New Delhi: In a powerful display of unity and resolve, an all-party Indian delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad emphasized the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and truth in the face of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The delegation’s visit to the United Kingdom, part of a global outreach campaign following the devastating Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives, began with heartfelt tributes to Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, underscoring India’s commitment to peace, justice, and decisive action against terrorism.
A Symbolic Start at Gandhi’s Memorial
The delegation’s three-day visit to the U.K., which commenced on June 1, 2025, started with a poignant gesture: offering floral tributes at the Gandhi Memorial in Tavistock Square, London. Speaking to reporters, Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed pride in honoring Mahatma Gandhi in the heart of London, stating, “It is a matter of great pride for us that right in the heart of London before the great statue of Mahatma Gandhi, we have come to pay our respects and offer flowers.” He highlighted the timeless relevance of Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, truth, amity, and goodwill (sadbhav), particularly in an era marked by terrorism sponsored by Pakistan across the border.
Gandhi’s philosophy, rooted in non-violence and Satyagraha (the pursuit of truth), remains a guiding light for India. In his article “The Doctrine of the Sword,” published in Young India, Gandhi wrote, “I do believe that where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence I would advise violence. I would rather have India resort to arms in order to defend her honor than that she should in a cowardly manner become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonor.” This nuanced stance, which advocates non-violence but permits defensive action against aggression, resonates deeply in the context of modern security challenges.
Historical Context: Terrorism as State Policy
Former Minister and author M.J. Akbar provided historical perspective, referencing the “first known instance of terrorism as state policy” by Pakistan in October 1947, when 5,000 terrorists were sent to Kashmir. Akbar noted that while Gandhi was an apostle of non-violence, he spoke with resolve against these raiders, likening his tone to that of Britain’s wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. At a prayer meeting, Gandhi declared that it was the duty of Indian soldiers to defeat terrorism and never retreat—a stance that aligns with India’s current security doctrine.
Operation Sindoor: A Decisive Response
The delegation’s visit follows India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack on May 7, 2025, which prompted Operation Sindoor—a series of precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Former Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Saran described the operation as a “100% success,” executed under the political directive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India’s response was grounded in its right to pre-empt, deter, and decisively retaliate against cross-border terrorism while maintaining a non-escalatory approach.
India’s security doctrine rests on three key pillars: decisive retaliation on India’s terms, zero tolerance for nuclear blackmail, and no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors. The Pahalgam attack, which escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, saw Pakistan attempt retaliatory strikes on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. India’s strong response culminated in an understanding to halt hostilities following talks between the directors general of military operations on May 10.
A Unified Stance at India House
At India House in London, the nine-member delegation, comprising MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh, Samik Bhattacharya, M. Thambidurai, M.J. Akbar, and Ambassador Pankaj Saran, was warmly received by Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami. Hundreds of community leaders and members of the Indian diaspora gathered, waving tricolour flags and chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” The event opened with a stirring rendition of the Indian National Anthem, interspersed with applause and chants in praise of Prime Minister Modi.
Prasad addressed the gathering, assuring them, “India is strong, resurgent and will take care of Pakistan and terrorism, but you convey our message here and globally, too—terrorists must be made to pay the cost.” BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari emphasized the delegation’s unity, stating, “The delegation here belongs to different parties with different ideologies, but when it comes to the interest of our country, we all stand here united, not belonging to different parties but as Indians.”
Ambedkar’s Legacy and India’s Democratic Strength
The delegation also visited the Ambedkar Museum in north London, reflecting on the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of India’s Constitution. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted the contrast between India and Pakistan since their simultaneous independence in 1947. “Babasaheb Ambedkar gave us a very important document through which we live by—the Constitution—which we strive for, which we have been fighting for and ensuring that the idea of inclusivity, justice and equality for all is maintained in true spirit and not just in words,” she said. In contrast, she noted, “Pakistan continues to struggle with having an elected government in place, and the army generals have totally taken over.”
