In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials.
A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda, has reinforced India’s unwavering stance against terrorism during key meetings with Saudi Arabia’s political and security leadership.
Arriving in Riyadh after concluding engagements in Kuwait, the delegation is part of a broader diplomatic campaign following India’s Operation Sindoor—launched in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives. Through this outreach, India seeks to clarify its zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism and rally international support against cross-border terrorism, particularly Pakistan-sponsored groups.
The delegation includes prominent parliamentarians from across the political spectrum: BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, Rekha Sharma, Satnam Singh Sandhu; AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi; former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad; and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
Strong Saudi Solidarity on Terrorism
In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials, including Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Mishaal Al-Sulami and Major General Abdulrahman Alharbi, Chair of the India-Saudi Arabia Friendship Committee. The meetings conveyed India’s firm position against all forms of terrorism and discussed pathways for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
“India and Saudi Arabia share a dynamic partnership built on trust, shared interests, and a growing strategic bond,” Baijayant Jay Panda said. “Both countries have faced the scourge of terrorism, and we are on the same page in opposing it. This closeness between our nations is only set to deepen and strengthen.”
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia praised the delegation’s efforts to underscore the country’s zero-tolerance stance, describing the discussions as a “meaningful exchange” highlighting the urgent need for cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla echoed this sentiment, noting Saudi Arabia’s “strong and clear stand against terrorism and terror financing.” He recalled the joint statement issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia shortly after the Pahalgam attack, describing it as a landmark expression of mutual condemnation of cross-border terrorism.
“Saudi Arabia emphasised that their position on terrorism will remain very firm,” Shringla told ANI. “They also stressed the importance of close scrutiny of terror financing, which is crucial in the global fight against terrorism.”
Clear Message on Cross-Border Terrorism
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey emphasised the delegation’s frank message to Saudi officials that India would retaliate decisively if terrorist acts originated from Pakistani soil. “We made it clear that Pakistan must shut its terror camps,” Dubey said. “Despite our attempts to improve relations, the persistence of terrorism remains a threat, and Saudi Arabia is fully aware of our concerns.”
Rekha Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP and delegation member, pointed out the unity within India’s political leadership on the issue. “India will not engage in dialogue with Pakistan unless it dismantles its terror infrastructure,” Sharma told ANI. She also highlighted the warmth with which the Indian community is received in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the close bilateral ties rooted in development and mutual respect.
The delegation also interacted with Saudi civil society representatives, including government think tanks, business leaders, and media, to further enhance understanding of India’s approach and foster people-to-people links.
Health Concerns but Strong Resolve
During the visit, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was hospitalised in Kuwait due to extreme heat but has since recovered and returned to India. Baijayant Jay Panda praised Azad’s contribution, calling it “phenomenal” and noting his strong advocacy for India throughout the delegation’s multi-country tour.
Azad’s illness is a reminder of the demanding schedule the delegation has maintained during their outreach in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and soon Algeria. Despite the challenges, the group remains committed to representing India’s interests and countering misinformation around India’s fight against terrorism.
The delegation’s visit comes in the wake of India’s military response following the Pahalgam terror attack. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
India’s sustained military and diplomatic campaign aims to send a clear message against the continued threat of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and garner support from international partners in combating terrorism financing and safe havens.
With meetings planned across multiple countries in the Gulf and North Africa, the delegation’s mission is pivotal in reaffirming India’s position on terrorism while building stronger regional partnerships. The engagement with Saudi Arabia, one of India’s key strategic partners in the Middle East, signals a robust convergence of interests and a shared commitment to security and development.
As Baijayant Jay Panda noted, “Our partnership with Saudi Arabia is not only about economic cooperation but also about working together against terrorism and for regional peace. This unity is essential in today’s challenging geopolitical environment.”
