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India Gazette
2 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
India's all-party delegation receives UK support for Operation Sindoor, anti-terror efforts
London [UK], June 3 (ANI): The all-party parliamentary delegation from India concluded a day of high-level engagements in London, meeting UK government ministers, parliamentarians, party leaders, think tanks, and India friendship groups as part of its visit from May 31 to June 3, 2025. Discussions during the visit focused on strengthening India-UK collaboration against cross-border terrorism, with Operation Sindoor highlighted as a significant shift in India's counter-terrorism approach. The delegation received wide-ranging support, reaffirming shared commitments to global security, justice, and strategic partnership, according to High Commission of India, London press release. The day began with an interaction with UK-based think tanks, where the threat of cross-border terrorism and how Operation Sindoor sets a new strategic benchmark in India's fight against it were discussed. The delegation met Catherine West MP, Minister for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She reaffirmed the UK's condemnation of terror attacks in India, its strong bilateral ties with India, and support for global efforts to bring perpetrators of terror to justice, read the release. At Conservative Campaign Headquarters, the delegation engaged with Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston CBE, Co-Chair of the Conservative Party, and Koolesh Shah, Co-Chair of the Conservative Friends of India. They voiced strong support for India's fight against terrorism, acknowledged its global implications, and lauded the Indian diaspora's contribution to the UK. The delegation also met with Labour Party India Friendship Groups--including Labour Friends of India, Labour Convention of Indian Organisations, Sikhs for Labour, and Hindus for Labour. The groups expressed unified support for India's anti-terrorism efforts, emphasising the need to dismantle terror infrastructure and curb terror financing. In a separate meeting, the delegation briefed Seema Malhotra MP, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship and Minister for Equalities, on Operation Sindoor. The day concluded with a dinner interaction with UK thought leaders, discussing the scourge of terrorism, its social impact, and the connected rise of radicalisation. The Indian delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, includes BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari, Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. Earlier, the all-party delegation interacted with the Indian diaspora at India House in London, reaffirming India's united stance and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. This diplomatic outreach follows Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. As part of this initiative, seven multi-party delegations are visiting countries worldwide to inform international partners about India's response to terrorism and its broader fight against cross-border terror threats. (ANI)
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
All-party Indian delegations say terrorism must be eradicated in the interests of all humanity
During their meeting, the delegation 'reiterated India's resolve to combat terrorism on its own. They also emphasised that terror remains a threat to all nations, and therefore the world needs to eradicate this scourge in the interests of all humanity,' the High Commission of India in London said in a social media statement. In London, the delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad met Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West who told them that the UK is with India in its efforts to combat terrorism. London/Cairo/Kuala Lumpur, Jun 2 (PTI) All-party parliamentary delegations on Monday met with leaders of several countries and highlighted India's resolve to combat terrorism, which it stressed must be eradicated in the interests of all humanity. Catherine West reiterated the UK's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attacks and hailed India's contributions to stability in the Indo-Pacific. 'She said that the UK is with India in its efforts; as a nation that has suffered from terror attacks itself, the UK believes that those who commit acts of terror must be brought to justice. All countries must work towards this end,' the statement added. The closed-door meeting followed the delegation's in-depth dialogues with representatives from some of the leading UK-based think tanks at India House in London. 'We conveyed our concern as to why we are here. We also said we are capable of handling Pakistan, which we have handled. We believe in peace and amity, but we also have to take action to save the livelihood of our people against terror. But the world has to understand this cancer of terrorism,' Prasad told PTI following the discussions. In Algeria, the delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda on Monday concluded its four-nation (Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Algeria) visit and successfully conveyed India's message of 'zero tolerance' for terrorism, said former diplomat Harsh V Shringla, who is also a member of the delegation. 'A politically, linguistically and spiritually diverse group that spoke in one voice in the best spirit of 'India First'!' Shringla said in a post on X. The delegation members Sunday night met Mohamed Khouane, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and the National Community Abroad in the Algerian Parliament, who hosted a dinner in their honour. 'A broad range of topics of mutual interest and India's commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms were discussed,' Panda posted on X. The delegation discussed the need for strong and determined measures against terrorism, the Indian mission said. 