A Global Call to Action
High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami underscored that terrorism is a global issue, not confined to India. “It is a global reality, and to pretend that this is something that happens only occasionally that Indians have to live with is a grave mistake… the time has come for the world to take it more seriously,” he said. The delegation’s outreach aims to highlight Pakistan’s links to terrorism, with seven multi-party delegations visiting 33 global capitals to engage with parliamentarians, political leaders, and diaspora communities.
The U.K. visit included a private dinner with the U.K. ‘s shadow foreign secretary, Priti Patel, and her team from the Opposition Conservative Party. The High Commission of India in London stated, “The delegation reaffirmed India’s united stance and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms,” emphasizing India’s policy of zero tolerance toward such threats.
India’s Diplomatic Outreach and Global Support
The delegation’s U.K. visit, concluding on June 3, 2025, includes engagements with think tanks, parliamentarians, and diaspora leaders. From the U.K., the team will proceed to the European Union and Germany for similar discussions, reinforcing India’s message on the global stage. The outreach follows Colombia’s withdrawal of a statement offering condolences to Pakistan, as noted by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, signaling growing international support for India’s stance.
India’s commitment to Gandhi’s principles is evident in its broader doctrines, such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), no-first-use nuclear policy, and promotion of global peace. However, as Prasad and the delegation emphasized, these principles do not equate to passivity in the face of aggression. India’s response to the Pahalgam attack and its global diplomatic efforts reflect a balanced approach—upholding non-violence while ensuring national security.
Conclusion: A Resurgent India
The all-party delegation’s visit to London is a testament to India’s unified resolve to combat terrorism while staying true to its foundational values. By invoking Gandhi’s principles, the delegation underscores that non-violence and truth remain powerful tools in addressing modern challenges. As India continues its global outreach, the message is clear: terrorism must be confronted decisively, and the international community must unite to address this global threat. With Operation Sindoor as a successful precedent, India stands strong, resurgent, and committed to ensuring that terrorists and their sponsors face consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What was the purpose of the all-party Indian delegation’s visit to the U.K. in June 2025?
The all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, visited the U.K. as part of India’s global outreach campaign following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on May 7, 2025, which claimed 26 lives. The delegation aimed to highlight Pakistan’s links to cross-border terrorism, emphasize India’s zero-tolerance policy, and promote a unified global response to terrorism. The visit included tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, engagements with parliamentarians, think tanks, and diaspora leaders, and discussions with U.K. officials, including shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel.
2.How do Mahatma Gandhi’s principles relate to India’s response to cross-border terrorism?
Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, truth, and goodwill (sadbhav) were highlighted by the delegation as vital in addressing modern security challenges. While Gandhi advocated non-violence, he also stated in “The Doctrine of the Sword” that defensive violence is preferable to cowardice when protecting honor. This aligns with India’s security doctrine, as seen in Operation Sindoor, which involved precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure while maintaining a non-escalatory approach, reflecting a balance between peace and decisive action.
3.What is Operation Sindoor, and why was it significant?
Operation Sindoor was India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, involving precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, 2025. Described as a “100% success” by former Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Saran, the operation was a political directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It embodied India’s security doctrine of decisive retaliation, zero tolerance for nuclear blackmail, and no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors, reinforcing India’s commitment to combating terrorism.
4.Who were the members of the all-party delegation to the U.K.?
The delegation was led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and included MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh, Samik Bhattacharya, and M. Thambidurai, along with former Minister M.J. Akbar and former Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Saran. Representing diverse political ideologies, the nine-member team demonstrated India’s unity on national security issues, engaging with the Indian diaspora and U.K. officials during their visit from June 1 to June 3, 2025.
5.How is India’s global outreach addressing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism?
India has deployed seven multi-party delegations to visit 33 global capitals to emphasize Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism, particularly following the Pahalgam attack. The U.K. delegation’s activities, including tributes at the Gandhi Memorial, visits to the Ambedkar Museum, and discussions at India House, underscored India’s call for terrorism to be treated as a global issue. High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami stressed that the international community must take terrorism seriously, with India’s diplomatic efforts gaining support, as seen in Colombia’s withdrawal of condolences to Pakistan.
