Ravi Shankar Prasad-Led Delegation Concludes Paris Visit with Strong Support
Paris: A multi-party Indian delegation led by BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad wrapped up its Paris visit on May 27, 2025, with France reaffirming its solidarity in combating terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The delegation, addressing the French Senate at Luxembourg Palace, emphasized the need for the democratic world to unite against Pakistan’s state-supported terror, a stance echoed by French senators who declared, “We are together with India in this fight.”
A Unified Stance Against Terrorism
The nine-member team, including MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Priyanka Chaturvedi, and others, met with the India-France Friendship Group in the French Senate and National Assembly. “France and India, indeed the whole democratic world, must speak in one voice against terrorism,” Prasad said, highlighting Pakistan’s role in fostering terror as state policy. French Senator Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio and Thierry Tesson, president of the Friendship Group, likened terrorism to a “cancer” that demands a collective response, reinforcing the deep ties between the two nations.
Strengthening Indo-French Ties
The meetings underscored the robust Indo-French partnership, with Tesson noting, “Our partnership is very strong, very old, and promising for the future.” France, which has faced terror attacks like the 2015 Paris attacks, shares India’s concerns, especially after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26. The French media engaged with the delegation, where Prasad stressed, “The distinction between the state of Pakistan and terrorism has withered away.” On X, users praised the collaboration, with some calling for harsher sanctions on Pakistan to curb its terror funding, often linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Global Outreach Amid Rising Tensions
This visit is part of India’s broader diplomatic push, with 33 all-party delegations engaging global capitals to highlight Pakistan’s terror designs, especially post-Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps across the border. The team, including former Union Minister M.J. Akbar and ex-Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran, will next head to Rome, followed by Denmark, the U.K., Belgium, and Germany. France’s support aligns with its history of backing India, notably during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, and strengthens bilateral efforts like joint counter-terrorism exercises under the 2018 Indo-French strategic partnership.
A Call for Global Action
As India navigates heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Paris visit marks a significant step in building international consensus. With France planning a reciprocal visit to India, the collaboration signals a united front against terror, aiming to isolate Pakistan diplomatically while fostering global security cooperation.
