Handshake abroad, discord at home

As multi-party global campaign against Pak-backed terror concludes, Jaishankar picks up the baton with European tour. With some Opposition leaders earning acclaim overseas and winning government's praise, internal party rifts are wide open, especially within Congress. Archis Mohan explains

- Archis Mohan explains

A high-profile diplomatic offensive launched by New Delhi to rally international opinion in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor concluded on Sunday with the return of the Ravi Shankar Prasad-led 'Group II' from a fortnight-long mission to Europe.

The delegation was one of seven that fanned out globally to expose Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism and reinforce India's strategic narrative in key capitals.

More than 50 MPs, former diplomats, and ex-Union ministers were dispatched to 33 destinations, including Brussels, home to several European Union (EU) institutions.

The delegations — drawn from across the political spectrum — are expected to brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming days.

Group II, which included BJP leader D Purandeswari and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Priyanka Chaturvedi, made stops in France, Italy, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Germany.

The group's return coincided with the Ministry of External Affairs's (MEA's) announcement of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's upcoming European tour.

In a statement, the MEA said in the first leg of his tour, Jaishankar will travel to Paris and Marseille in France.

He will also hold talks with his EU counterpart Jean Noel Barrot and participate in the inaugural edition of the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue in Marseille.

In Brussels, Jaishankar will meet EU High Representative for foreign affairs and Vice-President Kaja Kallas.