In a powerful expression of global solidarity, BJP MP Baijayant Panda, leading an Indian parliamentary delegation to Algeria, underscored the historical and contemporary alignment between India and Algeria in their fight against terrorism, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 Indian lives.
“Algeria is known as a champion of counter-terrorism. It understands what we are going through because of its own history of fighting Salafist jihadi terrorism,” Panda told media.
Panda pointed to the “Black Decade” of 1990–2000, during which Algeria endured a bloody internal conflict marked by Islamist terrorism, often supported by extremist groups trained in Pakistan — a troubling parallel to India’s own experiences.
Condemnation and Prayer in Algeria
Highlighting Algeria’s strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, Panda revealed that a memorial prayer service was held at the Basilica of Notre Dame in Algiers shortly after the attack.
“We lit candles there. It was very moving. The Algerian people have shown genuine sympathy and solidarity,” he shared.
Strengthening Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism
As Algeria currently holds a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council, the Indian delegation is seeking to strengthen cooperative pressure on Pakistan for its continued harbouring of terror outfits, violating UN Security Council mandates.
“Pakistan simply cannot be allowed to operate terrorist training camps in open defiance of global norms. Algeria understands that clearly,” said Panda.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Firm Response
The delegation visit comes amid the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, India’s sweeping military response to the Pahalgam massacre, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Launched on May 7, the operation reportedly led to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Following retaliatory actions by Pakistan — including cross-border shelling and drone attacks — India responded with coordinated strikes on 11 Pakistani airbases, damaging radar systems, communications centres, and airfields.
Path Toward De-escalation
After days of tension and exchange of hostilities, an understanding for cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was reached on May 10, providing a temporary reprieve while diplomatic engagements intensify.
All-Party Unity on Global Platforms
The Group 1 delegation in Algeria includes senior Indian leaders across party lines such as Dr. Nishikant Dubey, S. Phangnon Konyak, Rekha Sharma, Asaduddin Owaisi, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla — representing India’s united front against terrorism.
During their visit, the delegation explored Algeria’s National Museum and Martyrs’ Memorial, appreciating Algeria’s anti-colonial and counter-terror legacies that deeply resonate with India’s own journey.
“Our experiences of colonialism, sacrifice, and terrorism are intertwined. Algeria understands our pain, and together we are pushing for meaningful global action,” Panda emphasized.
India’s growing diplomatic outreach, amplified through such visits, continues to push for a global consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism, ensuring that international platforms like the UNSC act decisively — especially when state-sponsored terrorism threatens global peace.