Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Member of Parliament Sasmit Patra today reaffirmed India’s resolve to highlight cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan as he prepares to join an all-party delegation on a multi-national goodwill and awareness tour. The parliamentary team, comprising representatives from several parties, will depart for Abu Dhabi tomorrow night and subsequently visit three African countries to brief government officials, think tanks and the diaspora on India’s counter-terror measures—particularly the recently concluded Operation Sindoor.
A Unified Parliamentary Front on Terrorism
Emphasis on Bipartisan Collaboration
Speaking to IANS, MP Patra underlined the significance of presenting a unified Indian stance against terrorism on the global stage. “I am proud to be part of an all-party delegation that embodies India’s firm stance on terrorism,” he said. “This is not about politics; it is about national security and international solidarity against terror.” By convening Members of Parliament from various parties—each with diverse political ideologies—the government aims to demonstrate consensus on the threat posed by Pakistan-sponsored militancy.
Avoiding Political Controversy
Despite recent squabbles over party representation in the delegation, Patra chose to avoid direct criticism of other political outfits. When asked about the Trinamool Congress’s reported refusal to send MPs, including Yusuf Pathan, Patra stated, “I prefer not to comment on statements made by other parties. Our collective focus must remain on raising awareness effectively on global platforms.” His remarks underscore the delegation’s emphasis on unity and message coherence in diplomatic engagements, rather than intra-national disputes.
Operation Sindoor: Showcasing India’s Counter-Terror Success
Background and Objectives
Operation Sindoor, launched earlier this year, targeted terror cells linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operating along India’s western frontier. Official briefings by the Ministry of Home Affairs cited the dismantling of multiple sleeper cells, arrests of key operatives and interception of arms consignments bound for Jammu & Kashmir and other restive regions. Government sources say the operation significantly degraded the command-and-control infrastructure of Pakistan-backed militants, delivering a blow to cross-border terror networks.
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Deployment of Specialized Forces
The operation witnessed coordinated deployments of elite National Investigation Agency teams, Rapid Action Force units and local Special Task Forces, leveraging advanced forensic capabilities and real-time intelligence from multiple agencies. According to Patra, “In our recent Political Affairs Committee meeting, the first issue we discussed was the valorous efforts of our armed forces and security agencies in Operation Sindoor. Their success underlines India’s zero-tolerance policy on terror.”
Leveraging the Delegation for Global Advocacy
MEA Briefing and International Engagements
Ahead of departure, delegation members will attend a detailed briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the geopolitical dimensions of terrorism in South Asia. The MEA is expected to provide delegates with recent intelligence assessments, diplomatic talking points and counter-narratives to anticipated objections. Patra expressed his eagerness for the briefing: “The MEA’s insights will equip us to represent India’s concerns accurately, especially in countering Pakistan’s disinformation campaigns.”
Planned Stops: Abu Dhabi and Three African Capitals
The delegation’s first stop is Abu Dhabi, where they will meet senior officials at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attend a high-level symposium on South Asian security hosted by the Emirates Diplomatic Academy. Delegates will then travel to Nairobi, Kenya; Pretoria, South Africa; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—capitals selected for their roles as regional hubs and seats of influential African Union bodies. Each visit will feature:
- Bilateral Dialogues with foreign ministers and parliamentary committees.
- Think-Tank Roundtables organized by local strategic studies institutes.
- Diaspora Outreach events to engage Indian expatriate communities and build public awareness campaigns.
Pakistan’s Global Image at Stake
Interview with International Partners
In each country, delegates will present documented evidence of Pakistan’s support for terror groups, including intercepted communications and recovered weapon caches. Closed-door briefings will aim to secure diplomatic traction—such as United Nations resolutions or joint statements—condemning extraterritorial terrorism. According to Patra, “Our mission is to expose the reality of terrorism being spread by Pakistan, especially in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. We must inform other nations of the current situation, and enlist their support in holding perpetrators accountable.”
Significance for African Security Cooperation
By visiting Africa, India seeks to underscore common interests in countering radicalization and cross-border militancy on the continent. Delegates will discuss collaborative mechanisms for intelligence-sharing, training of local law-enforcement agencies and capacity-building initiatives under India’s security assistance programs. “Terrorism is a global menace,” Patra emphasized. “Our delegation will demonstrate how Pakistan’s terror networks destabilize not just South Asia but also traction in Africa.”
Domestic Political Context
BJD’s Stand and Leadership
Under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik, BJD has maintained a consistent alignment with national security priorities. Patra highlighted that the party’s Political Affairs Committee, chaired by Patnaik, commended the Indian armed forces’ performance in Operation Sindoor and reaffirmed support for the Centre’s diplomatic outreach. “The Biju Janata Dal has always stood with the nation,” Patra noted. The party’s participation in the delegation signals Odisha’s backing for a robust, unified Indian foreign-policy posture on terrorism.
Trinamool Congress’s Decision to Abstain
Reports indicate that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) declined to send any MPs—citing a lack of consultation by the Centre—sparking controversy over political representation. However, Patra refrained from engaging in inter-party criticism, saying, “I don’t wish to comment on the choices of other political parties. Our delegation’s mission transcends partisan politics. We carry the message of unity and national interest to the international stage.”
Beyond Terrorism: Administrative Directives on Migration
While pressed on separate administrative instructions from the Home Ministry—mandating states to form Special Task Forces (STFs) to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants—Patra demurred. “That is an administrative matter, not a political one,” he said. “I prefer to restrict my comments to our delegation and the upcoming mission abroad.” His stance underscores the delegation’s narrow focus on terrorism advocacy, leaving domestic policy debates to other forums.
Challenges and Expectations
Anticipated Diplomatic Hurdles
Pakistan’s diplomatic network will likely mount counter-narratives alleging selective politicization of terrorism or violations of sovereignty. Delegates must be prepared with credible sources—Interpol notices, UN monitoring reports and corroborated intelligence—to counter such pushback. The MEA’s briefing and dossier preparation will be critical in ensuring delegates possess airtight evidence and diplomatic reframing strategies.
Measuring Success: Objectives and Metrics
The delegation’s achievements will be measured by:
- Official Statements or communiqués from host governments denouncing cross-border terrorism.
- Commitments to Intelligence Cooperation, including MoUs or letters of intent for training and data-sharing.
- Media Coverage and Public Diplomacy, reflected in press releases, op-eds by delegates and engagement metrics from diaspora events.
Potential Impact on India-Pakistan Relations
While the mission aims to isolate Pakistan internationally, it could further heighten bilateral tensions—leading to retaliatory rhetoric and possible disruptions in Track-II dialogues. Delegates must balance assertive advocacy with diplomatic tact to avoid inadvertent escalation. According to Patra, “We must be firm but factual, ensuring that our message highlights the urgency of countering terror without derailing broader regional stability efforts.”
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for India’s Global Anti-Terror Diplomacy
As Sasmit Patra and his colleagues board an aircraft bound for Abu Dhabi tomorrow night, they carry more than credentials: they bear India’s collective resolve to unmask state-sponsored terrorism on the world stage. Through visits to African capitals, strategic dialogues, diaspora engagement and evidence-based presentations, the delegation will press for international recognition of Pakistan-linked terror networks and for concrete steps to curb their activities.
In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, this diplomatic offensive represents India’s next line of defense—transforming military success into sustained global pressure. For the BJD’s Sasmit Patra and fellow parliamentarians, the mission is clear: to expose terrorism, bolster international solidarity and reaffirm India’s unwavering commitment to peace through justice.
