Blitz Bureau
A few weeks ago, something remarkable happened. In the wake of Operation Sindoor, when grief could have divided us, India chose unity. What followed was extraordinary – seven all-party parliamentary delegations travelling to over 30 countries, speaking not in fragmented voices, but as one India.
In Washington, Shashi Tharoor’s poised and piercing words gave voice to a nation’s pain, dignity and strength. In Jakarta, Sanjay Jha fostered solidarity, while in Greece, Kanimozhi reminded the world that ‘unity in diversity’ is not just our strength; it’s our identity. In Rome, Ravi Shankar Prasad spoke the uncomfortable truth with unwavering clarity. These were not just diplomatic missions. They were soul missions.
What struck most was how the world responded – not with polite applause, but with true respect. Brazil, Liberia, Italy, and Indonesia saw India not only as a nation of over a billion people but also as a civilisation of profound moral clarity that seeks justice, peace, and moral leadership. This was more than diplomatic success, it was a glimpse of India’s true power: a democracy united in purpose. It was then that a thought cropped up – why should this be a one-time response? Why not make it a lasting practice?
I propose this idea rooted in hope and patriotism. Let India send similar multi-party parliamentary delegations to our immediate neighbours – Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, the Maldives, Afghanistan, and, yes, even China (excluding Pakistan for now) – to strengthen our relationship with them further. Let us build bridges where others build walls. Let’s carry hearts full of sincerity; let’s meet not just with leaders but with people. Let us weave a circle of trust so strong that no foreign influence can pull our neighbours away from us.
This inclusive outreach would serve a multiplicity of purposes. These include: strengthening trust and understanding, countering rising external influence; channelising our energy into joint prosperity; showcasing India’s democratic soul; deepening people-to-people bonds that outlast politics and wars; and establishing the country’s moral clarity and thought leadership globally.
The Mazagon Port in Sri Lanka demonstrates what partnership can achieve – a proof that when India steps forward with care and commitment, it doesn’t just build ports; it builds futures. And Indo-China outreach, even amid tensions, demonstrates the strength that only the truly powerful possess – the ability to choose calm over confrontation.
Care, commitment
These are mere seeds of peace, India must grow the forest. The Government should consider formalising this spirit – by creating a permanent, rotating multi-party outreach for our neighbourhood. Let the world see the full spectrum of Indian democracy. The world respects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership because India now speaks with conviction. But when India speaks with one voice, it does something greater – it inspires. And the world more than listens – it feels. Let us give the world more of that!
