India has initiated a major diplomatic outreach named Operation Sindoor Diplomacy to convey its position on cross-border terrorism as two parliamentary delegations departed on Wednesday for Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the beginning of a multi-nation campaign to highlight India’s concerns, particularly related to Pakistan’s role in terrorism.
The first team, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, will travel to Japan, followed by visits to South Korea (May 24), Singapore (May 27), Indonesia (May 28), and Malaysia (May 31). The delegation comprises MPs from various political parties, including the BJP, TMC, CPI(M), and Congress, alongside former diplomats. Their task is to engage with political leaders, policymakers, think tanks, and media in East Asia to present India’s account of recent events and its broader counter-terrorism position.
The second delegation, under Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, began its outreach in the UAE on May 21. The group will also visit African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (May 24), Sierra Leone (May 28), and Liberia (May 31). This delegation includes members from the BJP, BJD, IUML, and other parties, as well as former diplomats.
Before the teams departed, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed all members on India’s approach, with reference to the April 22 incident in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed.
The brief was about India’s recent retaliatory operations across the Line of Control and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, followed by missile and drone attacks from the Pakistani side.
A ceasefire understanding was reached between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) on May 10.
The delegations, comprising members from various political parties, are tasked with presenting India’s case to international stakeholders. Their engagements will include discussions with foreign ministers, lawmakers, policy analysts, and representatives from multilateral institutions.
Officials involved in the outreach have stated that the delegations will seek to present credible evidence regarding Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism and push for coordinated international action. The broader aim is to diplomatically isolate Pakistan while bolstering global support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
This outreach is notable for its bipartisan nature. Leaders from both the ruling party and the opposition are participating in a unified diplomatic initiative, reflecting a shared national stance on terrorism.
The effort has drawn comparisons to the 1994 campaign led by former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee, who represented India at the United Nations Human Rights Commission to counter external pressure on Kashmir.
The first two delegations departed today for Japan and the United Arab Emirates, officially beginning the outreach. Over the coming days, five more teams will travel to a total of 32 countries and the European Union. Together, they will represent a coordinated effort to communicate India’s security concerns and its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism on the international stage—(KNO)
