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Meeting diaspora, watching garba, speaking to ANI: What anti-terror MP delegations are doing abroad
Seven delegations comprising retired Indian diplomats and MPs from all major political parties are travelling around the world to deliver India's message of zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. According to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the reason for picking members from parties across the political spectrum was to 'project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism' on the world stage. But many MPs appear to be treating this as an opportunity to project themselves to their voters back home too. The public engagements of prominent politicians participating in this exercise show that the challenge of Pakistan-backed terrorism is not the only one taking up all their time. The netas are paying special attention to the Indian diaspora, attending cultural functions and speaking to the Indian media. Domestic politics first For example, Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, visited the memorial of Bengali freedom fighter Rash Behari Bose in Tokyo on May 23. There, he complained about the rundown condition of the structure dedicated to this 'great son of Bengal' and asked the Indian ambassador in Japan to take it up with the local authorities. Banerjee also offered prayers at the Ramakrishna Mission in Singapore. This sect of Hinduism, which originated in nineteenth-century Kolkata and spread across the world, continues to wield a powerful influence in West Bengal. During his official visit to Japan, Shri @abhishekaitc took time from his demanding schedule to visit the Tama Cemetery in Tokyo, where he paid solemn tribute to freedom fighter, national hero, and one of Bengal's most revered son — Shri Rash Behari Bose. — All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 23, 2025 The Bengal leader was by no means the only one playing to his gallery at home on this global sojourn. Ideological opponents both to his Left and Right did not lose sight of their domestic audiences either. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, who is part of the Indian contingent touring Bahrain and Kuwait, spoke to journalists there about subjects like India's foreign policy and Pakistan-linked terrorism. Except that the interviews were for Indian news wire agencies, such as Asian News International and Press Trust of India. John Brittas of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was in Seoul meeting South Korean ministers and dignitaries. But he still found the time to write a long response to his Kerala rival Shashi Tharoor, who had criticised the CPI(M)-led Kerala government for providing aid to Turkey after an earthquake in February 2023. Photo ops and desi meetups Tharoor, himself an expert on international relations, is leading a delegation too. His group has so far visited the United States, Guyana and Panama. All three countries are members of the United Nations Security Council at present. Soon after the group arrived in New York City on May 24, they paid their respects at the 9/11 memorial and museum. It was a gesture intended to resonate with America's own experience with terrorism. However, there were no American elected representatives around to witness it or meet the Indians because the US Congress is currently in recess. The visit did receive substantial media coverage – but only in India. American papers and television channels did not consider it newsworthy. After this Tharoor's delegation headed to Guyana first and then Panama. On Thursday, the Congress MP shared pictures from his visit to the Panama Canal, which he called an 'engineering marvel'. The group in Kuwait, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, also went to sites of cultural significance, such as the Grand Mosque. In the National Library, they studied 'rare manuscripts, ancient books, historical coins' displayed as part of an exhibition to commemorate 250 years of friendship between India and Kuwait. Besides such efforts, most delegations are devoting a lot of time to meeting the Indian diaspora. Tharoor's group, for example, spoke to members of the Indian community everywhere it went. The Congress leader even posted pictures from a garba performance at one such event in Panama supposedly attended by 300 Gujaratis and Sindhis. In Qatar, Manish Tewari, another Congress MP, spoke in Hindi while talking to expat Indians about Pakistan's involvement in terrorism against India. When Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi met with Indians in Kuwait , he described Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir as 'stupid jokers'. Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar also put up social media posts about their meetings with meetings the Indian diaspora. Chaturvedi was in France, while Sule was in South Africa. Our conversation with the Indian diaspora based in Paris was heartening and heartfelt. They continue to be the best brand ambassadors of India. 3/ — Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) May 27, 2025 The diplomatic grind The aim of this diplomatic exercise was to convince the world that India had no option but to respond firmly to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead and that its military action against Pakistan was 'focused, measured and non-escalatory' in nature. But public documents released by the Ministry of External Affairs suggest that most foreign governments hosting the Indian delegations are yet to be convinced. While ministers and dignitaries in these countries have extended solidarity and support to India in its fight against terrorism, they are stopping short of ascribing the responsibility for Pahalgam to Pakistan. The responses received by the Indian contingent travelling through East Asia illustrate this. That group managed to get an audience with the foreign minister of Japan, who expressed his 'heartfelt condolences' to the victims of the terror attack. They also met the junior foreign minister of Singapore. 'Singapore strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and stands with India against terrorism,' she told them. However, neither of these officials made any mention of Pakistan. There were cultural performances (the garba stood out), a lively q&A… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 28, 2025 The vice foreign minister of South Korea also 'condemned the [Pahalgam] attack and expressed understanding of India's position' during his meeting with the delegation. But he did not offer explicit support for India's actions during Operation Sindoor. Harsh Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation and a professor of international relations at King's College London contended that in spite of this lack of visible impact at the moment, the delegations were a good idea. 'The world has a lot of things to worry about at the moment and the India-Pakistan issue is not a top priority,' Pant explained. 'But India is doing well to ensure that its message about how it wants to deal with the issue of terrorism is conveyed to its partners and allies. The move to send all-party delegations is a good, sound one. We will find out its effectiveness as time goes by.'