'India and Algeria to work together to strengthen global fight against terrorism,' it added. In Malaysia, the all-party parliamentary delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, emphasised India's zero tolerance to terrorism, asserting that 'water and blood cannot flow together'. They met with representatives from the Democratic Action Party led by YB M. Kula Segaran, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), and Parti Keadilan Rakyat in Malaysia and conveyed India's perspectives and national resolve against terrorism. 'Discussions centred on India's resolute response to terrorism under Operation Sindoor. There was emphasis on India's zero tolerance to terrorism, and the view that 'Water and blood cannot flow together',' the High Commission of India in Malaysia said. The delegation's remarks were in the context of India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack. The delegation held 'constructive talks' with the representatives of Parti Keadilan Rakyat led by YB Sim Tze Tzin. 'India's zero-tolerance approach to terrorism was outlined, reaffirming our national unity against cross-border threats,' the mission said in another post. It said the delegation also interacted with Deputy Minister of Unity YB Saraswathy Kandasami during the meeting with Parti Keadilan Rakyat. The delegation also met senior representatives of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) led by President Tan Sri Dato Sri SA Vigneswaran and Deputy President YB Datuk Seri M Saravanan. 'Conveyed India's new normal of responding firmly against any act of terror on the Indian soil. @MIC_Malaysia expressed solidarity with India's position on the fight against cross-border terrorism,' it said. The delegation held an engaging discussion with leading Malaysian think tanks & academia. 'Deliberations focussed on India's new normal and new security doctrine in fight against cross-border terrorism, and also ways to enhance international cooperation on collective fight against terrorism in all its forms,' the mission said. In Egypt, the delegation led by NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule Monday held 'productive discussions' with the members of the Egyptian Senate and House of Representatives. 'The Senate reaffirmed solidarity with India and reiterated the importance attached to the close Strategic Partnership,' it said. The delegation, which arrived in Cairo after concluding their visit to Ethiopia on Sunday, will also meet Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit. On Monday, Spain extended its 'unequivocal support' for India's efforts to combat terrorism when an all-party delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi met with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares in Madrid. The delegation, which arrived here from Latvia on Saturday for a three-day visit in the final leg of its five-nation tour, apprised Albares of India's position and discussed India's efforts at combatting terrorism. 'Mr. @jmalbares conveyed his understanding and the unequivocal support of Spain for India's efforts to combat terrorism, and reaffirmed the importance of global peace. He emphasised that terrorism will never prevail and that Spain stood with India on this issue,' the Indian Embassy in Madrid posted on X. Earlier, the delegation reiterated India's resolve for a 'safer and more compassionate world' during a meeting with an organisation of terror victims in Spain. In Liberia, the delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde conveyed India's 'united' resolve to combat terrorism in 'all its forms and manifestations' during an interaction with the Indian community in Monrovia on Sunday. The delegation reached the West African nation on May 31 for a three-day visit as part of India's global outreach to underscore its message of 'Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism'. The all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has arrived in Brazil on the fourth leg of its five-nation trip. 'After a day full of travel, our delegation has reached Brasilia, Brazil midnight now. The last week has been hectic but greatly productive. Looking forward to the next two days of work here,' Tejasvi Surya, who is one of the members of the delation, posted on X. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. PTI AK/GRS/NSA/PY/SCY ZH ZH This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
U.K. is with India against terrorism: Indo-Pacific Minister tells all-party delegation
The U.K. is with India in its efforts to combat terrorism, Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West told the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad at a meeting at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London on Monday (June 2, 2025). The delegation highlighted India's resolve against terrorism, which it stressed must be eradicated in the interests of all humanity. Ms. West reiterated the U.K.'s condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attacks in April and hailed India's contributions to stability in the Indo-Pacific. 'The delegation reiterated India's resolve to combat terrorism on its own. They also emphasised that terror remains a threat to all nations, and therefore the world needs to eradicate this scourge in the interests of all humanity,' the High Commission of India said in a social media statement following the meeting. 'The minister reiterated the UKs condemnation of terror attacks in India, the priority it attaches to the India relationship in global strategic and economic terms, in contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific and to global economic growth. She said that the UK is with India in its efforts; as a nation that has suffered from terror attacks itself, the UK believes that those who commit acts of terror must be brought to justice. All countries must work towards this end,' the statement added. Think tanks pitch in The closed-door meeting followed the group's in-depth dialogues with representatives from some of the leading U.K.