India has kicked off a major diplomatic drive to expose Pakistan’s alleged role in terrorism, sending multi-party delegations worldwide following the brutal April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The first group departs for the UAE, aiming to rally global support and present detailed evidence of cross-border terrorism.
The government’s strategy is clear: show a united Indian front on the international stage against terror sponsorship. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized India’s dual stance—peaceful yet unyielding. “India will not tolerate any terror attacks on its soil and will hit back as part of its ‘new normal,’” he told delegation members this week.
The initial delegation is led by Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde and includes BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Manan Kumar Mishra, former BJP MP SS Ahluwalia, BJD’s Sasmit Patra, IUML’s ET Mohammed Basheer, and Ambassador Sujan Chinoy. Besides the UAE, their itinerary also covers Liberia, Congo, and Sierra Leone. This group marks the start of seven planned delegations, all tasked with carrying dossiers detailing Pakistan’s involvement in terror activities against India.
India’s united front: Multi-party delegations speak with one voice
For a country often seen as politically divided, this coordinated effort speaks volumes. The involvement of leaders from different parties — BJP, Shiv Sena, BJD, IUML — shows a rare consensus on terrorism. It’s a clear message: India is serious about countering Pakistan-sponsored terror, no matter the political colors.
This diversity also serves diplomatic purposes. Each delegation’s composition helps tailor messaging to different regions and governments, hoping to make the Indian case more relatable and persuasive. The inclusion of seasoned diplomats like Ambassador Sujan Chinoy adds weight and finesse to these talks.
But it’s not just about words. According to insiders, the delegations will carry substantial evidence, including dossiers on Pakistan’s direct support and sponsorship of terrorist outfits targeting India. These documents are meant to convince host nations to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism and perhaps rethink their stance toward Pakistan.
The ‘new normal’ of India’s counterterror approach
Vikram Misri’s phrase “new normal” caught attention. It signals a shift in India’s policy—a readiness to respond aggressively, not just diplomatically, to terror attacks. This isn’t about escalating conflict blindly, but about signaling deterrence. India wants the world to understand that terror on its soil will meet swift retaliation.
This approach aligns with a series of recent Indian responses post-Pahalgam attack. Intelligence operations, targeted strikes, and increased border vigilance are part of this tightened stance. The global outreach complements these by building pressure on Pakistan from all angles.
Interestingly, the strategy hinges heavily on international opinion. By convincing countries across continents—from the Middle East to Africa—India hopes to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. It aims to make it costly for Pakistan to continue sponsoring terrorism, hoping that global diplomatic pressure will curb militant activities.
Where the delegations are headed—and why it matters
The first delegation’s route—UAE, Liberia, Congo, Sierra Leone—might raise eyebrows. Why these countries? The answer lies in India’s expanding geopolitical interests and the strategic role these nations play in international forums.
The UAE is a critical economic and diplomatic partner for India, hosting a large Indian diaspora and acting as a gateway to the Middle East. Garnering UAE’s vocal support can influence Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Liberia, Congo, and Sierra Leone might seem off the beaten path, but these African countries are growing players in United Nations peacekeeping and global diplomacy. India has deepening ties with them through development aid, trade, and cultural links. Securing their backing could translate into votes and voices in larger international bodies like the UN Security Council.
This outreach also underscores India’s broader ambition to shift global narratives. Rather than focusing solely on Western capitals, India is wooing nations where support has been less vocal but potentially impactful.
The stakes and market ripple effects
While this diplomatic push is political at its core, it has financial and market implications too. Geopolitical stability or instability directly affects investor confidence in South Asia and beyond.
Experts watching the situation say that any escalation in India-Pakistan tensions tends to cause short-term volatility in regional markets, including stocks, bonds, and even cryptocurrencies. For instance, recent regional market indices have shown sensitivity to terror-related news, often dipping amid heightened uncertainty.
This table is just a snippet but reflects the mood swings tied to geopolitical flashpoints. The unfolding Operation Sindoor outreach might calm nerves if successful in building global support or, alternatively, trigger short bursts of anxiety during sensitive talks.
India’s diplomatic tightrope walk
India’s push with Operation Sindoor is walking a fine line. On one hand, it needs to keep peace and maintain good diplomatic ties, especially with countries like the UAE. On the other, it wants to be firm and clear about zero tolerance to terror.
This balancing act requires skillful diplomacy. Each delegation must present India’s case convincingly without escalating tensions unnecessarily. The involvement of multiple parties suggests an attempt to bring a balanced perspective, avoiding accusations of political grandstanding.
It’s a reminder that diplomacy, especially on issues as sensitive as terrorism, is as much art as it is policy.
The weeks ahead will be critical for India’s global standing on terrorism and for the broader South Asian stability picture. The success of these delegations could influence how international players engage with Pakistan and contribute to regional peace—or further complicate the volatile landscape.
