Algiers [Algeria], May 31: As part of India’s diplomatic offensive against terrorism, Group 1 of the all-party parliamentary delegation—led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda—is currently on a visit to Algeria, deepening India’s global outreach in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including a foreign tourist.
The delegation met with India’s Ambassador to Algeria, Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni, on May 30 and is scheduled to remain in the country until June 2. The visit builds on earlier diplomatic missions to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, forming a key pillar of Operation Sindoor, India’s global initiative launched on May 7 to rally support against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
Delegation Composition and Mandate
The Group 1 delegation comprises high-ranking parliamentarians and strategic experts:
- Baijayant Jay Panda, BJP MP and former Minister (Head of Delegation)
- Dr. Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP
- S. Phangnon Konyak, MP from Nagaland
- Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW
- Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM MP
- Satnam Singh Sandhu, social activist
- Ghulam Nabi Azad, DPAP leader and former J&K CM
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary
This diverse and bipartisan team aims to:
- Highlight the global threat of terrorism.
- Emphasise the specific role of Pakistan in promoting terror infrastructure.
- Strengthen bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism with Algeria.
- Promote multilateral dialogue on intelligence sharing and counter-extremism strategy.
Algeria Visit: Focus and Engagement
In Algiers, discussions are centered on:
- Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and international responses.
- Bilateral collaboration on intelligence sharing and de-radicalisation programs.
- Reinforcing India’s strategic presence in Africa.
- Exploring cooperation through multilateral platforms like the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Union.
According to the Embassy of India in Algiers, the delegation is also exploring avenues for collaboration on cybersecurity and anti-radicalisation initiatives.
Saudi Arabia Stopover: Laying the Groundwork
Prior to Algeria, the delegation spent two days in Riyadh, where Baijayant Panda underscored the alignment between India and Saudi Arabia on terrorism:
“Saudi Arabia has a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, like us. Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit made it clear that there is no tolerance for any kind of terrorism,” said Panda.
The delegation engaged with Saudi government officials, policy think tanks, and media, focusing on expanding defence and counterterrorism ties, as well as trade and cultural cooperation.
The team also visited Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing cultural diplomacy.
Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Response to Terror
Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor is India’s calibrated diplomatic, military, and narrative response to the Pahalgam attack, involving:
- Precision strikes across terror camps in PoJK and Pakistan.
- Coordinated international outreach to prevent diplomatic mischaracterizations.
- Direct messaging against false equivalence between victim and aggressor nations.
A Message of Unity and Resolve
This all-party mission, comprising MPs from BJP, Congress, AIMIM, DPAP, and independents, sends a strong message of national unity and a bipartisan foreign policy consensus on terrorism. The delegation’s next stops will be in North Africa and Europe, as India continues to mobilize a global coalition against terror.