Tokyo: An All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India, led by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, arrived in Tokyo on Thursday as part of India’s global outreach following Operation Sindoor, the country’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The nine-member team, representing a broad political spectrum, paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his bust in Tokyo, accompanied by a children’s choir singing “Vaishnava Jana To,” the Mahatma’s favorite bhajan. The tribute set the tone for the delegation’s mission of promoting India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism, particularly Pakistan-sponsored acts.
“New Normal” in India’s Anti-Terror Strategy
Speaking after the tribute, delegation leader Sanjay Kumar Jha underscored the message India intends to convey to the international community.
“Our delegation will meet Japan’s foreign minister, lawmakers, and think tanks to present the central government’s and PM Modi’s stand on the new normal — that India will give a befitting reply to terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan,” Jha said.
“India dismantled nine terror camps after the Pahalgam attack without harming civilians or military infrastructure. The world knows Pakistan shelters terrorists — even Osama bin Laden was found there. Terrorism is their state policy,” he added.
Bipartisan Message: India Stands United Against Terror
CPI(M) MP John Brittas, also part of the delegation, highlighted the bipartisan resolve behind this international campaign.
“We aim to send a clear message that India stands united against terrorism, and we hope Japan will stand with us in this fight. We’ve discussed with Ambassador Sibi George the themes of our engagement with Japanese stakeholders,” Brittas said.
The delegation is expected to meet with Japan’s Foreign and Defence Ministers, Members of Parliament, key security think tanks, and media outlets during its Tokyo leg.
Ambassador Sibi George: Japan Was First to Respond
Earlier in the day, the delegation was briefed by Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George, who emphasized that Japan was one of the first countries to respond to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
“The delegation is here to convey India’s firm message against terrorism, and Operation Sindoor reflects that stand. Japan’s early response shows their shared concern,” Ambassador George said.
The Indian Embassy in Tokyo echoed this stance in a post on X:
“All-Party Parliamentary Delegation was briefed by Ambassador Sibi George on Japan-specific approach to engagements, setting the context for a strong messaging of India’s fight against terrorism.”
“India’s unwavering stand against cross-border terrorism, as seen in Op. Sindoor, will be highlighted in all engagements.”
Delegation Members and Global Tour
The delegation includes:
- Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU MP, Leader)
- Ambassador Mohan Kumar
- Dr Hemang Joshi (BJP MP)
- John Brittas (CPI-M MP)
- Abhishek Banerjee (TMC MP)
- Aparajita Sarangi (BJP MP)
- Brij Lal (BJP MP)
- Pradan Baruah (BJP MP)
The five-nation diplomatic outreach, covering Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, and Singapore, seeks to build international consensus around India’s strategy against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and brief allies on the context and precision nature of Operation Sindoor.
Background: Operation Sindoor and the New Normal
Operation Sindoor was launched in direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians. India conducted precision strikes on terror camps across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). Following intense military action, hostilities ceased after a call by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart on May 10.
India has reiterated that any talks or actions regarding Jammu & Kashmir must occur bilaterally with Pakistan, without third-party involvement, and reaffirmed that terrorism remains the principal barrier to peace in the region.