Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a major diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Narendra Modi government has appointed senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor as part of an all-party delegation set to visit several countries to expose Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism. The inclusion comes a day after Tharoor responded to his party’s “Lakshman Rekha” warning, underscoring the complex political dynamics behind the move.
Centre mounts diplomatic offensive post-Operation Sindoor
The delegation is part of India’s international strategy to highlight the threat of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. According to sources, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will brief the participating MPs before their departure, scheduled around May 22–23. Each MP will represent India in different regions as assigned.
Lawmakers from a range of parties—including BJP, Congress, TMC, DMK, CPI(M), JDU, BJD, NCP (SP), and others—have been approached. Over 30 MPs may be involved, though the final list remains under discussion.
Cross-party delegation signals rare political unity
Prominent Congress MPs approached for the mission include Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Salman Khurshid, and Amar Singh. From the BJP, Anurag Thakur and Aparajita Sarangi are expected to participate. Others reportedly in consideration are Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC), Sanjay Jha (JDU), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), K Kanimozhi (DMK), John Brittas (CPI-M), and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM).
The move is seen as a rare display of bipartisan consensus, as the government seeks to present a united front internationally.
Congress confirms support, despite internal caution
While no official statement has been made by the government, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh confirmed that Union minister Kiren Rijiju had consulted the party’s president regarding participation. Despite earlier friction over foreign policy representation, the Congress has agreed to join the diplomatic effort.
The delegations are expected to be abroad for approximately 10 days, meeting officials and think tanks to present India’s evidence and narrative regarding Pakistan’s continued sheltering of terrorist networks.