India Gazette
25-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
All-Party Indian delegation in Seoul highlights zero tolerance for terrorism
Seoul (South Korea), May 25 (ANI): Group 3 of India's all-party parliamentary delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, held a meeting with Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, Amit Kumar, at the Indian Embassy in Seoul. The delegation also includes Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, CPI(M) MP John Brittas, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, BJP MP Brij Lal, BJP MP Pradan Baruah, Ambassador Mohan Kumar, and BJP MP Hemang Joshi. The visit marks a continuation of Operation Sindoor, India's diplomatic outreach following the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam. The Embassy of India in Seoul posted on X: 'The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by Hon'ble MP Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jha, began their engagements on Operation Sindoor with a briefing by Ambassador Amit Kumar. He highlighted the Korea-specific approach to scheduled engagements, setting the context for a strong messaging of India's stance of zero tolerance against terrorism.' Arriving in Seoul after completing its visit to Japan, the delegation was welcomed by the Indian Embassy as part of India's ongoing campaign to highlight its unified front against terrorism. Earlier on Saturday, in a post on X, the Embassy stated, 'The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by Hon'ble MP Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jha, arrived in Seoul as part of India's diplomatic outreach on Operation Sindoor. India stands committed to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.' Prior to their arrival in Seoul, the delegation had paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Rash Behari Bose in Tokyo, marking the birth anniversary of the freedom fighter. The Embassy noted, 'Hon'ble Member of Parliament Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha, Head of the All Party Parliamentary delegation paid floral tributes to freedom fighter Rash Behari Bose at Tama Cemetery, Tokyo, on the eve of his birth anniversary. The delegation's visit to Japan began with tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and concluded by paying tributes to Rash Behari Bose. Drawing inspiration from the unwavering courage of our freedom fighters, India today stands united with a resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms. Never Forget Never Forgive.' The Embassy also described interactions between the delegation and Indian diaspora members in Japan, where the delegation discussed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and India's zero tolerance stance on terrorism. According to the Embassy, 'The delegation presented a unified front of India, clearly explained the role of Pakistan in the gruesome terror attacks in Pahalgam on April 22 and how India, through Operation Sindoor, destroyed the terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. They emphasized India's zero tolerance to Terrorism and conveyed the message that terror and talks cannot go together; blood and water cannot flow together,' the statement said. (ANI)
The Print
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
All party delegations conclude visits to Russia, Japan; drive home India's stance on fight against terror
Meeting with the political leadership, media, senior officials and members of the diplomatic corps, the delegations spread awareness about Pakistan's designs and India's response to terror and shared information about Operation Sindoor. The three delegations that exchanged views on furthering cooperation in counter-terrorism and combating radicalism, especially after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that saw 26 people dead, are part of India's global outreach with its seven multi-party delegations travelling to 33 global capitals to meet the international community. Moscow/Tokyo/Manama, May 24 (PTI) All party delegations from India to Russia and Japan on Saturday concluded their visits with 'constructive meetings' with diplomatic leaderships discussing global fight against terror as a third similar team reached Bahrain to highlight New Delhi's response to cross-border radicalism. The delegation to Moscow, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, addressed a press conference at the end of the visit and described Russia as a 'close and tried and tested' friend. 