India, May 17 (HBTV): Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday responded to the government’s invitation to lead an all-party delegation to key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, later this month. The delegation will convey India's message of zero tolerance towards terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Tharoor expressed readiness to serve the nation, stating: ‘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.’ Emphasising the importance of unity in matters of national interest, he added, ‘When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind!’

A statement from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on Saturday noted that the delegations will represent India’s national consensus and firm stance against terrorism. ‘The all-party delegations will project India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism,’ it said.

The government has carefully selected leaders from across political lines to lead the delegations. BJP MPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, DMK MP Kanimozhi, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will head delegations.

While four leaders are from the ruling National Democratic Alliance, three represent the opposition INDIA bloc. Each delegation will also include distinguished diplomats.

The ministry stated: ‘In the context of Operation Sindoor and India's continued fight against cross-border terrorism, seven all-party delegations are set to visit key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council later this month.’

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju echoed the message of unity in a post on X (formerly Twitter): ‘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.’

Sharing the ministry’s statement, he added: ‘A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences.’

(Input from Hindustan Times)