New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday briefed four all-party parliamentary delegations ahead of their diplomatic outreach to multiple countries, emphasizing that India has substantial evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack.
The briefing, which lasted around 90 minutes, was attended by delegations led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, Supriya Sule, Shashi Tharoor, and Baijayant Panda. These delegations are scheduled to travel to various global regions to counter Pakistani propaganda and present India’s case on the international stage.
Key Points from the Briefing
Misri gave a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s long-standing involvement in cross-border terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. He described how Pakistan trains, funds, and deploys terrorists, and referenced the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack as the latest incident in this pattern.
He outlined India’s military response, Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Misri said the strike was in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack and followed Pakistan’s attempted missile attack on Indian territory, which was also met with a firm Indian counter-response.
“India is not the aggressor. This conflict began with the Pahalgam attack, and our military response was targeted and proportionate,” Misri stated.
He stressed the importance of clarifying India’s position to the global community, especially as Pakistan continues to push misleading narratives. Delegates were urged to highlight that India’s actions are defensive, in contrast to Pakistan’s persistent support for terrorism.
Global Links to Pakistan-Sponsored Terror
Misri reminded the attendees that Pakistan’s track record on terrorism extends beyond India, citing global attacks such as the 2005 London Tube bombings, the 9/11 attacks, and recent incidents in Russia. He noted that Osama bin Laden was found hiding in Pakistan, underlining the country’s duplicity.
Addressing International Concerns
Responding to a query about US President Donald Trump’s remarks, Misri clarified that the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was initiated by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and agreed to by both sides through military channels.
He also dismissed repeated Pakistani attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue, asserting that the real concern is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, which has claimed countless innocent lives.
On the Indus Waters Treaty
The foreign secretary also addressed questions about the Indus Waters Treaty, saying that while it was built on goodwill, Pakistan has repeatedly violated the spirit of the agreement by continuing terrorist activities. He noted that despite India’s repeated efforts to initiate discussions—particularly in light of climate change and growing water needs—Pakistan has been unresponsive.
Operational Success and Evidence
When asked about India’s military losses during Operation Sindoor, Misri confirmed that all Indian fighter pilots returned safely and that the operation achieved its objectives. Questions regarding aircraft damage were deferred to the Ministry of Defence.
He also reassured members about the evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack. A comprehensive dossier, containing digital footprints, confessions from captured suspects, and social media activity from a Pakistani-backed terror group, has been compiled and will be presented during diplomatic engagements.
“There is irrefutable evidence of Pakistan’s hand. A Pakistani terror group claimed responsibility online before deleting the posts—though digital traces remain,” Misri noted.
An opposition member inquired about the FIR filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding the incident, but Misri said that access may require legal clearance.
Delegation Assignments and Challenges
Delegates were cautioned that the diplomatic effort would face challenges, especially in countries like the UK, which has a significant Pakistani diaspora. Misri urged the UK delegation to prepare for difficult conversations and remain firm in presenting India’s narrative.
The delegations are scheduled to depart as follows:
Saturday morning: Shashi Tharoor to the US and South America; Baijayant Panda to West Asia
Saturday evening: Supriya Sule to Kenya, South Africa, and other African nations
Sunday morning: Ravi Shankar Prasad to the UK and Western Europe
These diplomatic missions aim to counter misinformation, assert India’s position, and gain international support against Pakistan’s ongoing sponsorship of terrorism
