Rome [Italy]: An Indian all-party delegation, currently on an international diplomatic mission under Operation Sindoor, met with top Italian lawmakers on Wednesday to discuss India’s counterterrorism efforts and expose Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism.
The delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, held meetings with Giulio Tremonti, President of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and European Commission of Italy’s Chamber of Deputies, and Stefania Craxi, President of the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.
The visit to Italy follows the delegation’s stop in France, and is part of a multi-nation outreach to brief strategic partners on India’s firm response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, as well as to foster deeper cooperation on security and defense matters.
Key Members of the Delegation
Apart from Prasad, the delegation includes:
- Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya (BJP)
- Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena–UBT)
- Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh (Congress)
- MJ Akbar (former Union Minister)
- Ambassador Pankaj Saran (former Deputy NSA)
Bilateral Engagements in France
In France, the Indian MPs met with members of the India-France Friendship Group in the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. The discussions centered on shared concerns over terrorism, specifically emanating from Pakistan, and the urgent need for a unified global stance.
“We are grateful to the Vice Chair of the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee and her colleagues. They unequivocally expressed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad during the Paris visit.
He also noted the emotional significance of the support received from French lawmakers, some of whom had visited India previously.
“It was a touching moment of friendship and solidarity. France and India, along with other democracies, must speak in one voice against terrorism supported by the Pakistani state,” Prasad added.
Support from French Parliamentarians
Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Vice-President of the India-France Friendship Group in the Senate, described terrorism as a “shared threat” and emphasized the importance of Indo-European collaboration.
“We are extremely happy to host the Indian delegation. Terrorism is a menace affecting both our nations. Preserving liberty in democracies demands collective resolve,” she said.
Next Steps in Diplomatic Outreach
The delegation’s visit to Italy continues India’s diplomatic push under Operation Sindoor, which aims to strengthen international consensus against terrorism and underline Pakistan’s role in sponsoring extremist violence.
Future engagements are expected with other European and global partners as part of this concerted campaign.