New Delhi [India], June 5 : Congress leader Salman Khurshid, a member of the all-party delegation, shared insights on the recent meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and members of the delegation upon their return from a diplomatic tour.
Khurshid said the External Affairs Minister was well-informed about the delegation's engagements abroad, as ambassadors had already briefed him. He noted that Jaishankar was aware of the details -- "where we met whom, at what level, and the main issues raised." Some general conversations were also held regarding concerns that needed to be brought to the government's notice.
He said parliamentarians raised the issue of the lack of reciprocal friendship associations abroad. "In many places, the one-way friendship association is theirs," Khurshid said, adding that Indian parliamentarians "have not been able to take those steps from our side yet."
According to him, the External Affairs Minister acknowledged these points and said they would be studied.
Khurshid said the delegation was asked to share context and details about their visits and the issues discussed. "Messages from every country have already come to our government," he added.
Commenting on India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Khurshid said that both the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister had already received messages from other countries. "The Foreign Minister, who is clear in opposition to terrorism, acknowledged the messages and the steps needed after the incident. Condolences were reiterated, and it was clarified so that there were no questions left unanswered."
He said a full review of the delegation's feedback would be compiled and presented to the Prime Minister. "Our meeting will be held before the Prime Minister. I don't know whether it will happen with him or not, but I think it will. Whatever we have said will be reviewed and then presented," he said.
On the possibility of action based on the delegation's suggestions, Khurshid said, "After taking cognizance of our suggestions, if the government understands the need to take action, then it will do so."
Khurshid also highlighted the political intent behind the outreach. "The main task was to present India's side abroad. Another task was political -- to speak with one voice against terrorism," he said, adding that the Congress party had asked him to be part of the delegation. "We did not go on our own free will. The party agreed that all parties should come together to speak against terrorism."
He further said the delegation represented a wide political spectrum. "There were people from the Bharatiya Janata Party and other parties. Together, we conveyed the same message."
Commenting on India's democratic system, Khurshid said, "The democratic system gives separate rights and responsibilities to parties. The opposition party in the country is the Congress party."
The delegation's visit aimed to project a united national stance on terrorism and strengthen India's diplomatic outreach.