A united India sends a clear message: Zero tolerance for terrorism

NEVER before in independent India's history have MPs from BJP, Congress, AIMIM, DMK, BJD, Shiv Sena, and others travelled together with a united message.

- HARSH VARDHAN SHRINGLA

Opposition leaders such as Shashi Tharoor, Supriya Sule, Asaduddin Owaisi and Ghulam Nabi Azad took centerstage alongside BJP stalwarts like Nishikant Dubey and regional voices including Kanimozhi, Rajya Sabha MPs and diplomats. The coordinated visits which were not only accepted but lauded abroad signalled a clear message of zero tolerance for terrorism.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 and India's calculated military response - Operation Sindoor - the Government of India launched an unprecedented diplomatic initiative. From May 23 onwards, seven all party parliamentary delegations, comprising 59 Members of Parliament drawn from both the ruling party and diverse opposition parties, traversed around 32 countries, strategically engaging with world leaders, policymakers, media, think-tanks, and diaspora communities.

These groups were tasked with advancing a clear, unified message: India's zero tolerance stance on terrorism and a warning to terrorist networks and their sponsors. Their mission covered all permanent UNSC members, strategic partners in the Gulf, Europe, North America, and select African nations, collectively presenting a single, cohesive voice on behalf of India.

What made this initiative unique was the national unity it projected. In a polarized political climate, leaders from every major party set aside differences to speak in one voice for India. This rare show of solidarity sent a powerful message: the fight against terrorism transcends politics and is a shared national cause.