Operation Sindoor: Shashi Tharoor chosen to lead all-party delegation despite name missing from Congress list

NEW DELHI: Congress proposed the names of four leaders for the all-party delegation, but the name of the Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor , who is confirmed to lead the delegation for the Operation Sindoor briefing , was not there.

In a post on X, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the Congress has submitted names of four MPs: Anand Sharma, former Union Cabinet Minister; Shri Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader, INC in Lok Sabha; Dr Syed Naseer Hussain, MP, Rajya Sabha; and Shri Raja Brar, MP, Lok Sabha for the government's proposed delegations to foreign countries to explain India's stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Ramesh said, "Yesterday morning, the minister of parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijiju spoke with the Congress president and the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. The INC was asked to submit names of 4 MPs for the delegations to be sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan ."

Yesterday morning, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju spoke with the Congress President and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The INC was asked to submit names of 4 MPs for the delegations to be sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 17, 2025

He added, "By noon yesterday, May 16th, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha wrote to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs giving the following names on behalf of the INC: Shri Anand Sharma, former Union Cabinet Minister; Shri Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader, INC in Lok Sabha; Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, MP, Rajya Sabha; and Shri Raja Brar, MP, Lok Sabha.

Interestingly, Union minister Kiren Rijiju included him among seven MPs selected to brief global leaders about Operation Sindoor.

This came after congress reprimand Tharoor for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi which led to the specualtion that Congress leader is joining BJP. Few months back, Tharoor rejected the speculation .

The delegation includes BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU's Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP's Baijayant Panda, DMK's Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP)'s Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena's Shrikant Eknath Shinde.

In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united.
Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero-tolerance to terrorism.
A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences.@rsprasad @ShashiTharoor… pic.twitter.com/FerHHACaVK

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 17, 2025

Rijiju emphasised India's unity, stating that seven all-party delegations would visit key partner nations, demonstrating national unity beyond political differences.

When national interest is involved, I will not be found wanting: Tharoor

Tharoor accepted the government's proposal, stating, "When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting."

These delegations will demonstrate India's unified stance and firm approach against terrorism. They will convey the country's zero-tolerance message regarding terrorism.

I am honoured by the invitation of the government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation’s point of view on recent events.

When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting.

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/b4Qjd12cN9

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 17, 2025

Also Read: 'When national interest is involved, I'll not be found wanting': Congress leader Shashi Tharoor

The parliamentary groups are expected to visit major global capitals, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Japan.

Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7 following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. India's precision strikes in Pakistan and PoK on May 7 resulted in over 100 terrorist casualties.