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First Post
24-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Operation Sindoor outreach to UAE and West Africa: A success story
The extraordinary outreach on the part of the Government of India has sensitised the world to the evil perpetrated by Pakistan-based terrorists read more (File) Operation Sindoor displayed on the screen during a press briefing by the Indian armed forces, in New Delhi on May 11, 2025. PTI Seven all-party delegations, comprising 57 members, travelled to 33 countries in the context of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April and Operation Sindoor, setting a new milestone in India's efforts to combat terrorism. That more than a score of the members belonged to non-NDA parties, and all but two of the delegations were led by Opposition MPs is a tribute to Indian democracy and an expression of national unity on an issue of great importance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I was privileged to be a member of the delegation led by Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) that visited the UAE, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sierra Leone and Liberia. The group represented an eclectic mix of age, experience and talent. To use cricketing parlance, it was the younger team members that took first strike, with the energetic Shinde getting excellent support from Bansuri Swaraj (BJP) and Sasmit Patra (BJD). The middle order was steadied by the dependable duo of Atul Garg (BJP) and Manan Kumar Mishra (BJP), with the experienced S.S. Ahluwalia (BJP) and E.T. Mohammed Basheer (Indian Union Muslim League) proving to be the backbone. I was frequently the pinch hitter. The batting order was often rotated to good effect. Our group spoke of India's zero tolerance for terrorism and the precise, measured and non-escalatory nature of Operation Sindoor. We elaborated the 'new normal' whereby, going forward, Pakistan will incur a cost for sponsoring cross-border terrorism. The delegation was received warmly everywhere. India has a comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE, a leading member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It was among the first to issue a statement condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The UAE leadership engaged the Indian delegation with great candour. The Minister of Tolerance and Co-existence assured us that the UAE stood with India to tackle terrorism. He condemned terrorist acts that blemished religion. There was consensus in the interactions with the Chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the federal National Council and other parliamentarians that terrorism posed a common threat to the global community. The delegation successfully exposed Pakistan's falsehoods during discussions with the Director General of the National Media Office. The understanding and appreciation of India's stand among leading social media influencers in the UAE was truly remarkable. They roundly condemned the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam massacre as enemies of all humanity. The next leg of the visit took us to West Africa. Sierra Leone, a member of the OIC, is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Vice-Chair of the Security Council's ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee which proscribes several Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists. Significantly, it also chairs the African Union's Committee of Ten (C10) on UNSC Reforms. DRC, Africa's second-largest country, as well as Liberia, are to commence their non-permanent two-year terms in the UNSC in January 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD West Africa is of growing importance. It has vast mineral resources. Piracy is rearing its ugly head in the Gulf of Guinea, where the Indian Navy is expanding its cooperation with the Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMP) through joint exercises with the European Union (EU) to enhance maritime security and to counter piracy, armed robbery and illegal fishing. Africa's emphasis on UNSC reforms is relevant to realising India's own aspirations. The growing Indian diaspora is beginning to make its mark through trade and investments. Moreover, UN reports reveal that radicalism and terrorism, with links to Al-Qaeda and ISIL, cast a dark shadow on West Africa as well. DRC is suffering internal conflict and cross-border violence. DRC leaders condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and conveyed heartfelt condolences. They expressed interest in working with India to combat the scourge of terrorism. The delegation's visit helped create greater awareness about Pakistan as the epicentre of global terrorism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD he State Minister of Foreign Affairs of DRC expressed support for India's fight against terrorism, including at international fora. There were strong expressions of sympathy and support by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate. During our interaction, the President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Assembly took the initiative to observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Apart from substantive discussions with the Vice President, the highlight of the visit to Sierra Leone was the warm welcome accorded by the Speaker during an on-going session in Parliament. In a unique and touching gesture, the House observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam attack. What is more, the Leader of the Opposition, who had participated in recent OIC meetings, was not only present but also frankly averred that the detailed briefings by the Indian delegation had helped set the record straight in the face of Pakistan's propaganda. