Parliamentary diplomacy & gains from global outreach

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 and India's calculated military response, the Union government launched an unprecedented diplomatic initiative.

- Harsh Vardhan Shringla

From May 23 onwards, seven all-party parliamentary delegations, comprising 59 Members of Parliament from the ruling party and diverse Opposition parties, travelled to over 30 countries, engaging with leaders, policymakers, media, think tanks and the diaspora.

These groups were tasked with advancing a clear, unified message: India's zero-tolerance for terrorism and a warning to terrorist networks and their sponsors. Their mission covered permanent UNSC members and strategic partners in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia, collectively presenting a single, cohesive voice on behalf of India. This show of solidarity sent a powerful message: The fight against terrorism transcends politics and is a shared national cause.

In Washington DC, India's delegation held comprehensive discussions with US vice-president JD Vance, focusing on counter-terrorism and strengthening the India-US strategic partnership. In Brussels, another group met Peter De Roover, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Belgium, who expressed strong solidarity with India. In Bahrain and Kuwait, the delegation held meaningful exchanges with important political leaders including the deputy prime ministers. In Kuwait, our mission organised a Diwaniyah or informal interaction where the delegation had an opportunity to interact with over 40 prominent Kuwaitis, including a former deputy prime minister and former ministers.