What happened?
An all-party parliamentary delegation from India, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda, visited Saudi Arabia from May 27 to 29, 2025, as part of India’s global diplomatic outreach following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. The delegation met with Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to convey India’s firm stance against terrorism and seek continued cooperation in countering extremism. They emphasized the need for coordinated global action, including dismantling terrorist infrastructure, cutting off financing and safe havens, and rejecting political justification for terrorist activities. The delegation also engaged with Dr. Mishaal Al-Sulami, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, and noted Saudi Arabia’s consistent support on counter-terrorism issues.
Why it matters to India
This visit is part of India’s broader diplomatic initiative to highlight its anti-terrorism resolve and garner international support following the Pahalgam attack. Strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabia on counter-terrorism and de-radicalization is crucial for India’s national security and for combating global extremism. The engagement reinforces India’s stance that terrorism cannot be justified and seeks to ensure international solidarity in addressing the threat of terrorism.