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the final leg, the delegation was received by the President of Liberia, with the Foreign Minister and other senior personages in attendance. As elsewhere, interlocutors in Liberia uniformly expressed solidarity with India. The Liberian Senate also observed a moment of silence and invited the leader of the group, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, to address the house, marking the first time that an Indian Parliamentarian has been accorded such an honour. The Speaker and the heads of various parliamentary committees followed suit in paying homage to the Pahalgam victims. In all the four countries, the delegation engaged with the local media representatives and think-tanks, resulting in extensive coverage of India's viewpoint. Engaging the Indian diaspora was particularly important. They are force multipliers and envoys of goodwill. They act as bridges of friendship and cooperation between their motherland Bharat and the host nation. The extraordinary outreach on the part of the Government of India has sensitised the world to the evil perpetrated by Pakistan-based terrorists. The participation of representatives of the people from across the political spectrum has helped prepare the ground, both domestically and internationally, for India's strong response to any future cross-border terrorist attacks. Upon their return, PM Narendra Modi interacted with all the seven groups, receiving valuable feedback. He commended them for their service to the nation. For me, the key takeaway is that politics in India need not be divisive on core issues such as national security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author, a former Ambassador, is currently the Director General of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
The Print
03-06-2025
- General
- The Print
Liberia, India vow to create terror-free world as Shinde-led delegation concludes visit
The all-party group was in Monrovia in the final leg of its four-nation visit to the United Arab Emirates, DR Congo, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The delegation, which concluded its three-day visit to Liberia on Monday, was one of the seven multi-party delegations India has tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community to emphasise Pakistan's links to terrorism. Monrovia, Jun 3 (PTI) An all-party parliamentary delegation from India, led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde, has concluded a successful visit to Liberia, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to work together in fostering a peaceful, secure, and terror-free world. 'The visit not only reflected the enduring friendship between India and Liberia, but also highlighted the two nations' shared, unwavering stance against terrorism. It concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to work together in fostering a peaceful, secure, and terror-free world,' the Indian Embassy here said in a press release on Monday. The delegation carried a resolute message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, it said. On Monday, the delegation met with their counterpart parliamentarians in Liberia's Senate and House of Representatives. 'In a gesture of solidarity', Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, and Richard Nagbe Koon, Speaker of the House of Representatives, led the parliamentarians in observing a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, the release said. 'In a moving gesture', Karnga-Lawrence invited Shinde to address the Senate, 'marking the first time an Indian parliamentarian has done so', it said. Shinde spoke about India's firm stand against cross-border terrorism and underscored the critical need for international solidarity in confronting this global menace. 'I had the honour of addressing the Senate of Liberia, where I unequivocally presented India's firm policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. During the address, I also highlighted the series of terrorist attacks carried out by Pakistan in India over the past few years,' the Shiv Sena MP said in a post on X Tuesday. Liberia was among a select group of countries engaged by India's multi-party delegations, highlighting its importance as a democratic partner in West Africa and its principled stand against terrorism. 'The visit sought to strengthen global consensus on the urgent need to isolate and confront terror networks and their sponsors,' the release said. In its meeting with Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr, the delegation conveyed appreciation for his statement of condolence and condemnation addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Mori following the in Pahalgam attack. They also acknowledged Liberia's upcoming tenure as a non-permanent member of UNSC for the term 2026-27 and the important role of Liberia from this high platform in advancing the fight against the menace of terrorism. The Liberian leadership reiterated its strong support for India's principled response through Operation Sindoor and emphasised the importance of unified international efforts to combat terrorism, the release said. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, was also present during the meeting. The delegation also engaged with local think tanks and media representatives, reaffirming that 'India's battle against terrorism extends beyond its borders — it is a defence of global peace, human dignity, and the safety of all humanity,' the release said. Besides Shinde, the delegation comprised Bansuri Swaraj (BJP), ET Mohmd Basheer (Indian Union Muslim League), Atul Garg (BJP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Manan Kumar Mishra (BJP), Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia (BJP), and former diplomat Sujan Chinoy. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. PTI SCY SCY This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
All-party delegation in Liberia reaffirms India's stand against terrorism
