Indian Parliamentary Delegation: A diverse group of Indian parliamentarians, led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, led a parliamentary team that touched down in Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning, marking the start of India’s latest diplomatic outreach mission. The main goal of this visit is to showcase India’s efforts in fighting terrorism and to update global partners about “Operation Sindoor,” a recent initiative focused on counter-terrorism.
Warm Welcome in the UAE
Upon reaching Abu Dhabi, the Indian parliamentary team was officially welcomed by Ahmed Mir Khoori from the UAE’s Federal National Council and India’s Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir, signaling the beginning of their formal diplomatic activities in the country. This warm reception underlines the strong and friendly ties between India and the United Arab Emirates.
Representation from Across Indian Politics
The visiting team is a multi-party delegation, meaning it includes members from different political parties in India. This ensures that the group truly represents the country’s diverse political landscape and can speak on behalf of a wide range of Indian citizens.
The delegation is made up of:
Bansuri Swaraj (BJP MP)
Atul Garg (BJP MP)
Manan Kumar Mishra (Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate)
ET Mohammed Basheer (Indian Union Muslim League MP)
Sasmit Patra (Biju Janata Dal MP)
SS Ahluwalia (BJP leader)
Sujan Chinoy (former diplomat)
This group brings together experience from law, diplomacy, and various regions of India, making it well-equipped to discuss complex issues like counter-terrorism and international cooperation.
A Broader Diplomatic Mission
While the delegation’s first stop is the UAE, their visit is part of a larger diplomatic tour. After finishing their work in Abu Dhabi, the group is scheduled to travel to several African countries, including Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone. This extended itinerary highlights India’s commitment to building stronger relationships not just in the Middle East, but also in Africa.
High-Level Meetings and Discussions
Throughout their two-day visit to Abu Dhabi, the Indian parliamentarians are scheduled to engage in a series of key discussions and high-level interactions with UAE leaders and officials.
Meeting with UAE Leaders: The delegation’s agenda includes a meeting with His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who is widely recognized for his leadership in promoting interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and cultural understanding throughout the Emirates. This meeting is expected to focus on ways both countries can work together to promote peace, tolerance, and security.
Federal National Council Talks: The delegation will also meet with Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuami and other senior members of the Federal National Council, the UAE’s advisory legislative body. Here, they will discuss India’s recent counter-terrorism operations, share experiences, and explore opportunities for joint action against international threats.
Engagement with Government Officials: The delegation has also scheduled meetings with representatives from the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which oversees the country’s international relations and foreign policy, as well as with officials from the National Media Office, the federal body responsible for media regulation and communication in the Emirates.
Media and Strategic Outreach
The delegation understands the importance of public communication and strategic analysis. To this end, they will:
Interact with Local Media: The MPs will participate in a Q&A session with journalists from The National, a leading UAE newspaper. This is a chance to explain India’s counter-terrorism policies and answer questions from the international press.
Session with Political Analyst: The group will also meet Amjad Taha, a well-known analyst specializing in political affairs in the Gulf region. Such discussions help both sides better understand the regional security environment and the challenges faced by different countries.
Connecting with the Indian Community Abroad
One of the most important parts of the visit is reaching out to the Indian diaspora in the UAE. The delegation will host an event at the Indian Embassy’s auditorium in Abu Dhabi, where they will meet members of the local Indian community. This gathering is designed to:
Update the diaspora on India’s latest diplomatic and security initiatives
Listen to concerns and suggestions from Indians living abroad
Strengthen the emotional and cultural bonds between India and its overseas citizens
India places great value on its diaspora, recognizing their role in building bridges between nations and supporting India’s development.
The Importance of Operation Sindoor
A key topic during the visit is “Operation Sindoor,” India’s recent counter-terrorism effort. The delegation will explain the objectives, achievements, and lessons learned from this operation. By sharing these experiences, India hopes to encourage greater international cooperation in fighting terrorism, which remains a global threat.
Why This Visit Matters
This diplomatic mission is significant for several reasons:
Showcasing India’s Leadership: By sending a multi-party delegation, India demonstrates that its fight against terrorism is a national priority, supported by leaders from across the political spectrum.
Strengthening International Ties: The visit helps deepen India’s partnerships with the UAE and other countries, promoting security, trade, and cultural exchange.
Promoting Peace and Tolerance: By meeting with leaders focused on coexistence and tolerance, India and the UAE can work together to counter extremist ideologies.
Engaging the Diaspora: Keeping overseas Indians informed and involved is vital for India’s global image and influence.
After their meetings in the UAE, the delegation will continue its diplomatic journey to Africa. In each country, they will focus on building alliances, sharing India’s experiences in counter-terrorism, and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in security, trade, and people-to-people ties.
India’s all-party parliamentary team traveling to Abu Dhabi demonstrates the nation’s active and united strategy in advancing its diplomatic goals and reinforcing its strong stance against terrorism on the world stage. By highlighting its counter-terrorism successes, engaging with international partners, and connecting with the Indian diaspora, India is strengthening its role as a responsible and influential player on the world stage. This visit not only advances India’s security interests but also reinforces the values of peace, tolerance, and international cooperation.
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