New Delhi: As India prepares to send cross-party delegations to 33 countries to present its position on Operation Sindoor and its firm stance against terrorism, key details from the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) briefing have come to light.
Sources familiar with the matter said the delegations were informed that Pakistan, not India, initiated contact on May 10 to propose a ceasefire — contradicting claims of U.S. mediation.
Pakistan Reached Out First
According to sources, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) first attempted to contact his Indian counterpart at 11:00 am on May 10, but the military hotline was non-functional. Subsequently, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi sent a message to facilitate the conversation.
The discussion was delayed as the Indian DGMO was in a meeting, and contact was finally established at 3:30 pm, when the ceasefire was agreed upon.
“The narrative that U.S. President Donald Trump or any external player mediated is inaccurate. The initiative clearly came from Pakistan,” said a source, adding that while back-channel communication with various countries is routine, this was not a case of foreign mediation.
China’s Shift in Tone
The delegations were also briefed on a notable shift in China’s approach. Unlike its previous positions, China expressed regret over the escalation instead of directly condemning India’s military actions — a change seen as diplomatically significant.
“This is a major evolution in China’s stance, signaling a more balanced approach,” a senior official observed.
Countering Pakistan’s ‘Victim Narrative’
On Islamabad’s expected efforts to play the victim card, the MEA emphasized that India will firmly counter such narratives. “India will not allow Pakistan to misrepresent facts. Our delegations will expose Pakistan’s role in promoting terrorism,” a source stated.
Global Outreach Strategy
The Indian government has launched this diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces conducted targeted operations against terror sites in Pakistan and PoK.
Seven all-party delegations will visit 33 countries, including members (both permanent and non-permanent) of the United Nations Security Council, as well as the European Union headquarters in Brussels.
During their visits, the delegations will engage with Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Members of Parliament, opposition leaders, intellectuals, journalists, and overseas Indian communities to explain India’s objectives and the background to Operation Sindoor.
Delegation Composition
The outreach teams include leaders from across the political spectrum:
• Baijayant Panda and Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP)
• Sanjay Kumar Jha (Janata Dal United)
• Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena)
• Shashi Tharoor (Congress)
• Kanimozhi (DMK)
• Supriya Sule (NCP – Sharadchandra Pawar faction)
Briefings have already begun, with the teams led by Sanjay Jha, Kanimozhi, and Shrikant Shinde receiving updates on Monday. The remaining delegations will be briefed on Wednesday, with official travel starting today.
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