New Delhi: In an attempt to launch a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, a delegation of MPs from all parties is set to embark on an international outreach programme.
The MPs will brief foreign governments on the recent conflict between India and Pakistan. It is aimed at countering Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir and present India’s case as a victim of cross-border terror. The Ministry of External Affairs is preparing talking points, marking a first-of-its-kind outreach, sources told India Today on Friday.
According to reports, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is coordinating the foreign tour. This programme is expected to begin after May 22, India Today reported. Invitations have already been sent to the selected MPs. Reports quoting sources claimed that senior MPs have been asked to lead these delegations. Mostly NDA MPs have been entrusted with the task.
Each delegation is likely to have 5-6 MPs accompanied by a MEA official. They will visit different countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Reports further indicate that BJP MPs Angurag Thakur, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Nishikant Dubey and Bhartuhari Mahtab and Jagdambika Pal and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owais, who had been at the forefront defending India’s actions against Pakistan post Pahalgam terror attack, former Union Minister-Information & Broadcasting Manish Tewari, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, BJD’s Sasmit Patra are likely to be part of this delegation.
Reacting to the media reports, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “Keeping national interest above all, Congress will certainly join the delegation of multi-party MPs. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has spoken to the Congress President, who will depute party leaders.”
India and Pakistan were recently locked in a heightened military confrontation. This came after India responded to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 by carrying Operation Sindoor, precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
On May 10, the neighbouring countries reached an agreement to de-escalate tensions after discussions between top military officials.
