Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday announced the names of seven members of Parliament to lead India’s delegations in its international outreach for zero-tolerance against terrorism.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who has been under fire within his party for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is one of the seven lawmakers taking India’s “strong message” against terrorism to the world after Operation Sindoor.
“In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero-tolerance to terrorism,” Rijiju said on X.
In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united.
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 17, 2025
Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero-tolerance to terrorism.
A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences.@rsprasad @ShashiTharoor… pic.twitter.com/FerHHACaVK
The other six leaders, from both the Opposition and the ruling NDA, who will lead the delegations are Shrikant Shinde from Shiv Sena, Ravi Shankar Prasad from BJP, Sanjay Kumar Jha from JDU, Baijayant Panda from BJP, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi from DMK and Supriya Sule from NCP.
Who will go where?
While Rijiju has said that the delegations will be sent to India’s partner countries as well as meet members of UN Security Council, sources have told CNN-News18 that the seven MPs will visit the following nations:
Shashi Tharoor to the US
Supriya Sule to South Africa and Egypt
Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda to Western Europe
Shrikant Shinde to UAE and Africa
Sanjay Jha to Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi to Russia and Spain
Ravi Shankar Prasad to West Asia
‘Honoured’
Reacting to being invited to lead the US delegation, Tharoor said, “I am honoured by the invitation of the government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation’s point of view on recent events. When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting.”
Sule said, “I am honoured to join the all-party delegation representing India on the global stage. I humbly accept this responsibility and thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, Minister Kiren Rijiju ji and the Ministry of External Affairs."