Daijiworld Media Network- Doha
Doha, May 25: In a significant diplomatic initiative following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent launch of Operation Sindoor, an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar leader Supriya Sule arrived in Qatar on Saturday evening. The visit forms part of India's intensified global outreach to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and build a united front against terror activities.
The high-powered delegation includes prominent political figures across the spectrum — Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Anurag Thakur, and V Muraleedharan of the BJP; Manish Tewari and Anand Sharma from the Congress; Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu of the Telugu Desam Party; Vikramjeet Singh Sawhney of the Aam Aadmi Party; and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin.
The Indian Embassy in Qatar issued a statement on platform X, confirming the delegation’s arrival and extending a warm welcome: “Taking India’s strong message against terrorism to the world! A warm welcome to the multi-party delegation led by @Supriya_sule to Qatar,” it posted, with Ambassador Vipul receiving the leaders at the airport.
This visit marks the first leg of the delegation’s four-nation tour, which will also include South Africa, Ethiopia, and Egypt. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the purpose of the mission is to "apprise the global community of India’s position on Pakistan-aided terrorism and clarify that the escalation followed the Pahalgam attack — not Operation Sindoor, as alleged by Islamabad.”
India’s engagement with Qatar is particularly strategic, as Doha plays a key mediatory role in West Asian affairs and commands substantial influence in regional diplomacy. The Indian delegation is expected to meet with Qatari dignitaries, political leaders, media representatives, and academic institutions over the next two days to drive home India's message on counter-terrorism cooperation.
Highlighting the diplomatic build-up since the attack, the Indian Embassy noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with the Amir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, on May 6, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held further discussions with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al-Thani on May 7. Qatar, in a strong statement issued on April 23, had condemned the terror strike in Pahalgam and expressed solidarity with India.
Speaking before departure, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, “Have departed to Doha along with fellow parliamentarians on a four-leg visit... to build global consensus in the fight against terrorism. Jai Hind INDIA.”
The delegation’s next stop will be South Africa, currently holding the G-20 Presidency, followed by Ethiopia, the seat of the African Union, and then Egypt, an influential voice in the Arab world.
This diplomatic mission is part of a broader Indian strategy, with seven multi-party delegations being deployed to 33 world capitals. The objective: to highlight Pakistan’s terror links, and counter Islamabad’s narrative that falsely blames Operation Sindoor for recent hostilities.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was India's direct military response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 civilians dead. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror launchpads and training facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Toiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Following retaliatory shelling and attempted drone attacks by Pakistan, India launched a coordinated counter-strike, inflicting heavy damage on Pakistani radar stations, communication hubs, and airfields at 11 military bases. A ceasefire understanding was announced on May 10 after diplomatic backchannel efforts.
As the delegation continues its journey across continents, India’s message is loud and clear — terrorism will not be tolerated, and global solidarity is key to dismantling the infrastructure of terror.