Did the Parliamentary delegation honor the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in Algeria?

Algiers, June 1 (NationPress) The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation, spearheaded by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Baijayant Jay Panda, honored the victims of the tragic April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by lighting candles at the renowned Basilique Notre-Dame d'Afrique (Basilica of Our Lady of Africa) in the heart of Algeria.

"India stands resolutely against terrorism. Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, under the leadership of MP Baijayant Jay Panda, lit candles to commemorate the victims of the #PahalgamTerroristAttack at the historic Basilique Notre-Dame d'Afrique in #Algiers. #NeverForgetNeverForgive #OperationSindoor," shared the Indian Embassy in Algeria on the social media platform X.

"Honoring our heroes! The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by MP Baijayant Jay Panda, visited the significant Maqam Echahid (Martyrs Memorial) in #Algiers. This landmark was created to honor the sacrifices made during the Algerian War of Independence. The delegation also explored the National Museum of the Moudjahid, which pays tribute to Algeria's liberation struggle," the Indian Embassy noted in another post on X.

BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Phangnon Konyak shared the Indian Embassy's tribute on their official X accounts.

"India and Algeria share a profound history of struggle and resilience. Today, alongside our all-party delegation, we honored the martyrs at the iconic Maqam Echahid, paying respect to Algeria's courageous heroes, and visited the National Museum of the Moudjahid, reflecting on Algeria's valiant fight for independence. #OperationSindoor #IndiaAgainstTerror," Baijayant Panda conveyed on his official X account.

Earlier that day, the delegation, led by BJP MP Panda, commenced their engagements in Algeria after receiving a briefing from India's Ambassador to Algeria, Swati V. Kulkarni, regarding the North African country's response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Operation Sindoor, and counter-terrorism efforts.

The Indian Ambassador emphasized the warm and amicable relations between India and Algeria, framing the context for conveying India's unwavering stance on zero tolerance for terrorism.

"Furthering India's steadfast position against terrorism while enhancing India-Algeria bilateral ties. Our time in Algeria started with an enlightening briefing by Ambassador Swati V. Kulkarni, underscoring the strong India-Algeria partnership, shared concerns about terrorism, and the global significance of #OperationSindoor. #IndiaAgainstTerror," expressed BJP MP Rekha Sharma, a member of the all-party delegation led by her fellow party leader.

"Continuing our zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and strengthening India-Algeria relations. We initiated our engagements in Algeria with a thorough briefing by Ambassador Swati V. Kulkarni, encompassing the robust India-Algeria relationship, shared concerns over terrorism, and the global message of Operation Sindoor," BJP MP Panda tweeted on Saturday.

This visit signifies a continuation of India's strategic outreach, conveying the nation's firm stance against terrorism to the global community, including Algeria.

After successful engagements in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, the delegation arrived in Algeria on Friday and will be holding various discussions until June 2 to garner international support against cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan.

"A warm reception for the all-party delegation of Members of Parliament led by Baijayant Jay Panda upon their arrival in Algiers. Ambassador Swati V. Kulkarni greeted the delegation at the airport, accompanied by Mourad Heraki, Director (Ceremonial), and Zineddine Goufi, Deputy Director (Asia Oceania), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of Algeria. Taking Bharat's message to the world," the Indian Embassy posted on X.

Throughout their stay in Algeria, the delegation members will emphasize India's decisive stance on terrorism, especially against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, and stress the significance of international collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts.

Earlier on Friday, the delegates wrapped up a fruitful visit to Saudi Arabia, reiterating India's zero tolerance and 'New Normal' approach to terrorism.

This visit further solidified the shared commitment between India and Saudi Arabia in combating terrorism.

"Concluded a highly productive visit to Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the profound India–Saudi Arabia strategic partnership -- spanning defense, security, trade, and counter-terrorism. Our all-party delegation reiterated India's firm zero-tolerance and New Normal approach toward terrorism; we appreciate Abdulrahman Alharbi, Chair of the Saudi-India Friendship Committee, for his kind farewell," BJP MP Panda mentioned on X.

The delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda, comprises BJP MPs -- Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, and Rekha Sharma, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, and former Indian diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

This outreach occurs shortly after the horrific April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and recent developments aimed at fostering global cooperation in combating terrorism.