Congress MP Anand Sharma, speaking on behalf of the Indian all-party parliamentary delegation in Ethiopia, asserted that India delivered a “befitting reply” to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeting only terrorist organisations while upholding its longstanding policy of peace and non-aggression.
Addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Addis Ababa on Saturday, Sharma emphasized India’s moral clarity and restraint in the face of provocation. “India does not believe in violence or war. It is part of our ancient culture not to attack any country. But when provoked, we respond with strength and precision—as seen in Operation Sindoor, where only terror outfits were targeted,” Sharma said.
He also criticized Pakistan’s continued patronage of terrorist groups, recalling its inaction after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. “Despite global condemnation and promises to act, Pakistan failed to prosecute the attackers. These acts were carried out with their support,” he said.
Congress MP Manish Tewari echoed Sharma’s sentiments and warned that India’s future response could be more forceful if Pakistan continues its support for terrorism. “When it comes to India’s self-respect, we rise above politics. If Pakistan doesn’t stop promoting terrorism, India’s response will not remain restrained—it will be very aggressive,” Tewari declared.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur praised the Indian community in Ethiopia for their contributions, particularly in education, and called upon them to serve as messengers of India’s resilience against terrorism. “Indian teachers have shaped Ethiopia’s leaders—your influence is immense. It’s time to convey the truth that India has suffered for decades from cross-border terrorism,” Thakur said.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s pattern of proxy warfare, stating, “Pakistan knows it can’t defeat us in a conventional war—whether it was 1965, 1971, or Kargil, India prevailed. That’s why they now resort to sponsoring terrorism to kill innocents.”
Earlier, the multi-party delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule met with Tagesse Chaffo, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of Ethiopia, and other lawmakers. The Indian leaders briefed Ethiopian counterparts on Operation Sindoor and India’s collective fight against terrorism.
The delegation in Ethiopia includes Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP), Vikramjit Singh Sahney (AAP), Manish Tewari (Congress), Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), Anand Sharma (Congress), V. Muraleedharan (BJP), and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin.
Their visit is part of a coordinated global outreach initiative involving seven all-party delegations, aimed at informing international partners about the Pahalgam attack and rallying support against cross-border terrorism.
