Members of anti-terror delegations write: Unity, the first line of defence

Indian Express

6 hours ago

The Pakistan military-sponsored terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam on April 22 killed 25 people and injured many. It was followed by a firm reply in the form of four days of Operation Sindoor, involving precision air attacks destroying terrorist training camps and damaging military bases in Pakistan.
The entire nation stood firm to strengthen the government in the fight against terrorism. In the era of information warfare, it was our duty to inform the world about the truth and realities of the horrible and barbaric killings in Pahalgam. The Government of India decided to send seven all-party parliamentary delegations comprising 59 MPs from across party lines and others with a clear message of zero tolerance against terrorism to 32 countries.
The summits were the first instance of a multi-party parliamentary delegation holding conferences with state leaders to propound India's stance in unison. Our delegation was unique in another important aspect. It consisted of members from five religions (Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian and Buddhist) advocating India's right to defend itself against state-sponsored transgressions.
In Kuwait, our mission had organised a Diwaniyah or informal interaction. Our delegation had an opportunity to interact with more than 40 prominent Kuwaitis, including a former deputy prime Minister, four former ministers, a former secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council and senior editors from Kuwait's three leading newspapers, amongst others. Their hospitality is in recognition of India's growing stature as a trusted partner in the Middle East, including increasing support for India's position as a victim of state-sponsored terrorism by our neighbour.
While interacting with foreign officials, we reinforced India's stance on terrorism and regional stability by communicating New Delhi's zero-tolerance approach and that dialogue and terror cannot go together. The delegation was accorded a cordial diplomatic courtesy by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Algeria. The four official lunches and dinners not only showed the region's warmth and deep respect for India but also the seriousness with which the Indian message was received.
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suggestion, Kuwait had organised an exhibition portraying trade and monetary ties between India and Kuwait. The Indian rupee served as legal tender in Kuwait and Bahrain from 1947 to 1962, a reflection of the deep historical and economic relationship between our nations. This gesture resonated across media and diplomatic circles, reinforcing the narrative of India as a longstanding, stabilising force in the region and their love and respect for the nation.
During our visit to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria, we were able to present the real truth that this is not a conflict between two nations, but a direct attack on the Indian people by elements of the Pakistani military operating under the guise of terrorism. It immediately resonated with regional leaders. With the bitter experience of victims of conflict and extremism like the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait or insurgency threats in Saudi Arabia by the Houthis in Yemen, these countries could understand India's fight against cross-border terrorism.
During meetings with think tanks, it was repeatedly affirmed that the acts committed in Pahalgam were not isolated terror strikes but well-planned and coordinated military operations orchestrated by Pakistan's army and intelligence services.
One of the members of our delegation, Asaduddin Owaisi, pointed out the crucial role of Pakistan's present Army Chief and former ISI director-general Asim Munir as the symbolic thread between Pakistan's military intelligence ecosystem and cross-border terrorism. He highlighted that even though Pakistan was on the FATF grey list from 2018 to 2022 and is presently under scrutiny, the country continues to receive international aid. Pakistan has been systematically diverting billions in international aid meant for strengthening its economy or alleviating poverty to sponsor proxy groups and strengthen anti-India terror infrastructure. Thus, Pakistan is destroying regional stability and acting against the world's counter-terrorism efforts. His views were viewed positively by our counterparts.
Our delegation was able to clear the misunderstanding that only Muslim-majority countries are concerned about Palestinians. We conveyed to the leaders that India has always supported a two-state solution that guarantees a sovereign, secure future for both Israel and Palestine. At the same time, we pointed out that the plight of the Palestinians today is tragically connected to Hamas, a terrorist organisation. We highlighted that regardless of geography, India has been condemning terrorism. India had signed an MoU with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and extended aid to Palestine during the Covid pandemic and even after the October 2023 attacks. India condemns terrorism anywhere in the world.
PM Modi was in Saudi Arabia when the Pahalgam attack occurred. Our delegation felt we were continuing the momentum he had initiated. Saudi think tanks further underscored our view by asserting that the Pahalgam attack was not mere terrorism but a coordinated operation by Pakistan's military and the ISI, framing it as 'state-enabled asymmetric warfare'.
The summits were the first instance of a multi-party parliamentary delegation holding conferences with leaders to propound India's stance in unison. We demonstrated that unity is our first line of defence. As PM Modi rightly said, 'We are all proud of the manner in which they put forward India's voice.'
Dubey is MP and chairperson, Committee on Communications and IT and Shringla is a former foreign secretary. They were part of the all-party delegation that visited Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Algeria