In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan’s attempt to interfere with an Indian parliamentary delegation’s visit to Malaysia has been firmly rejected by Kuala Lumpur. Citing “Islamic solidarity,” the Pakistani embassy had urged Malaysian authorities to cancel engagements planned by the Indian delegation. However, Malaysian officials ignored Islamabad’s appeal, and the Indian delegation’s full itinerary proceeded as scheduled, according to top Indian government sources.
The delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha, included members from across India’s political spectrum: BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, and Hemang Joshi; Trinamool Congress’s Abhishek Banerjee; CPM’s John Brittas; Congress leader Salman Khurshid; and diplomat Mohan Kumar. The team was one of seven deputed abroad to counter Pakistan’s narrative following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 27 civilians, and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Sources said Pakistan attempted to raise the Kashmir issue during its pressure campaign in Malaysia, framing it under religious solidarity among Islamic nations. However, this failed to gain any traction. Malaysia's refusal to entertain the request is being interpreted as a diplomatic snub and a sign of India’s growing credibility on global platforms.
The multi-nation visit spanned five Asian countries Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia with the Indian delegation engaging local officials and civil society groups to raise awareness about cross-border terrorism and India's firm stance on national security. “Our message was simple and united India is resolute in the fight against terrorism,” said CPM MP John Brittas, emphasizing the non-partisan nature of the diplomatic effort.
Speaking to IANS upon return, Sanjay Jha said the mission had four major outcomes: global condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, clear support for India's targeted countermeasures, visible normalization in Jammu and Kashmir with flights and a cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, and an urgent appeal to global agencies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to hold Pakistan accountable.
BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi highlighted the unity shown by both Indian leaders and foreign governments: “The consistent message was that countries across the world stand with India and oppose terrorism in all its forms.” This episode not only reveals Pakistan’s continued attempts to internationalize domestic issues but also reflects India’s growing ability to diplomatically isolate Islamabad and build global consensus against terrorism.
