India's vision as a leading voice in the Global South, and on current tensions with Pakistan

MR. SIFISO Mahlangu, Editor of The Star sat with the leader of the all-party parliamentary delegation from India, NCP (SCP) MP Ms Supriya Sule, to discuss the current state of relations between India and Pakistan in the context of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir and the visit of a multi-party delegation from India

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

1. Ms Supriya Sule, Welcome to South Africa. We saw that there was a brief skirmish between India and Pakistan, which has fortunately ended with a ceasefire. What were the reasons for this clash between the countries?

The recent clash was a direct consequence of the Pahalgam terror attack, which tragically claimed 26 innocent lives. India has long maintained that terrorism emanating from across the border remains the most serious threat to regional peace. However, there has been no let-up from Pakistan, which continues to nurture terrorists to disturb peace and tranquillity in India. In the Pahalgam case, male tourists were identified by their religion and were shot dead in front of their families.

The Resistance Front, a frontal organisation of Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility. However, Pakistan, as in the past, didn't take any action against them. We, therefore, launched strikes on terrorist camps and terrorist infrastructure across the border. Our response was measured and focused, and non-escalatory, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure. We are committed to peace but reserve the right to protect our citizens. We have made it clear that Operation Sindoor is paused; it's not yet over. The fight against terrorism will continue.

2. Could you elaborate on the importance of the multi-party delegation’s visit to selected countries?

This delegation reflects an essential unity among India’s political parties on a critical national issue - that is, zero tolerance against terrorism. By engaging with key strategic partners, we seek to build global consensus on the need for accountability, especially where states continue to shelter and actively support terror groups. This visit reinforces the idea that terrorism is not a bilateral issue - it’s a global challenge demanding a coordinated international response.