New Delhi : In a bid to launch a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, a delegation of MPs from all parties is set to embark on an international outreach programme to brief foreign governments on the recent conflict and India’s stance on the issue.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is coordinating the foreign tour, which is expected to begin after May 22. Invitations have already been sent to the MPs. (A recent IndiaToday.in opinion piece had argued why such a diplomatic offensive should be considered.) India and Pakistan were recently locked in a heightened military confrontation following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, carried out by Pakistan-based militants. In response, India launched a retaliatory strike under ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan retaliated by attempting drone strikes on Indian cities and military installations, escalating tensions and creating a war-like situation that lasted for four days. On May 10, the neighbouring countries reached an agreement to de-escalate tensions following discussions between top military officials. Following Operation Sindoor, the government convened an all-party meeting to brief political leaders on the security situation and the way forward.
During the meeting, the opposition expressed its support for the government in dealing with Pakistan’s offensive. Following the Pahalgam attack, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians, India has announced a series of diplomatic measures against Pakistan. These include cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals, downsizing diplomatic missions, closing land borders and airspace, halting trade and business ties, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