It is a part of seven multi-party delegations that have been tasked to visit 33 global capitals as part of India's diplomatic outreach following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The delegation reached the West African nation on May 31 for a three-day visit as part of India's global outreach to underscore its message of 'Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism'. Monrovia, Jun 2 (PTI) An all-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde conveyed India's 'united' resolve to combat terrorism in 'all its forms and manifestations' during an interaction with the Indian community in Liberia. During an interaction with the Indian community here on Sunday, the delegation conveyed 'India's united national sentiment and collective political will to combat terrorism in all its forms and support received from international community in this endeavour,' the Indian embassy in Liberia said in a post on X. Delegation members also appreciated the diaspora's role in 'strengthening India's friendship with Liberia and upholding Indian values abroad,' it said. Earlier in the day, the all-party group also paid floral tributes at the grave of former President William V S Tubman, 'fondly remembered as the 'Father of Modern Liberia', at the National Museum of Liberia,' according to a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs. 'The visit to the National Museum, which is a powerful symbol of resilience and rich heritage of Liberia, reaffirmed India's solidarity with the people of Liberia and India's firm commitment to uphold peace and security globally,' it said. On its arrival in Monrovia on May 31, the delegation was received by the Indian Ambassador to Liberia Manoj Bihari Verma, senior politicians and members of the diaspora. 'The warm reception and high-level presence reflected Liberia's strong solidarity with India – particularly in the wake of the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India,' according to the press release. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. PTI GRS GRS GRS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hans India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Delegation arrives in Liberia, to reaffirm India's anti-terror stand
Monrovia: An All-Party Delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, in the early hours of Sunday (Indian time), marking a significant diplomatic visit aimed at highlighting India's stance against Pakistan-backed terrorism. Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Manoj Bihari Verma, alongside prominent Liberian officials, including Sekou S. Kanneh, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Prince A. Toles, a representative from the House of Representatives. "All-Party Delegation led by Hon'ble Member of Parliament Shrikant Ekhnath Shinde arrives in Monrovia, Liberia. Amb Manoj Bihari Verma, H.E. Sekou S Kanneh, Representative & Chairman of Executive and H.E. Prince A Toles, Representative of the House of Representatives of Liberia, received the delegation," the Indian Embassy in Liberia posted on X. During the visit, scheduled from May 31 to June 2, the delegation will engage in high-level meetings with key figures, including the President of Liberia, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, discussions are planned with leading think tanks and media representatives to foster understanding and cooperation. This delegation is part of India's ongoing mission under Operation Sindoor, reaffirming India's resolute stance against terrorism. The delegation aims to convey a strong message of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms, emphasising the importance of global solidarity. As the delegation embarks on this critical mission, the Embassy in Liberia expressed optimism for fruitful discussions that will further enhance the partnership between India and Liberia. Earlier on Saturday, the delegation concluded a successful visit to Sierra Leone, calling for coordinated action at the United Nations Security Council, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and other global forums to combat terrorism and preserve international peace. The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, during a meeting with the delegates, affirmed the West African country's solidarity with India and condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, offering condolences for the 26 innocent lives lost.
The Print
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
All-party delegation briefs Sierra Leone's Dy Defence Minister about India's strategic restraints in counter terrorism ops
'@DrSEShinde led All-party delegation met Sierra Leone's Dy Defence Minister Col.(Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, & briefed him about India's strategic restraints in its counter terrorism ops & reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism,' the Indian High Commission in Freetown said in a post on X. The delegation reached Sierra Leone on Wednesday from Congo. It is one of the seven multi-party delegations India has tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. Freetown (Sierra Leone), May 29 (PTI) A high-level all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde met Sierra Leone's Deputy Defence Minister Muana Brima Massaquoi here on Thursday and briefed him about India's strategic restraints in its counter terrorism operations and reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism. The visit of the delegation reflects India's resolute commitment to countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and underscores its broader effort to engage the international community to ensure regional and global peace and stability, the High Commission said in a press release on Wednesday. India and Sierra Leone enjoy warm and friendly relations rooted in shared democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a common vision for a secure and prosperous future, it said, adding that the visit is expected to further consolidate bilateral relations and foster deeper strategic understanding between the two nations. Besides Shinde, the delegation comprises Bansuri Swaraj (BJP), ET Mohmd Basheer (Indian Union Muslim League), Atul Garg (BJP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Manan Kumar Mishra (BJP), Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia (BJP), and former diplomat Sujan Chinoy. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7, following which Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. PTI SCY SCY This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
