Spain Reaffirms Support for India’s Anti-Terrorism Efforts
During a significant diplomatic engagement in Madrid, Spain has extended its unequivocal support for India’s persistent efforts to combat terrorism. This affirmation came following a meeting between Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, and an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.
Delegation's Objectives and Activities in Spain
The Indian delegation arrived in Madrid as the final stop of a comprehensive five-nation tour. Their visit focused on strengthening international cooperation against terrorism and sharing India’s robust stance and strategies to eradicate terror threats.
During their discussions, Spain’s Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of global peace and reiterated that terrorism will never prevail. He explicitly conveyed Spain’s solid backing of India's anti-terrorism measures.
Key engagements of the delegation included:
- A detailed briefing with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares to update Spain on India’s efforts against terrorism.
- A dialogue hosted by the Spain India Council Foundation involving intellectuals, academics, think tanks, and civil society leaders to discuss collaborative counter-terrorism strategies.
- An emotional meeting with the Asociación de Víctimas del Terrorismo, representing over 4,800 terror victims, where shared experiences and resilience were exchanged.
- Interaction with members of the Indian diaspora and homage paid to Mahatma Gandhi’s bust, fostering cultural connections.
India’s Global Diplomatic Drive Against Terrorism
This diplomatic mission is part of India’s broader campaign to build a global coalition against terrorism, intensifying after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 casualties. Following the attack, India took decisive actions targeting terror infrastructures across the border.
The parliamentary delegation's ongoing visits to key world capitals aim to enhance international understanding and collaboration to counter cross-border terrorism more effectively.
Delegation Composition and Statements
The delegation consists of parliamentarians from various political parties: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Rajeev Kumar Rai (SP), Brijesh Chowta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (RJD), Ashok Mittal (AAP), along with former Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri.
Kanimozhi expressed her appreciation for the warm reception from the Tamil and wider Indian community in Spain, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with Indians abroad.
Recent Indo-Pak Tensions and Security Developments
The visits come amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. After India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan-administered territories, Pakistan retaliated with attempts to strike Indian military bases over several days in May.
Hostilities ceased following military dialogues, underscoring the volatile regional security environment driving India’s intensified diplomatic efforts to forge international counter-terrorism partnerships.
