Did Kanimozhi's Delegation Honor Mahatma Gandhi in Spain?

Madrid, June 2 (NationPress) An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation headed by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi commenced the concluding phase of its five-nation tour in Madrid, paying tribute to the statue of the 'Father of the Nation' -- Mahatma Gandhi.

On Sunday evening, the Indian Embassy in Spain issued a statement on the social media platform X, stating: "The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation began the final leg of its five-nation tour in Madrid by honoring the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. This tribute was a solemn moment to reflect on and respect the Mahatma's lasting principles of non-violence and peace."

"After the ceremony, the delegation interacted with members of the Indian community in Spain. They delivered a strong message to the diaspora, stressing that India remains steadfast and united in its battle against terrorism, which poses a threat to global peace and humanity. The diverse makeup of the delegation signifies a robust national consensus and determination across political lines to tackle this issue. They encouraged the Indian community in Spain to take pride in their heritage, stay united, and actively support India's pursuit of justice and peace," the statement further noted.

The delegation, led by Kanimozhi, comprises Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.), RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, and Ambassador Jawed Ashraf.

During their discussions, members of the Indian diaspora shared that their Spanish friends reacted with shock and concern regarding the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, highlighting the increasing international awareness of the challenges India faces in combating terrorism, as noted in the press statement.

The community expressed strong support for India's anti-terrorism initiatives and conveyed their solidarity with the nation, the statement added.

"The delegation plans to engage with members of the Spanish government, parliamentarians, and civil society representatives on the final day of their visit. These meetings will provide an opportunity to inform Spanish leaders about Operation Sindoor and to articulate India's position as the world's fourth-largest economy, dedicated to peace, stability, and a firm stance against terrorism."

The Indian Embassy in Spain shared on X: "The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation had an insightful interaction with the Indian diaspora, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to peace amid terrorism. They emphasized that India will lead the global fight against terrorism, upholding the values of peace and resilience."

"The delegation called upon the community with humility and conviction to stand united in pride and shared heritage."

"The diaspora responded with heartfelt enthusiasm, expressing profound solidarity with the nation and a strong sense of identity and belonging."

"The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation visiting Spain interacted with Arturo Fernandez Alvarez, a Spanish businessman and survivor of the horrific terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Arturo joined the delegation in condemning the scourge of terrorism."

The delegation, part of India's global diplomatic outreach initiative to emphasize the importance of Operation Sindoor and India's ongoing fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, arrived in Spain after successful engagements in Latvia, Greece, Slovenia, and Russia, reinforcing India's firm resolve to combat terrorism.