India is launching a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan by sending all-party delegations to different parts of the world to explain Operation Sindoor and expose Islamabad's continued support to terrorists and their cross-border activities. The Indian delegation will visit 32 nations and explain India's stand against terrorism.
The government has decided to form 7 all-party delegation of MPs, where each team will have 8 members. They will be visiting world capitals starting from May 22 to June 5 to expose Pakistan’s continued stand in promoting terrorism. The delegations will incorporate Pak-sponsored terrorism, the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and Operation Sindoor and its consequences as well.
Members from BJP, Congress, TMC, DMK, NCP (SP), JD(U), BJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), CPM and some other parties would be part of delegations which are meant to showcase national unity. The visits are scheduled to be over in 10 days. Even though Congress seemed unhappy with those who have been selected from their party including MP Shashi Tharoor as a head of the delegate group which is likely to visit the US, the Government is providing full-fledged support for the mission.
A diplomatic push
This initiative by India can rather be seen as a calculated move against Pakistan. By commencing a visit around the world, India is strategically trying to isolate Pakistan on an international level. The mission is to convey to world leaders how India has been a victim of Pak-sponsored terrorist attacks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined that there will be no tolerance for terrorism masked with “nuclear blackmail” and there will be no differentiation between terrorist groups, their leaders or even those who sponsor these kinds of militant groups as they are all putting forward the same message of terrorism.
Lammy’s visit to Pak
To welcome the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Islamabad on May 16. While welcoming the ceasefire, he asked Pakistani officials to adhere to the cease-fire terms and also asked them to maintain peace and regional security. Lammy was the first foreign secretary to visit Pakistan, where he made clear that further conflict is in nobody’s interest. Lammy not only appreciated both countries’ cease hostilities agreement but also mentioned how it affected British Indian and British Pak diasporas. The Foreign Secretary highlighted the immeasurable contribution people of Pakistani descent have made to British life and he acknowledged how distressing the past few weeks have been for people in both countries and those with Pakistani and Indian heritage in the UK. He said, “Because of the deep and historic links between our populations and our governments we are determined to play our part to counter terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a durable peace”. In addition he also mentioned how this seems like a “positive step” between the two nuclear powered neighbours leading towards building a sense of regional peace as both countries have decided to take confidence-building measures (CBM).
Sticking point for Congress
Congress party was not happy with the selection of those who have been chosen from their party including Amar Singh, Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari. The govt has dismissed Congress’ charge that it asked the opposition party to nominate four MPs for all-party delegations going abroad, only to reject three of them, which fueled the Congress party as they seem worried about the reason behind choosing Tharoor and Tewari can be for demoting Congress. The government responded to Congress’s allegation saying “Members of delegations are supposed to pursue national interest and do not work as representatives of political parties. They are going there as Indians.”
The delegations include one led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde, which is scheduled to visit the UAE, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone and will be the first among the delegate groups to be out for global outreach following others on upcoming dates, focusing on a positive impact as result.
Indus treaty on hold: EAM
India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar reiterated that the only issue which remains to be discussed on Kashmir is return of part of J&K that is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan (POK), while underlining that Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in abeyance till Pakistan stops promoting cross-border terrorism irrevocably.
On US president Donald Trump's offer on mediation on the J&K issue, Jaishankar said India’s relations and dealings with Pakistan will remain strictly bilateral with a focus on cross-border terrorism. He called upon Pakistan to hand over terrorists accused of attacking India. Asked about Indus treaty, he said it was was very clear that the treaty is held in abeyance and will continue to be held in abeyance until cross-border terrorism by Pakistan is credibly and irrevocably stopped.