-based think tanks at India House in London. Indian High Commissioner to the U.K. Vikram Doraiswami opened the proceedings by laying out the context of the delegation's visit in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attacks and Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-backed terror camps. The meeting brought together leading strategic experts from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Chatham House, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Wilton Park, among others. 'We had a very wonderful dialogue with leading think tanks across England,' Mr. Prasad told PTI following the discussions. 'We conveyed our own concern as to why we are here. We also said we are capable of handling Pakistan, which we have handled. We believe in peace and amity, but we also have to take action to save the livelihood of our people against terror. But the world has to understand this cancer of terrorism,' he said. Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, IISS Senior Fellow and Head of the South and Central Asian Programme, described it as a 'fascinating exchange' with a delegation that represents the 'voice of India'. 'It represents the government of India, represents multiple parties, members in Parliament, and it represents the people of India, and we've been really hearing about a unified voice against Pakistan-based terrorism,' he said. 'What is most important is that this delegation is seeking to engage with the British government to also seek a global consensus against Pakistan-based terrorism. We have not seen this focus in many years, and it is a welcome initiative by the government,' he told PTI. 'The big challenge will be that while focusing on seeking a global consensus against Pakistan-based terrorism, there is a risk that India's focus will shift much more towards Pakistan than it has in the past. And, this brings about the challenges of not being re-hyphenated with Pakistan,' he cautioned. Chietigj Bajpaee, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia in the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House, highlighted the 'high degree of sympathy' for India's position following the Pahalgam attack. 'However, the discussions also revealed that India faces an uphill battle in keeping the international community focused on this issue given the plethora of global challenges,' he said. 'In particular, the U.S./NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 has diluted the Western focus on terrorism. This may make it difficult for New Delhi to draw attention to Pakistan's alleged role as a global hub for terrorism,' he noted. Professor Jagannadha Pawan Tamvada, who leads the Responsible Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship (RISE) research excellence hub at Kingston Business School, stressed on the importance of the international community condemning Pakistan's use of illegally occupied parts of Kashmir as a terrorist base to attack India. 'The Kashmir region is a natural part of India. Civilisationally, Kashmir has always been an integral part of India… I think it is the right time that the world acknowledges that civilisationally Kashmir belongs to India and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir should be relinquished by Pakistan,' he said. Europe agenda The multi-party delegation, led by Mr. Prasad and comprising MPs Purandeswari, Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh, Samik Bhattacharya, M. Thambidurai besides M.J. Akbar and Ambassador Saran, went on to meet members of the Conservative Friends of India (CFIN) and Labour Friends of India (LFIN) and were scheduled to meet House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Tuesday morning. On Sunday evening, the group which has been conveying India's zero-tolerance stance against terrorism emanating from Pakistan in several European capitals, including Paris, Rome and Copenhagen, addressed a large gathering of the Indian diaspora at the High Commission of India in London. 'You are in Europe. If Europe doesn't remember fascism, which continent is going to remember fascism? You have generations here who remember the era of Hitler. This is the return of that era, and we are witnessing it with our own eyes. But unless we understand it ourselves and explain it to others, we will have failed those who gave their lives,' Mr. Akbar said. From London, Group 2 of seven similar all-party delegations travelling the world was scheduled for dialogues and interactive sessions in Belgium and Germany — where it would conclude its six-nation Europe tour.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
UK is with India against terrorism: Indo-Pacific minister tells all-party delegation
LONDON: The UK is with India in its efforts to combat terrorism, Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West told the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad at a meeting at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London on Monday. The delegation highlighted India's resolve against terrorism, which it stressed must be eradicated in the interests of all humanity. Catherine West reiterated the UK's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attacks in April and hailed India's contributions to stability in the Indo-Pacific. The delegation reiterated India's resolve to combat terrorism on its own. "They also emphasised that terror remains a threat to all nations, and therefore the world needs to eradicate this scourge in the interests of all humanity," the High Commission of India said in a social media statement following the meeting. The minister reiterated the UKs condemnation of terror attacks in India, the priority it attaches to the India relationship in global strategic and economic terms, in contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific and to global economic growth. "She said that the UK is with India in its efforts; as a nation that has suffered from terror attacks itself, the UK believes that those who commit acts of terror must be brought to justice." "All countries must work towards this end," the statement added.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
UK is with India against terrorism: Indo-Pacific minister tells all-party delegation
