Three political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir—Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mian Altaf, and Ghulam Ali Khatana—will represent the region in India’s all-party delegations (APDs) visiting key foreign countries later this month. These visits are part of Operation Sindoor, a government initiative aimed at showing a united India's stand against terrorism. The delegations will visit members of the United Nations Security Council and other partner countries.
Interestingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has included Azad in one of the groups, despite his significant political decline. Azad, the former chief minister of J&K and senior politician, quit the Congress in 2022 and launched his own party, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP).
However, the party failed to make any impact in both the Lok Sabha and J&K Assembly elections held last year. With no political presence left, the DPAP has now been quietly dismantled, and Azad has largely faded from active politics. His inclusion in this delegation suggests the BJP may still find value in his stature, if not his political strength.
Azad will be part of the group led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, visiting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Algeria. The group also includes MPs from the BJP, AIMIM, and a nominated member, along with former diplomat Harsh Shringla.
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Khatana, BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP from J&K, will be part of the group led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, covering the UK, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, and Denmark. Altaf, an MP from the National Conference, will join group led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, visiting Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said these teams will carry India's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism and show the world that the country is united in its fight against terror.
Each of the seven groups include MPs from different parties, former ministers, ex-MPs, and senior ambassadors. The inclusion of leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, especially from across party lines, reflects the Centre’s effort to present a united front on security issues linked to the region.