Centre picks Shashi Tharoor to head all-party delegation for 'exposing' Pak-backed terrorism globally

The Centre is sending the all-party delegation as part of a major diplomatic measure to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism globally, following Operation Sindoor, which was launched in retaliation for the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror strike.

According to reports, the delegation, led by Shashi Tharoor, will first travel to the US and then to Europe.

The Centre has reportedly reached out to MPs from various political parties, including opposition members, seeking their participation in the diplomatic mission.

Several parties have already approved sending their representatives for this initiative, PTI reported.

The delegations are scheduled to visit various countries over 10 days. MPs will be assigned to different regional blocs as designated by the government.

Ahead of their departure, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will provide the MPs with a detailed briefing for their diplomatic mission.

Salman Khurshid is likely to lead the delegation to Japan, while Shrikant Shinde will head the delegation to the UAE and some African countries. Meanwhile, the zones identified by the government include: US, EU, South East, Middle East, Africa, Australia, UK, and Europe, HT reported.

Congress's 'Laxman Rekha' remark against Shashi Tharoor

Tharoor's name came a day after reports suggested that some Congress leaders, during the CWC meeting held on Wednesday, alleged that the Thiruvananthapuram MP had crossed the 'Laxman Rekha' with his statements.

The phrase "Lakshman Rekha", borrowed from the Ramayana, is often used metaphorically to indicate a boundary that should not be crossed.

Tharoor had lauded Narendra Modi for his address to the nation on 'Operation Sindoor' and said the Prime Minister "handled the crisis extremely well" while sending out a "strong message to Pakistan".

His open praise for PM Modi is seen as an embarrassment to Congress, which otherwise backed the military operation against Pakistan.

Clarifying his stand, Tharro said his remarks in support of the BJP-led Centre during the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict were made in a personal capacity, and did not reflect the official stance of the Congress party.

Speaking to reporters, the Thiruvananthapuram MP on Thursday said he shared his opinion as an Indian citizen.

“People seem to think that I have some of the knowledge, so they come and ask my views. But I have made it very clear, sometimes explicitly and sometimes implicitly, that I am expressing my personal views as an Indian and as a proud citizen,” Tharoor had said.