Do Top UK Leaders Support India's Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism?

London, June 3 (NationPress) An all-party delegation, headed by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, engaged in high-level discussions in London with UK government officials, parliamentarians, party leaders, think tanks, and India friendship groups, emphasizing Operation Sindoor as a pivotal change in India's counter-terrorism strategy.

During these talks, the leaders focused on enhancing India–UK collaboration to combat cross-border terrorism.

The delegation garnered extensive support, reinforcing mutual commitments to global security, justice, and a strategic alliance.

In a meeting with Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister for Citizenship and Migration, they articulated India's unwavering determination in the fight against terrorism.

They also engaged with various Labour Party India Friendship Groups, such as Labour Friends of India, Labour Convention of Indian Organisations, Sikhs for Labour, and Hindus for Labour, presenting a unified front against terrorism.

The delegates reiterated India’s firm commitment to addressing terrorism, indicating that it poses a serious threat to global stability and urging for enhanced collaboration to eradicate this common menace, aiming for lasting peace, security, and the greater good of humanity.

The Labour India Friendship Groups expressed robust solidarity with India, voicing unanimous support for its anti-terrorism efforts.

They concurred on the necessity to dismantle terror infrastructure wherever it exists and to decisively tackle terror financing, recognizing that what impacts India today could affect any nation, including the UK.

Both parties stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue to cultivate mutual understanding and expressed a collective commitment to enhancing cooperation and engagement between the Labour Party and India.

At the Conservative Campaign Headquarters, the delegation met with Dominic Johnson, Co-Chair of the Conservative Party, and Koolesh Shah, Co-Chair of the Conservative Friends of India.

They expressed strong backing for India's anti-terrorism initiatives, acknowledging its global repercussions, and praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the UK.

Earlier, on Monday, the delegates engaged with UK-based think tanks to deliberate on cross-border terrorism threats and how Operation Sindoor establishes a new strategic benchmark in India's counter-terrorism efforts.

"Today, along with my esteemed colleagues from the all-party delegation, I had the honor of interacting with UK think tanks and the academic community, sharing India's firm stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We highlighted the 'new normal' established by India in countering state-sponsored terrorism. Our discussions with leading think tanks were fruitful, and we conveyed our concerns, explaining our visit's objectives," Ravi Shankar Prasad shared on X.

"We underscored India's capability in managing relations with Pakistan, which we have done successfully in the past. While we advocate for peace and harmony, we also recognize the necessity for decisive action to safeguard our citizens from terrorism. The world must comprehend the scourge of terrorism. We highlighted India's economic achievements, emerging as a globally recognized manufacturing hub. As a sovereign nation with a significant growth trajectory, we firmly believe that terrorism and trade are mutually exclusive," the post further elaborated.

Additionally, the delegation met Catherine West, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, reiterating India's commitment to combating terrorism. They emphasized that terror is a threat to all nations, necessitating a global effort to eradicate this scourge for the benefit of humanity.

The Minister reaffirmed the UK's condemnation of terror attacks in India, emphasizing the significance of the India relationship in global strategic and economic contexts, contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific and global economic growth.

She stated that the UK stands with India in its endeavors; having suffered from terror attacks as well, the UK believes that those who perpetrate acts of terror must be held accountable. All nations must collaborate towards this goal.

Later, the delegation concluded the day by engaging with UK thought leaders over dinner, discussing the global threat posed by terrorism, its societal impacts, and the rising tide of radicalization.

The nine-member delegation represents a broad political spectrum: Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Daggubati Purandeswari (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT), Ghulam Ali Khatana (BJP), Amar Singh (Congress), Samik Bhattacharya (BJP), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), former Union Minister M.J. Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran.

After visits to France, Italy, and Denmark, the Indian delegation arrived in London as part of India's global diplomatic outreach to underscore the significance of Operation Sindoor and India's ongoing battle against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.