In a powerful diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, an Indian all-party delegation visiting South Africa received firm backing from the host nation on India’s stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism. The delegation, led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, described their engagements in Johannesburg as “very meaningful and productive,” emphasizing a shared commitment to fight global terrorism.
Speaking to media on Thursday, Sule invoked the legacies of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, both of whom have deep historical and emotional connections with the two nations.
“This is the land of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, and both our countries have gained independence with the sacrifice of millions of lives. We appreciate the support given to us. It is extraordinarily encouraging,” said Sule.
“I am very sure that in this fight against terror, South Africa is going to stand very strongly with India.”
The delegation’s visit comes in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, including a Nepalese national. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking nine terror bases associated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur highlighted India’s peaceful foreign policy history while calling for international unity against terrorism.
“In the last 75 years, India never attacked any country. But we have continuously faced terror attacks from Pakistan. South Africa considers terrorism a global threat and stands with us in solidarity.”
Congress MP Manish Tewari took a direct dig at Pakistan, calling it a “rogue state” and pressing for international isolation of any nation that uses terrorism as an instrument of state policy.
“We conveyed to the African National Congress (ANC) the necessity to isolate such states. Pakistan has not only harmed India but also destabilized Afghanistan and Iran,” said Tewari.
“The ANC expressed its solidarity, asserting they will never endorse a state sponsoring terror.”
The delegation comprised prominent Indian leaders from across the political spectrum, including:
- Supriya Sule (NCP-SCP)
- Anurag Thakur (BJP)
- Manish Tewari (Congress)
- Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP)
- Vikramjeet Singh Sahney (AAP)
- Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (YSRCP)
- Anand Sharma, former Minister of Commerce & Industry
- V Muraleedharan, former MoS for External Affairs
- Syed Akbaruddin, former Permanent Representative of India to the UN
During the visit, the delegation toured Constitution Hill, where Mahatma Gandhi was once imprisoned, and visited the Mandela-Gandhi Exhibition inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi. They also paid floral tributes at the Gandhi Statue, reflecting on the two nations’ shared values of nonviolence, peace, and justice.
The visit underscored India’s proactive diplomacy in the aftermath of terror attacks, strengthening international alliances and ensuring global accountability against state-sponsored terrorism.