India’s Diplomatic Push: Pakistan’s ‘Victim Card’, China’s Changed Stand
New Delhi – Indian all-party delegations, tasked with a global outreach campaign following Operation Sindoor, were briefed on critical talking points to address Pakistan’s narrative of victimhood and China’s evolving position on the India-Pakistan conflict. The briefings, conducted by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, aimed to equip the delegations with a unified message to counter Pakistan’s portrayal of itself as a victim while emphasizing India’s firm stance against terrorism.
The delegations, comprising 59 political leaders and parliamentarians from various parties, are set to visit 32 countries, including key UN Security Council members, starting May 23. Misri underscored that Pakistan’s long-standing strategy of using terrorism, coupled with nuclear posturing, will no longer shield its military establishment from consequences. He highlighted India’s decision to pause the Indus Waters Treaty as a response to Pakistan’s failure to adhere to its terms, a move signaling a tougher approach to cross-border terrorism.
The briefings also addressed China’s nuanced shift in rhetoric. Unlike its previous unequivocal support for Pakistan, Beijing has recently advocated for restraint and a ceasefire, urging both nations to resolve differences through dialogue. This change was noted in a conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, where Wang condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, and expressed China’s opposition to all forms of terrorism.
Delegates were further informed about the environmental and technical challenges necessitating a review of the Indus Waters Treaty, particularly in light of climate change impacts on water management. One delegate, JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, emphasized that Pakistan’s use of terrorism has hindered India’s ability to utilize its allocated water share, reinforcing the need for treaty renegotiation.
The outreach, involving prominent leaders like Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, aims to present a cohesive front to global capitals. The delegations will highlight India’s resolve to combat Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and clarify that equating India, a victim of terror, with Pakistan, a perpetrator, is untenable. Additional briefings are scheduled for Friday to prepare remaining delegations for their diplomatic missions.