An all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad returned to India on Sunday after a diplomatic mission across several European countries. The team landed at the national capital’s airport following a multi-nation journey aimed at bolstering India’s relationships with European partners.

Speaking to the press upon arrival, Prasad remarked, “It’s wonderful to be back in India. Our delegation visited France, Italy, Denmark, England, Brussels, and Germany, where we engaged with prominent leaders from their Parliaments, think tanks, and the Indian community. There is significant concern among these nations regarding the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which has been universally condemned. Our visit to the European Parliament was well received, and the Indian community expressed great enthusiasm. We are on the verge of establishing a new relationship between India and Europe. It was an incredibly gratifying visit.”

Amid rising international concern over terrorism, especially following the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, this recent trip by the all-party Group-2 delegation was timely and relevant.

During their European tour, the delegation held impactful discussions with government officials, parliamentarians, and think tank representatives across various nations, including Germany. They articulated India’s unwavering commitment to ‘Zero Tolerance against Terrorism’ and shared strategies to address cross-border terrorism, underscoring the severity of the Pahalgam attack, as indicated by a statement from the Indian Embassy in Germany. They also focused on building support among the Indian diaspora to strengthen ties between India and Europe.

On their first day in Berlin, the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, met with senior representatives from the German government, Bundestag, and notable think tanks. They conveyed India’s firm position against terrorism and discussed Operation Sindoor—a precise and non-escalatory response to the Pahalgam attack. A statement detailed that they met with Johann Wadephul, Foreign Minister of Germany, who reiterated his nation’s strong backing for India’s anti-terror efforts and every nation’s right to self-defense.

The delegation expressed gratitude for Germany’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and its declaration of solidarity with India. They stressed the need for accountability for terrorist acts and advocated for multilateral cooperation in achieving this goal.

In discussions with Omid Nouripour, Vice President of the German Parliament, the delegation elaborated on India’s three key policies in combating terrorism: zero tolerance, refusing to yield to nuclear threats, and resolving matters with Pakistan through bilateral discussions. They emphasized that terrorism is a global menace that necessitates a unified international response.

Engagements also included meetings with Armin Laschet, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag, Ralph Brinkhaus, and Hubertus Heil. The delegation expressed gratitude for the condolences extended by Germany’s leadership following the Pahalgam terror attack, which they noted aimed to disrupt Kashmir’s booming tourism and incite communal discord in India.

Throughout their discussions, the delegation underscored the broad support for Operation Sindoor within India, reflecting a united front against all forms of terrorism. They engaged with senior Bundestag members involved in foreign policy and international affairs, as well as representatives from the prestigious Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). The day concluded with a reception hosted by India’s Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, where they interacted with leading German think tank figures and prominent personalities.

Notably, during these exchanges, the delegation highlighted India’s measured response to terrorism, asserting that nuclear blackmail should not be a shield for such acts. They also discussed India’s future strategy against cross-border terrorism. German counterparts expressed their support for India’s position, recognizing the urgent need for international collaboration to combat terrorism effectively.

Additionally, discussions covered India-Germany cooperation in Defense, Security, and Counter-Terrorism, further enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations.