During an ongoing multi-nation diplomatic outreach, BJP MP Baijayant Panda, who is leading an all-party delegation to Saudi Arabia, underscored the growing strategic alignment between India and Saudi Arabia in combating terrorism. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday (local time), Panda emphasized the shared pain and commitment of both countries in tackling the threat of terrorism.
“Saudi Arabia has experienced horrific terrorist attacks in the past and has taken a very principled stand against terrorism,” Panda said. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia during the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Panda noted that the joint statement issued by India and Saudi Arabia “strictly speaks against terrorism of any kind—especially cross-border terrorism.” He further added, “We are on the same page as Saudi Arabia. This closeness will only get deeper and stronger, and that’s a very good sign.”
Panda also praised former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who had been an active voice in the delegation’s earlier visits but was recently hospitalized in Kuwait due to illness. “Despite a grueling schedule, he made powerful contributions in the two countries we visited. Though he will now return to India, we deeply value his efforts and wish him a speedy recovery,” Panda said.
Adding to the discussions, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey stressed that the delegation conveyed a strong message to Saudi officials regarding India’s stance on terrorism. “We made it clear that if Pakistan-based groups carry out any terror acts, India will retaliate with full force. Saudi Arabia understands our position and concerns,” Dubey stated.
The delegation also engaged with Saudi civil society representatives, including key figures from government, academia, media, business, and think tanks, to further bilateral dialogue and cooperation.
The all-party delegation includes a diverse group of Indian leaders: BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, Rekha Sharma, Satnam Singh Sandhu, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, and former diplomat Harsh Shringla.
This visit is part of India’s broader diplomatic initiative following Operation Sindoor—launched on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. In the operation, Indian forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 militants linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
As the delegation prepares for its next stop in Algeria, India’s counter-terrorism message continues to gain traction on the global stage.
