SOURCE ; NEW18
Last Updated:May 24, 2025, 01:32 IST
The briefing was for four all-party delegations led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, Supriya Sule, Shashi Tharoor, and Baijayant Panda
When asked whether Indian Air Force planes were damaged during Operation Sindoor, the foreign secretary responded that all Indian pilots returned safely, and the mission was achieved with 100 per cent success. (File pic: X/MEA)
India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Friday held a second briefing with members of Parliament and leaders set to visit multiple countries in the coming days with the intent to expose Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism.
The briefing was for four all-party delegations led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, Supriya Sule, Shashi Tharoor, and Baijayant Panda. It lasted about an hour and a half.
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Misri provided a historical overview of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir. He detailed how Pakistan runs terrorist training camps, finances them, and sends terrorists to carry out attacks in India. He highlighted the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack and the subsequent Indian military response, Operation Sindoor. Misri explained that terrorists trained in Pakistan were responsible for the Pahalgam attack, and Operation Sindoor was a retaliatory strike targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He added that when Pakistan attempted a missile attack on India, its airbase was targeted in response.
The delegations have to expose Pakistan’s propaganda and clarify to the world that India is not the aggressor and did not initiate the conflict. The conflict began with the Pahalgam terrorist incident initiated by Pakistan, and Operation Sindoor was merely a response.
Misri emphasised that India is not the only country suffering from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. He cited terrorist incidents in countries like Russia, the UK (2005 Tube train attacks), and the USA, showing links to Pakistan. He also mentioned the 9/11 attacks in the United States, noting that Osama bin Laden was found hiding in Pakistan.
When asked about US President Donald Trump’s claims, Misri clarified that a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was reached through the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, initiated by Pakistan’s DGMO. He reiterated that India and Pakistan have always had bilateral relations.
Delegation members were informed that while Pakistan keeps raising the Kashmir issue, the real issue is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the innocent lives lost in the Pahalgam terrorist attack—something the world needs to be aware of.
Members were also briefed on the Indus Waters Treaty. They were told that the treaty was based on goodwill and friendship, but Pakistan neither honoured the goodwill nor upheld the friendship. Instead, it repeatedly carried out terrorist attacks, undermining the agreement. Despite multiple notices from India, Pakistan has not agreed to discussions on the treaty’s terms, especially considering climate change and India’s water needs.
When asked whether Indian Air Force planes were damaged during Operation Sindoor, the foreign secretary responded that all Indian pilots returned safely, and the mission was achieved with 100 per cent success.
An opposition member asked how the delegation should respond if asked for proof of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Misri assured the team that there is substantial and well-documented evidence linking Pakistan directly to the attack, compiled in a comprehensive dossier that the Indian delegation will carry during their international outreach efforts.
Misri explained that a Pakistani-backed terror outfit had claimed responsibility for the attack and posted about it on social media, later deleting some posts without realising that digital imprints remain. During the investigation, Indian agencies managed to capture some individuals who could describe the terrorists involved, and their descriptions matched the perpetrators of the deadly attacks.
Another member inquired about accessing the FIR filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding the Pahalgam incident. Misri did not provide an immediate response, implying that this request might require procedural or legal clearance.
Opposition members also asked whether India had suffered any loss of military equipment or aircraft during Operation Sindoor or the retaliatory operation. The foreign secretary stated that such operational details fall under the ministry of defence, not the ministry of external affairs. Any disclosures would need to be handled via official military channels or state-to-state communications. He confirmed that all Indian fighter pilots returned safely and that the Indian Armed Forces inflicted significant and strategic damage on Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure and military installations during their operations.
Members were advised that their mission would not be easy. Many people follow events in the US, but a significant Pakistani population lives in the UK. Their sentiments can affect the UK’s support for India’s fight against terrorism. The foreign secretary asked the UK delegation to prepare for tough conversations during their visit.
Two Indian delegations will leave early Saturday morning. One, led by Tharoor, will head to the US and South American countries, while Panda will lead another to West Asia. On Saturday evening, Supriya Sule will lead a delegation to Kenya, South Africa, and other destinations. On Sunday morning, Ravi Shankar Prasad will lead a delegation to the UK and other Western European countries.
- First Published:
May 24, 2025, 01:32 IST