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The UK is with India in its efforts to combat terrorism, Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West told the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad at a meeting at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London on delegation highlighted India's resolve against terrorism, which it stressed must be eradicated in the interests of all humanity. Catherine West reiterated the UK's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attacks in April and hailed India's contributions to stability in the Indo-Pacific."The delegation reiterated India's resolve to combat terrorism on its own. They also emphasised that terror remains a threat to all nations, and therefore the world needs to eradicate this scourge in the interests of all humanity," the High Commission of India said in a social media statement following the meeting."The minister reiterated the UKs condemnation of terror attacks in India, the priority it attaches to the India relationship in global strategic and economic terms, in contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific and to global economic growth. She said that the UK is with India in its efforts; as a nation that has suffered from terror attacks itself, the UK believes that those who commit acts of terror must be brought to justice. All countries must work towards this end," the statement closed-door meeting followed the group's in-depth dialogues with representatives from some of the leading UK-based think tanks at India House in High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami opened the proceedings by laying out the context of the delegation's visit in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attacks and Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-backed terror camps. The meeting brought together leading strategic experts from International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Chatham House, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Wilton Park, among others."We had a very wonderful dialogue with leading think tanks across England," Prasad told PTI following the discussions."We conveyed our own concern as to why we are here. We also said we are capable of handling Pakistan, which we have handled. We believe in peace and amity, but we also have to take action to save the livelihood of our people against terror. But the world has to understand this cancer of terrorism," he Roy-Chaudhury, IISS Senior Fellow and Head of the South and Central Asian Programme, described it as a "fascinating exchange" with a delegation that represents the "voice of India"."It represents the government of India, represents multiple parties, members in Parliament, and it represents the people of India, and we've been really hearing about a unified voice against Pakistan-based terrorism," said Roy-Chaudhury."What is most important is that this delegation is seeking to engage with the British government to also seek a global consensus against Pakistan-based terrorism. We have not seen this focus in many years, and it is a welcome initiative by the government," he told PTI."The big challenge will be that while focusing on seeking a global consensus against Pakistan-based terrorism, there is a risk that India's focus will shift much more towards Pakistan than it has in the past. And, this brings about the challenges of not being re-hyphenated with Pakistan," he Chietigj Bajpaee, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia in the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House, highlighted the "high degree of sympathy" for India's position following the Pahalgam terror attack and the military response with Operation Sindoor."However, the discussions also revealed that India faces an uphill battle in keeping the international community focused on this issue given the plethora of global challenges," said Bajpaee."In particular, the US/NATO ( North Atlantic Treaty Organisation ) withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 has diluted the Western focus on terrorism. This may make it difficult for New Delhi to draw attention to Pakistan's alleged role as a global hub for terrorism," he Jagannadha Pawan Tamvada, who leads the Responsible Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship (RISE) research excellence hub at Kingston Business School, stressed on the importance of the international community condemning Pakistan's use of illegally occupied parts of Kashmir as a terrorist base to attack India."The Kashmir region is a natural part of India. Civilisationally, Kashmir has always been an integral part of India... I think it is the right time that the world acknowledges that civilisationally Kashmir belongs to India and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir should be relinquished by Pakistan," said Prof. multi-party delegation, led by Prasad and comprising MPs Purandeswari, Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh, Samik Bhattacharya, M Thambidurai besides M J Akbar and Ambassador Saran, went on to meet members of the Conservative Friends of India (CFIN) and Labour Friends of India (LFIN) and are scheduled to meet House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Tuesday Sunday evening, the group which has been conveying India's zero-tolerance stance against terrorism emanating from Pakistan in several European capitals including Paris, Rome and Copenhagen addressed a large gathering of the Indian diaspora at the High Commission of India in London."You are in Europe. If Europe doesn't remember fascism, which continent is going to remember fascism? You have generations here who remember the era of Hitler. This is the return of that era and we are witnessing it with our own eyes. But unless we understand it ourselves and explain it to others, we will have failed those who gave their lives," said London, Group 2 of seven similar all-party delegations travelling the world is scheduled for dialogues and interactive sessions in Belgium and Germany - where it will conclude its six-nation Europe tour. PTI
