NATIONAL: Exposing Pakistan’s Terror Links: Shashi Tharoor to Lead All-Party Delegation
**Kerala Congress Welcomes Move**
The Kerala Congress has welcomed reports that senior leader Shashi Tharoor will join an all-party parliamentary delegation aimed at exposing Pakistan’s support for global terrorism. This initiative follows Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation, including Tharoor, will visit countries in America, Europe, and the Middle East to present India’s case.
Diplomatic Objective
The mission seeks to highlight Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism, particularly after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. The delegation will justify India’s targeted strikes on terror bases in Pakistan. It aims to garner international support by presenting evidence of Pakistan’s terror links.
All-Party Delegation Details
The delegation comprises around 40 MPs, divided into seven regional groups, each with 7–8 members, set to visit 4–5 countries over 10 days starting May 22–23. MPs from BJP, Congress, TMC, DMK, NCP (SP), JDU, BJD, CPI(M), and AIMIM will participate. An MEA official will accompany each group to ensure coordination.
Key Members Involved
Congress MPs Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Salman Khurshid, and Amar Singh are expected to join, alongside BJP’s Anurag Thakur and Aparajita Sarangi. Other MPs include Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC), Sanjay Jha (JDU), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), Kanimozhi (DMK), John Brittas (CPI-M), and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM). The diverse representation ensures a unified stance.
Kerala Congress’s Statement
Kerala Congress posted on X, stating, “At a time when PM Modi and his External Affairs Minister lack international credibility, India needs a respected voice like Tharoor.” They praised the government for recognizing the talent gap within BJP and expressed confidence in Tharoor’s ability to correct past diplomatic errors. The party believes he will effectively present India’s position.
Government’s Preparations
The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with the Home and Parliamentary Affairs Ministries, is compiling evidence and case documents to support allegations against Pakistan. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has discussed the plan with Congress leadership, as confirmed by Jairam Ramesh. Final itineraries will be shared with MPs by May 22.
Strategic Context
The initiative follows India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed. Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps in Pakistan, escalating tensions. The delegation aims to counter Pakistan’s narrative and strengthen India’s global standing against terrorism.