New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) — India has effectively countered the Pakistani narrative on Operation Sindoor, particularly among nations in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where Islamabad had sought support after engaging in cross-border terrorism, according to Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde.
Shinde, leading a multi-party delegation as part of India's global outreach post-Operation Sindoor, emphasized that the initiative allowed India to strongly communicate its zero tolerance stance on terrorism to nations with significant influence in multilateral forums such as the OIC and the United Nations Security Council.
During a 14-day visit, Shinde and the delegation traveled to the UAE, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Congo, engaging with senior government representatives, parliamentary officials, think tanks, and Indian communities in these countries.
"Pakistan attempted to propagate its version of events, but we were able to dismantle that narrative. They sent terrorists across the border into India, and we presented all the evidence. It was an enormously successful outreach initiative," Shinde told PTI Videos. Representing the Kalyan parliamentary constituency in Mumbai in the Lok Sabha, he led a delegation that included Bansuri Swaraj (BJP), E T Mohammad Basheer (IUML), Atul Garg (BJP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Manan Kumar Mishra (BJP), former union minister S S Ahluwalia, and ex-diplomat Sujan Chinoy.
Shinde stated, "While India exports technology and trade worldwide, Pakistan exports terrorists globally," highlighting that Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, was harbored by Pakistan in Abbottabad near a military compound for years before U.S. forces executed him.
The UAE and Sierra Leone are OIC members, and Congo and Liberia have been selected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2026-28.
"We presented Pakistan's role in using religion to foment terrorism. Pakistan appeals for protection from the OIC under the guise of defending the Muslim community's interests," Shinde noted.
In the UAE, the Indian delegation met Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who voiced strong support for India's anti-terrorism stance.
"The UAE minister assured us that they oppose any nation leveraging religion for terrorism and condemn such practices outright," Shinde said.
The leadership in West African nations was already knowledgeable about India's challenges with Pakistan, and the delegation's visit helped shed light on the severity of cross-border terrorism.
Sierra Leone condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and Pakistan's involvement, with Parliament members passing a resolution and taking a moment of silence in tribute to terror victims.
"This marks a significant development: one OIC nation condemning another's actions," Shinde observed.
The delegation's visit to West Africa also presented an opportunity to inform leaders about Pakistan's consistent attempts at spreading terrorism in India.
"We briefed them on attacks since 1947 and how terror groups operate freely in Pakistan. We detailed global terrorists, designated by the UN and U.S., who are free within Pakistan, attacking locations like the Indian Parliament and places in Mumbai and Delhi," Shinde said.
West African leaders also want India to expand its role in trade and investment in the resource-abundant region.
Shinde plans to submit a report to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, outlining the visits and expectations from these countries.
The delegation also highlighted the contrast in development since independence from colonial rule in 1947. "India has become a four-trillion-dollar economy compared to Pakistan's 500-million-dollar economy. While Pakistan relies on IMF loans, India provides aid abroad," Shinde pointed out.
On Pakistan also deploying parliamentary delegations globally, Shinde speculated they might be discussing the terror groups thriving in their country.
"Their talks likely center on the instances of terrorism they instigated across India and the lives lost by their actions," he remarked.
"These delegations discuss the terrorist groups supported by their country—Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Hizb-ul Mujahideen, and The Resistance Force (TRF). They cannot speak of anything else. Their army chief focuses on creating religious conflicts. Their only goal is to destabilize a progressing India," Shinde stated.
As part of India's diplomatic efforts, seven multi-party delegations have visited 33 global capitals to bring awareness to Pakistan's intentions and India’s stance on terrorism, especially after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
India performed targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir on May 7 during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan's attempted retaliation on May 8, 9, and 10 met with a robust response from India.
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