'We naturally seek an understanding that Russia is by our side in this time of difficulty. It is better that people are aware of our suffering from state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan,' the delegation members said while answering a media question. Opening the press conference, Kanimozhi described the Russia visit as a 'great opportunity to explain our stand' and said, 'Pakistan chooses to protect the terrorists, they go ahead and spread false propaganda. We had only targeted terror hubs. India is very clear, we would not come to the table for peace talks when Pakistan continues attacking us.' Earlier on Friday, Russia had reiterated its decisive commitment to 'an uncompromising joint fight' with New Delhi against all forms of terrorism. When the delegation to Russia met Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chair of the Committee on International Affairs, Russia, and Senators on Friday, Kanimozhi, in a post on X, described the meeting as 'constructive' and said they two sides 'exchanged views on issues of mutual concern with respect to terrorism.' The Parliamentary delegation to Japan on Saturday wrapped up its three-day visit after engaging extensively with Japan's political leadership, policymakers, media and the Indian community and said it was deeply encouraged by Tokyo's unequivocal support in New Delhi's war against terror. JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, who led the delegation, said: 'At every forum, we firmly reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and exposed Pakistan's continued patronage of cross-border terror.' 'We are deeply encouraged by Japan's unequivocal support,' he added. The delegation visited the Tama Cemetery here and honoured freedom fighter Rash Behari Bose on the eve of his birth anniversary. 'India follows Gandhi's path of peace, but when peace is threatened, we also carry forward the fearless spirit of Rash Behari Bose. Non violence is our choice, not our compulsion. If terror challenges peace, India will respond with unity and resolve,' Jha said in his post on X. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is also part of the delegation to Japan, said if terrorism is a 'rabid dog', Pakistan is its 'vile handler', and the world must unite to tackle it. 'We are here to convey the truth— India refuses to bow down,' he said. The delegation also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora at the Embassy. Urging them to take India's message in the global fight against terrorism, Banerjee told them to raise awareness about the issue 'within your circles, through your networks, and via local influencers, in your unique ways.' In Bahrain, the all-party Indian delegation that reached Manama on Saturday is led by senior BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda. 'India's unwavering stand against cross-border terrorism will be highlighted in all the engagements,' the Embassy of India in Bahrain posted on X. Meanwhile, in Dubai, Sunjay Sudhir, India's Ambassador to the UAE, hailed the visit of the all-party delegation led by Shrikant Shinde to the country to highlight India's stance on the issue of terrorism. 'The narrative, our thoughts, our perspectives, were well received, very well reciprocated. And again, it was a clear reciprocation, a clear reiteration of the fact that in the UAE, we have a true strategic partner, a friend, whom we can rely on,' the ambassador told PTI. Ambassador Sudhir also highlighted a shift in the response by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – after the Pahalgam terror attack in comparison to the response they had shown after the 2008's 26/11 Mumbai attack. The ambassador said that the UAE was perhaps the first country to issue a clear and categorical statement condemning the attack as an act of terror and calling for the elimination of terrorism in all its forms. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. As part of the Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam attack, India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7, following which Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions and attacked air bases. The two countries reached an understanding to ceasefire on May 10. PTI NSA RK GSP NPK NPK NPK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Trinamool rallies behind Abhishek Banerjee's call to restore Rash Behari Bose Memorial in Tokyo
The Trinamool Congress leadership on Saturday (May 24, 2025) extended full support to party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who called for the restoration of the memorial of freedom fighter Rash Behari Bose at the Tama Cemetery in Tokyo, Japan. Mr. Banerjee, visiting Japan as part of an all-party parliamentary delegation, had paid tribute at the memorial and urged officials of the Indian High Commission in Tokyo to take steps for its restoration. 'It was disheartening to see his memorial in such a neglected and dilapidated state… I have requested our Ambassador [@AmbSibiGeorge] and [@IndianEmbTokyo] to take up the matter with the concerned authorities and ensure that this remarkable hero receives the honour he truly deserves,' the Trinamool leader wrote on social media. Day 2 in Tokyo of the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation to Japan was marked by moments of deep personal reflection and purposeful diplomatic engagement. I began the day by paying homage to two extraordinary sons of Bengal whose legacies transcend borders – Shri Rash Behari… — Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) May 23, 2025 Several Trinamool leaders, including West Bengal Ministers and Members of Parliament, endorsed Mr. Banerjee's appeal. Dr. Sashi Panja, State Minister and senior Trinamool leader, addressed a press conference highlighting Mr. Banerjee's visit to the cemetery in Tokyo, where both Rash Behari Bose and Justice Radha Binod Pal are buried. 