Did French Senators Stand with Ravi Shankar Prasad's Delegation Against Terrorism?

Paris, May 27 (NationPress) – The Indian Embassy in France announced on Tuesday that the all-party delegation, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, engaged with French Senators from the India-France Friendship Group and the Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs. This meeting, led by Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Vice-President of the India-France Friendship Group, reinforced France's solidarity with India in its battle against terrorism.

The BJP delegation arrived in France on Sunday evening as part of a global outreach initiative under Operation Sindoor, aimed at delivering India's firm message of zero tolerance towards terrorism and enhancing international awareness of the nation's counter-terrorism strategies.

On social media platform X, the Indian Embassy shared: "An engaging discussion occurred with the French Senators (@Senat) of the India-France Friendship group and the Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs, led by Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio. They reiterated their support for India's fight against terrorism, strengthening the enduring relationship between India and France. Insightful conversations were held with these senators, who expressed their commitment to India's anti-terrorism efforts to bolster the long-standing ties between our nations."

"The All Party Indian Parliamentary Delegation met with members of the French National Assembly, led by Thierry Tesson, President of the India-France Friendship Group. The French parliamentarians reaffirmed their close relationship with India and expressed unified support for India's anti-terrorism measures. The bipartisan delegation continued its visit with discussions with members of the French National Assembly, led by Tesson, who acknowledged their strong ties and voiced collective support for India's fight against terrorism."

The Indian Embassy released a statement on Monday, stating: "The delegation received a briefing at the Embassy of India in Paris. They also interacted with various think-tanks based in Paris, discussing India's resolute stance against terrorism and the global challenges it presents. The delegation highlighted that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a calculated effort to disrupt peace and progress in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. India responded through Operation Sindoor, which was precise, targeted, proportionate, and non-escalatory. The delegation emphasized that India today follows a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, making no distinction between terrorists and their allies. The All Party Delegation also met with members of the Indian community, affirming India's strong and united stance against terrorism, which was met with full support from the diaspora."

The nine-member delegation represents a diverse 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.

This visit to France is the first stop in a six-nation tour that will also include Italy, the UK, Germany, Denmark, and other European countries.

On social media platform X, Ravi Shankar Prasad shared a poignant moment from the visit: "Together with my delegation colleagues, I connected with the dynamic Indian community in France, reaffirming India's steadfast stance against terrorism. The community's powerful show of solidarity was both moving and inspiring."

The Indian Embassy also noted the delegation's engaging discussions, stating: "The All Party Indian Parliamentary Delegation participated in an in-depth and interactive session with experts from various French think-tanks, who were briefed on India's strong and clear message against terrorism."

These discussions centered on India’s recent counter-terrorism operations, including the strategic aims of Operation Sindoor, initiated after the Pahalgam terror attack.

The delegation's bipartisan composition reflects India's unified approach to national security.

By engaging with global stakeholders and diaspora communities, the group aims to strengthen India's firm message that acts of terrorism, especially those with international links, will meet resolute and united opposition.

After concluding the Paris leg, the delegation will continue its diplomatic outreach throughout Europe.