Shashi Tharoor may lead multi-party delegation to brief countries about Pak terror

Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at an all-party meeting. (Image: ANI)

Shashi Tharoor, who is also the head of parliamentary panel on foreign affairs, is expected to lead a multi-party delegation across several nations to present India’s point of view on the recent India-Pakistan conflict in wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Government sources told CNN-News18 that the possibility of sending a multi-party delegation to various foreign nations is being actively considered. The initiative aims to clearly articulate India’s stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan to the international community.

Following his public support for Operation Sindoor, the Congress senior leaders believed he had crossed a “Lakshman Rekha".

However, Tharoor clarified his stand. "At this time, at a time of conflict, I spoke as an Indian. I never pretended to speak for anyone else. I am not a spokesperson for the party. I am not the government spokesperson. Whatever I have said, you may agree or disagree with that, blame it on me individually, and that’s fine," he said.

The government’s move to mobilise all-party delegation mirrors similar initiatives by previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments, to make India’s case abroad on crucial issues, according to a report by The Hindu.

As per sources, the delegations will comprise prominent leaders and Parliamentarians from across the political lines. It will also have former diplomats and other specialists.

With multi-party delegation, the Centre aims present a united front on the issue of cross-border terrorism. The delegation’s composition is expected to be announced following consultations with all stakeholders.

The multi-party delegation heading abroad to articulate India’s position will center its discussions on a five-pronged agenda: first, detailing Pakistan’s provocations that necessitated the operation; second, underscoring why Operation Sindoor was a crucial response to these threats; third, conveying the potential for future similar actions should further acts of terror occur; fourth, emphasizing the precise targeting of only terror hideouts during the operation; and fifth, highlighting Pakistan’s established role in fostering terrorism and its global repercussions, according to News18.

Other Indian parliamentarians likely to be part of delegations include Samik Bhattacharya, Anurag Thakur, Manish Tewari, Amar Singh, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Sasmit Patra, Supriya Sule, Shrikant Shinde and D Purandeshwari, sources told News18.