An all-party Indian team, headed by BJP parliamentarian Ravi Shankar Prasad, had high-level discussions in London with UK government ministers, party leaders, parliamentarians, think tanks, and India friendship groups.
High on the agenda was Operation Sindoor, which the team highlighted as a critical change in India's counter-terrorism policy.
The dialogue reiterated the need to boost cooperation between India and the UK to effectively combat cross-border terrorism.
The delegation was widely welcomed and reiterated common commitments to international security, justice, and enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
At a meeting at the British Parliament, the delegation updated UK Minister for Citizenship and Immigration Seema Malhotra on India's steadfast commitment to countering terrorism.
They also addressed a number of Labour Party India Friendship Groups such as Labour Friends of India, Labour Convention of Indian Organisations, Sikhs for Labour, and Hindus for Labour where they delivered India's collective and resolute voice against terrorism.
The participants emphasized that terrorism still poses a threat to international security and made a call for more cooperation to eliminate this universal evil with a view to achieving peace and security forever for all.
At their behest, the Labour India Friendship Groups strongly showed solidarity with India and committed their unshakeable support for India's campaign against terror.
There was consensus across that terror infrastructure had to be destroyed wherever found, and that terror financing needed strong action, understanding that terrorism anywhere threatens everywhere, including the UK.
The conversation emphasized the importance of continued interaction to enhance mutual comprehension and firm up relations between India and the Labour Party.
In the Conservative Campaign Headquarters, the delegation discussed with Dominic Johnson, the Co-Chair of the Conservative Party, and Koolesh Shah, the Co-Chair of the Conservative Friends of India. They expressed strong support for India's campaign against terrorism, recognized its broader international influence, and appreciated the contributions made by the Indian diaspora to the UK.
Earlier in the week, the delegation also met with UK-based think tanks to discuss cross-border terrorism challenges and how Operation Sindoor has raised a new standard for Indian strategy.
Ravi Shankar Prasad posted on X, "Today, along with my learned colleagues of the all-party delegation, I had the honor of meeting UK think tanks and scholars, projecting India's unwavering zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. We addressed the 'new normal' India has achieved in combating state-sponsored terrorism. Our deliberations were fruitful as we expressed our concerns and the reason behind our visit."
He went on to say, "We highlighted India's capacity to deal with threats from Pakistan, as has been done in the past. While we seek peace and friendship, we also see the need for firm actions to safeguard our people against terrorism. The world needs to understand the gravity of this plague. We also pointed to India's economic growth, its becoming a manufacturing hub of the world, and our conviction that terrorism and commerce cannot go hand-in-hand."
The delegation also met with Catherine West, UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming the commitment of India against terrorism. They emphasized that terrorism is a universal threat which needs to be jointly uprooted for the good of mankind.
Minister West reiterated Britain's condemnation of terror activities in India and emphasized the importance the UK assigns to its economic and strategic relationship with India, including its role in Indo-Pacific stability and global economic growth.
She affirmed the UK’s support for India’s efforts, noting that as a country that has faced terrorism itself, the UK believes perpetrators must be brought to justice and that all nations should collaborate to achieve this goal.
The day ended with the delegation having dinner with UK thought leaders, during which dinner the discussions centred around the international social impact of terrorism, the emergence of radicalization, and the dangers terrorism presents to societies globally.
The nine-member team consisted of a wide political representation and comprised Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Daggubati Purandeswari (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT), Ghulam Ali Khatana (BJP), Amar Singh (Congress), Samik Bhattacharya (BJP), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), former Union Minister M.J. Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran.
After a series of visits to France, Italy, and Denmark, the London visit by the delegation formed part of India's world-wide diplomatic outreach campaign to underscore the importance of Operation Sindoor and India's renewed initiative against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
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