An all-party delegation from India, led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Ravi Shankar Prasad, arrived in Italy on Wednesday as part of an international diplomatic mission. Following their arrival in Rome, the delegation held a significant meeting with Stefania Craxi, the President of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee of the Italian Senate.
The visit to Italy comes immediately after the delegation concluded its engagements in France. This multi-party mission has been tasked with conveying India's position on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader stance on cross-border terrorism to international partners. Alongside Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Indian delegation comprises Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya from the BJP, Priyanka Chaturvedi representing Shiv Sena-UBT, Congress leaders Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, as well as MJ Akbar and Ambassador Pankaj Saran.
Before arriving in Rome, the delegation was in Paris where they met with French lawmakers, including members of the India-France Friendship Group and the French Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. During these interactions, the delegation reiterated India's firm and unwavering stance against terrorism, while also underlining the need for global unity in combating this threat.
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad highlighted the solidarity expressed by French lawmakers. He noted that members of the Senate, including the Vice Chair of the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee, affirmed their support for India in its battle against terrorism.
“We are very grateful to the Vice Chair of the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee, along with all her colleagues in the Senate in this majestic building, who have only one word to say — we are together with India in the fight against terrorism,” Prasad stated. He emphasized that France, India, and the global democratic community must speak in one voice against terrorism originating from Pakistan and allegedly supported by the Pakistani state.
Prasad also conveyed his appreciation for the emotional and diplomatic support received. “Two of the Senators had visited India previously as part of the Foreign Affairs Committee and were present here again. It was a very emotional moment for us. We express our deepest gratitude and regards to the Senate members who have unequivocally backed India’s cause. The warmth, compassion, and commitment shared between the people of France and India is something we deeply value,” he said.
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The delegation’s stop in Italy is part of an ongoing diplomatic campaign to expose Pakistan’s alleged role in fostering terrorism and to garner international backing for India’s counterterrorism efforts. Meetings with Italian legislators aim to reinforce the message delivered in France, extending dialogue on security cooperation and shared international responsibilities.
Stefania Craxi, in her capacity as President of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, engaged with the Indian MPs in Rome as part of this outreach. Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Vice-President of the India-France Friendship Group in the French Senate, described terrorism as a “menace” and expressed solidarity with India’s position. “We are extremely happy to receive the Indian delegation. We recalled our strong bilateral ties and the common cause against terrorism—a menace which has affected India, Europe, and France alike,” she said.
Eustache-Brinio emphasized the importance of joint efforts to preserve democratic values and liberty. “It is important to combat terrorism as a shared threat. This is the message we have conveyed to the Indian Members of Parliament, assuring our full support for India's fight against terrorism. We shared moments of great friendship today,” she concluded. The Indian delegation’s European tour is a continuation of diplomatic efforts aimed at reinforcing international alliances in the fight against terrorism, bolstering global cooperation, and calling attention to issues of national and regional security that transcend borders.
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