Let me first offer my heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women of our armed forces. With surgical precision, unmatched valour, and unwavering resolve, they carried out Operation Sindoor—delivering justice to those who dared to harm innocent Indian lives.
In today’s highly polarised world, marked by intense social media battles, there are rare moments in a nation’s journey when partisan lines blur—when political parties, regardless of their ideologies and alliances, set aside their differences and unite for a patriotic cause. Operation Sindoor was one such cause. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India responded with precision and launched a diplomatic offensive that carried the moral weight of a united Parliament to capitals across the world.
As a proud member of the all-party delegation representing India under Operation Sindoor, I witnessed firsthand the power of unity in the service of national interest. For two weeks, leaders from across the political spectrum travelled together not as members of any political party, but as Indians!
Imaging: Deni Lal
Shashi Tharoor, through his diplomatic finesse and eloquence, framed India’s position with intellectual gravitas. Supriya Sule’s quiet dignity and conviction helped build trust across various forums. Priyanka Chaturvedi’s passionate articulation of India’s pain resonated powerfully with civil society leaders. Asaduddin Owaisi’s assertiveness and conviction conveyed that the fight against terrorism is not bound by any ideology. At every stop, we delivered one message with absolute clarity—that India stands united and resolute against terrorism.
During our visit to the UAE, under the capable leadership of Shrikant Shinde, the delegation was welcomed not just with protocol, but with genuine warmth and sincerity. Emirati leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a shared vision of peace and security—strongly supporting India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. As a key partner in the Gulf, UAE’s solidarity sent a strong message to the perpetrators of terror.
In Africa, we found not just diplomatic alignment, but emotional resonance with kindred nations, whose histories of struggle made our message resonate on a deeply human level. As one of Central Africa’s largest and most strategically positioned nations, and a strong contender for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holds considerable geopolitical weight on the African and global stage. The lawmakers in DRC expressed empathy and strong support with India, recalling their own historical struggles with violence and extremism.
Our visit to Sierra Leone—currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and an observer at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)—held profound diplomatic significance. Sierra Leone extended its full support to India. The moment their parliament rose in silence to honour the victims of the Pahalgam attack was not only respectful, but deeply powerful. That gesture transcended alliances and blocs and was a clear stand for humanity over ideology.
Liberia, a likely non-permanent member of the UNSC, also chose to stand in solidarity with us recognising India’s legitimate right to defend itself. The speaker of Liberia, as well as the Liberian Senate, observed a moment of silence in memory of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The support reminded us that in the global fight against terrorism, it is not size or strength alone that matters, but moral clarity and shared resolve.
As we concluded the mission, I was struck by the deeper symbolism of the word ‘sindoor’. Traditionally a mark of commitment, sacrifice and honour, it now stands as India’s vow to its citizens, that your lives, your faith, your freedoms, will be protected and justice will not be postponed indefinitely!
Bansuri Swaraj is Lok Sabha member from New Delhi.