Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], June 3 : Congress leader Salman Khurshid, part of the all-party delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, on Tuesday concluded its multi-nation visit to several countries, including Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore.
The delegation aimed to build international consensus against terrorism and showcase India's efforts to combat the menace.
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Salman Khurshid emphasised that there is widespread consensus among the visited countries on the issue of terrorism.
Khurshid noted that while the countries agree on the need to combat terrorism, the next steps depend on Pakistan's response to India's concerns.
"We have had a high level of success. Most certainly, our point of view was conveyed and heard very seriously. There is widespread consensus on the issue of terrorism. The problems for everyone are that when they have to talk about the next steps that have to be taken. Now, the next steps, we haven't taken ourselves because they are in the pipeline...it depends a lot on what responses we get from Pakistan...we communicated one way or another...what happens to all these only the future can tell. We have laid out some red lines. We have said that there cannot be terrorism and talk simultaneously," he said.
Khurshid clarified that Operation Sindoor has been suspended, not terminated, and can be reactivated if necessary.
"Therefore, it can be activated again if there is a need to do. That is the only statement that has come about the future steps. We need to wait for future steps. I hope we have laid the grounds for whatever needs to be done in times to come," Khurshid said.
On being asked about the criticism for supporting the Centre, Salman Khurshid highlighted the importance of a unified approach in combating terrorism, stating that despite differences in political opinions, the delegation spoke with one voice on the issue. He emphasized that the country's interests are paramount, and the delegation's efforts were focused on defending India against terrorism.
"We are here because our political parties have stamped the approval and decided to send us here...once we come her, we have to speak a single language...you can't say there is zero agreement between opposition and government because in defending the country, in organising the country against terrorism, there is no difference of opinion. If there are differences of opinion, which are voiced and should be voiced within the Indian system...I hope the government also understands this, each one of us has to get back to our respective political parties and we will have to do what our political parties have to do. This is an area where there is convergence, it is country first and country that matters, that is the attitude of everybody," the Congress leader said.
Further, on being asked whether the countries will support India after the delegation visit, Khurshid expressed confidence that the delegation's presentations would have a positive impact on the countries' participation in multilateral forums, particularly in supporting India's stance on terrorism.
"You can't just assume that it will happen. But I can say with complete certainty that our presentations were very laborious. Our presentations will certainly impact the manner in which they participate in the multilateral forum in the future. It is clear from their reaction that these are additional inputs that would be very helpful to them," he said.
The Indian delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, includes BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, Hemang Joshi; TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee; CPI-M's John Brittas; and Congress leader Salman Khurshid, among others concluded their multi nation visit on Tuesday.
The delegation's tour includes stops in Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore, underscoring India's commitment to regional peace, security, and development.