In a strong message of solidarity, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, led by its Chief Billy Winter, has expressed firm support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, reaffirming the AU’s commitment to working together with India to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
Winter made the remarks following high-level discussions with an Indian all-party parliamentary delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The visit is part of India’s global diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
African Union Condemns Terrorism in Strongest Terms
“We are with India in these trying moments,” said Billy Winter, speaking to media. “We, as the African Union Commission, condemn terrorism in the strongest terms, whether on the African continent, globally, or on the Indian side.”
Winter emphasized that India’s sovereign right to respond to acts of terrorism is clear and justified:
“The new doctrine of India, we have been told, says that wherever the terrorist is on the globe, if it strikes on Indian soil, then India has the right to respond. That is a sovereign right.”
Shared Experiences and Joint Commitment
The AU and the Indian delegation discussed shared experiences in combating terrorism, particularly in regions across Africa that have faced insurgency and extremist violence.
“Our experience and how we respond to this, we have discussed with the high-level multi-party delegation from India,” Winter said. “They have also shared their experiences and committed to jointly working together to eliminate this menace once and for all.”
India’s Operation Sindoor: A Decisive Response
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack. The operation resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
In response, Pakistan carried out cross-border shelling and drone attacks, prompting India to launch coordinated retaliatory strikes that damaged key military installations across 11 Pakistani airbases.
A cessation of hostilities was mutually acknowledged on May 10, though tensions remain high.
AU’s Counterterrorism Mechanisms
Billy Winter highlighted the African Union’s proactive steps in building regional frameworks to fight terrorism:
- Notch Court Process
- Djibouti Process
- Counterterrorism Centre in Algiers
- Information Sharing Centre in Entebbe, Uganda
“These are mechanisms for sharing information and intelligence with our partners and allies,” he said.
Strategic Diplomacy by India
The Indian government has formed seven all-party delegations to interact with key global partners across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, East and Southeast Asia, and the Americas. These visits aim to:
- Build global consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism
- Highlight the Pahalgam attack and India’s firm military and diplomatic response
- Strengthen strategic alliances and security cooperation
Conclusion:
The African Union’s endorsement of India’s sovereign right to defend itself against terrorism marks a significant moment in India-Africa security collaboration. As the global landscape becomes increasingly complex, India’s diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor continues to gain momentum and support among key international partners.