraft. A lack of transparency, both domestically and internationally, regarding these sensitive details could significantly dilute the impact of these diplomatic meetings and visits planned to other countries, potentially weakening its intended message and raising further questions rather than providing final answers.
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