Abu Dhabi | May 21, 2025: A high-level all-party parliamentary delegation, led by Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of India’s four-nation diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The visit aims to garner international support and present India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism under the strategic framework of “Operation Sindoor.”
UAE leaders have been among the first to extend their support to India. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan had earlier conveyed their condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar via phone calls, strongly condemning the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
The Indian delegation includes Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Shri E.T. Mohd Basheer, Shri Atul Garg, Shri Sasmit Patra, Shri Manan Kumar Mishra, Shri Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Shri Sujan Chinoy.
Earlier today, the delegation met with His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. Expressing deep condolences, Sheikh Nahyan said, “India and the UAE will tackle terrorism together. The UAE will always stand by India.”
Substantive discussions were held with H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council, along with other senior Emirati lawmakers. The Indian delegation explained the targeted and non-escalatory nature of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing it as a necessary response to the barbaric Kashmir attack. Dr. Al Nuaimi responded, “India-UAE relations transcend trade and culture. We are aligned in security and strategic interests. Terrorism is an attack on all humanity.”
The delegation also met with Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Director General of the UAE’s National Media Office, where they addressed concerns over misinformation spread by Pakistan. Presenting evidence-based rebuttals, the delegation highlighted the need to dismantle Pakistan’s disinformation machinery and propaganda networks.
Dr. Shrikant Shinde gave an exclusive interview to The National, UAE’s leading English daily, where he detailed India’s long-standing fight against terrorism and how Prime Minister Modi has set a “new normal” through Operation Sindoor.
The day concluded with a heartfelt interaction with the Indian diaspora in the UAE. The delegation lauded the community’s vital contributions to UAE’s economy and society, while also acknowledging their role in promoting India’s image and values abroad. They urged unity and vigilance in the face of divisive efforts aimed at disrupting India’s social fabric.
On the following day, the delegation is scheduled to participate in high-level, closed-door dialogues with leading think tanks and policy institutions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, continuing India’s robust diplomatic offensive against terrorism.
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