Tokyo [Japan]: Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, speaking during an interaction with the Indian community in Japan, drew a sharp contrast between India’s inclusive foundation and Pakistan’s religious formation in 1947. He underscored India’s enduring commitment to unity and peace, while reaffirming the all-party delegation’s collective resolve to combat terrorism.
“Our resolution is against terrorism and to end terrorism,” Khurshid said, addressing the gathering alongside members of the Indian all-party parliamentary delegation currently touring Japan as part of India’s global outreach campaign.
Highlighting the ideological divergence at the time of partition, Khurshid remarked:
“In 1947, we had two paths. We decided to live together and build a country where everyone would stay together and call it Bharatvarsh. Someone else made a country in the name of religion. It was later proven that countries are not built on religion.”
The Congress MP added that India’s role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 further demonstrated the strength of inclusive nation-building, in contrast to the sectarian divisions within Pakistan.
India’s Chosen Path: Peace and Pluralism
Reinforcing the country’s ideological roots, Khurshid stated:
“The path we have chosen is the path of the world and of world peace. This is the path of Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda. It is a path of harmony, where people of different faiths celebrate Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas together.”
He also took a veiled dig at Pakistan’s military leadership, noting the self-promotion of Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir to the title of Field Marshal, suggesting military dominance in Pakistan’s national affairs.
India’s Diplomatic Mission Against Terrorism
The delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, is in Japan from May 22 to 24 as part of India’s multi-nation outreach to build international consensus against terrorism. The team will subsequently visit Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore.
Members of the delegation include:
- BJP MPs Hemang Joshi, Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, and Pradan Baruah
- CPI(M) MP John Brittas
- TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee
- Ambassador Mohan Kumar
Unity in Diversity: A Collective Message
The delegation reflects a rare moment of cross-party solidarity, showcasing India’s unified stance on national security and global peace. Despite their differing domestic politics, leaders from across the political spectrum have come together to promote India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and highlight its inclusive national identity on the world stage.