Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with seven multi-party delegations that recently visited 33 countries, emphasizing India’s position against cross-border terrorism. The delegations were praised for effectively representing India’s stance globally. Conversations highlighted India’s evolving diplomatic doctrine and the overwhelming international support for its anti-terror policies. Modi stressed the importance of bipartisan collaboration in pursuing India’s interests on the world stage.
On May 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with seven multi-party delegations that had just returned from a two-week tour of 33 countries. The delegations, comprised of 59 lawmakers and several former ambassadors, were sent to convey India’s position on issues like cross-border terrorism and Operation Sindoor. Modi expressed pride in how effectively the teams articulated India’s stance, emphasizing the importance of using such platforms to project the nation’s voice globally.
During the meeting at Modi’s official residence, lasting over an hour, delegates discussed their interactions abroad and provided feedback on their experiences. Sources mentioned that the Prime Minister listened attentively and shared some insights of his own. He emphasized the unity within India against terrorism and noted the importance of these international engagements.
In his remarks on social media post-meeting, Modi stated, “We are all proud of the manner in which they put forward India’s voice.” This gathering followed the government’s announcement earlier that day regarding the formation of seven delegations, which would also include eminent personalities and diplomats, aimed at addressing India’s response to terrorism after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.
Delegates expressed a sense of duty towards the nation. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who led a delegation to various South American countries, tweeted his gratitude for the opportunity.
Notably, four delegations were led by members of the National Democratic Alliance, while three were guided by Opposition lawmakers. Modi acknowledged their collective efforts and touched upon the surprising nature of this collaborative endeavor, noting reactions from foreign counterparts.
A key point of discussion was India’s evolving diplomatic approach in light of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. A source shared that Modi highlighted a doctrine recognizing that “blood and water cannot flow together”, reiterating that terrorism should be treated as an act of war.
After Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister maintained that “talks and terror” cannot coexist, explaining India’s pause on the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan as a necessary stance due to terrorism while underscoring that Pakistan’s support of terror acts hindered relations.
Leaders from the delegations relayed the enthusiastic backing they received from foreign allies regarding India’s fight against terrorism. Shrikant Shinde of Shiv Sena noted on social media the overwhelming support for India’s anti-terrorism efforts from friendly nations.
There were also discussions about Modi’s relationships with world leaders, especially with Saudi Arabia, as factors contributing to the favorable reactions seen abroad. Following comments from delegates about the impact of their missions, Modi emphasized the necessity of continuous initiatives like this and suggested strengthening parliamentary friendship groups as tools for soft diplomacy.
Addressing concerns surrounding India’s investment image amidst regional strife, Modi offered anecdotes from his past experiences, including his 2012 visit to Japan, to stress the importance of addressing such issues head-on.
In attendance were several prominent leaders, including Ravi Shankar Prasad, Anurag Thakur, and Opposition members like Tharoor and Manish Tewari. Earlier that day, Prasad held a press conference detailing evidence of Pakistan’s ties to terrorism discussed during their European meetings, clarifying that the aim was not animosity towards Pakistan’s people but condemnation of its military’s actions.
Overall, the Prime Minister’s meeting with the delegations highlighted the crucial role of collective diplomatic efforts in promoting India’s position against terrorism on the global stage. The dynamic discussions underscored a blended approach to foreign relations, combining voices from various political backgrounds to present a united front in international discourse.
In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with seven multi-party delegations to discuss their recent diplomatic engagements. The focus was primarily on India’s firm stance against terrorism, with leaders expressing pride in their collective international efforts. The Prime Minister emphasized ongoing collaboration and soft diplomacy as vital for India’s global positioning. The discussions revealed significant international support for India’s anti-terrorism policies and acknowledged the surprising bipartisan cooperation among the delegations. Notably, Modi’s diplomatic doctrine, addressing the interconnectedness of terrorism and peace talks, stands central to these conversations, enhancing India’s global narrative on security. Overall, this diplomatic initiative appears to underscore India’s commitment to a unified front against the menace of terrorism, bridging political lines for a greater national cause.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
