Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Saturday, May 17 announced the names of seven Members of Parliament who will lead all-party delegations abroad to project the country’s “national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations.” In the context of Operation Sindoor, the delegations will visit India’s partner countries including the members of the UN Security Council.
The MPs from the Opposition who will lead the delegations include Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP), and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena). The MPs from BJP representing the delegation are: Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda. Each delegation will have MPs from different parties.
“They would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero-tolerance against terrorism,” the press release said.
Speaking to TNM, an MP said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached out to the leaders of several parties requesting them to depute an MP for the all party delegation. “The delegations are expected to travel to various countries from May 23, 2025 and each delegation will have 4-5 MPs from various parties and officials from the MEA,” the MP added.
Another MP said that the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs were in the process of finalising the names of the other members of the delegation. “Once the list is finalised, the MPs who are part of the delegation will be briefed by the Defence Ministry officials and MEA on the purpose of the visit,” the source said.
Sharing the list, Rijiju wrote: “In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero-tolerance to terrorism.”
Speaking about the inclusion of MPs from the Opposition in the delegation, he described it as a powerful reflection of “national unity above politics, beyond differences.”
Interestingly, the Congress party did not recommend the name of Shashi Tharoor for the delegation. It instead has suggested the names of Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Raja Brar.
Tharoor said that it was an honour to lead the delegation to five key capitals. “When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting,” he said.
Similarly Kanimozhi, who is set to lead the delegation to Russia, expressed that it was an honour to represent India and lead one of the delegations. She said that her party, DMK, has always stood for national integrity. “ I am honoured to represent India and lead one of the delegations at this important time. The DMK has always stood for the integrity of the nation and the values enshrined in our Constitution.”
Apart from the MPs, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation. Each delegation will visit different countries to bolster India’s narrative against cross-border terrorism.