'This is the way Bengal shows respect to sons of the soil of the great country and great State,' Dr. Panja said, adding that after Mr. Banerjee's visit, other members of the all-party delegation also visited the cemetery. 'Shri @abhishekaitc's tribute at the memorial of Rash Behari Bose in Tokyo was a call to conscience. By highlighting the memorial's alarming state of neglect, he reminded us of the respect we owe our national heroes beyond our borders,' the party said in a post on social media platform X. Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale said that with the Indian Ambassador visiting the memorial the following day, expectations are high that appropriate steps will be taken. 'Rash Behari Bose must be accorded the greatest respect and a proud son of Bengal has raised this issue. The Modi Govt needs to act swiftly on the concerns raised by @abhishekaitc,' Mr. Gokhale said. MP Ritabrata Banerjee, who had earlier raised concerns in Parliament over the lack of recognition for Bengali freedom fighters at the Andaman Cellular Jail, praised Mr. Banerjee's gesture. 'By paying respects to Shri Rash Behari Bose and Justice Radhabinod Pal, he paid homage to two towering figures who shaped India's legacy at home and abroad,' Mr. Banerjee said. Observers note that the Trinamool Congress's increasing emphasis on honouring Bengal's freedom fighters may be part of a broader project aimed at asserting 'Bengali nationalism and identity' in response to the BJP's ideological push centred around Hindutva. The Rajya Sabha MP had raised the question as to whether there were no busts of Ulaskar Dutta and Barin Ghosh at the Andaman Cellular Jail and if the Ministry of Culture had any plans to construct some memorial in the name of the freedom fighters at the prison.
India Gazette
24-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
All Party Delegation pays tribute to freedom fighter Rash Behari Bose in Tokyo
Tokyo [Japan], May 24 (ANI): The All Party Delegation currently in Japan led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha paid floral tributes to freedom fighter Rash Behari Bose at Tama Cemetery, Tokyo on Saturday. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Japan, said the delegates drew inspiration from the unwavering courage of freedom fighters. The Embassy said, 'Hon'ble Member of Parliament Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha, Head of the All Party Parliamentary delegation paid floral tributes to freedom fighter Rash Behari Bose at Tama Cemetery, Tokyo, on the eve of his birth anniversary. The delegation's visit to Japan began with tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and concluded by paying tributes to Rash Behari Bose. Drawing inspiration from the unwavering courage of our freedom fighters, India today stands united with a resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms. Never Forget Never Forgive.' Earlier in the day, Jha interacted with members of the Indian diaspora at the Indian Embassy in Japan, a statement by the Embassy said. The delegation talked of the dastardly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and, subsequent Operation Sindoor and India's stance of zero tolerance on terrorism. 'The delegation presented a unified front of India, clearly explained the role of Pakistan in the gruesome terror attacks in Pahalgam on April 22 and how India through Operation Sindoor destroyed the terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. They emphasized India's zero tolerance to Terrorism and conveyed the messages that terror and talks cannot go together; blood and water cannot flow together,' the Embassy statement said. The delegation highlighted India's commitment to combat terrorism and urged the diaspora there to spread this message to every corner in Japan. 'They reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to combating cross-border terrorism and urged the Indian diaspora to continue to spread this message to every corner of Japan. They also expressed deep appreciation for the community's recent tribute at the Embassy to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack--echoing the powerful message: Never Forget Never Forgive,' the statement said. Sanjay Kumar Jha is leading a nine-member delegation of BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradhan Baruah, Hemang Joshi, AITC's Abhishek Banerjee, CPI (M) MP John Brittas, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Ambassador Mohan Kumar. The delegation is currently in Japan and will head to other East Asian countries as part of India's global outreach against terrorism. (ANI)
