Consensus Against Terror? India-South Africa Dialogue Show a United Stand

In a significant diplomatic achievement following the Pahalgam terror attack, an All-Party Indian Parliamentary Delegation visited South Africa from May 27–29, 2025. The visit showed India's proactive strategy to garner global solidarity against terrorism, as part of its coordinated post-Operation Sindoor diplomacy.

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On May 28 in Cape Town, the delegation began with a solemn interaction hosted by Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Mr. P. (Les) Govender. The meeting opened with a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist act in Jammu & Kashmir. Indian representatives reiterated the national resolve for zero tolerance against terrorism, drawing acknowledgment and solidarity from South African lawmakers.

In discussions with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, chaired by Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo, the delegation outlined India's firm stance on cross-border terrorism and presented the rationale behind Operation Sindoor. The Indian side emphasized that the operation was a calibrated, targeted, and non-escalatory measure to neutralize terror infrastructure.

Later, the delegation met Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenneth Morolong, briefing him on India's national security doctrine. Mr. Morolong noted the concern and assured that the matter would be brought to the attention of the South African leadership.

The day concluded with a significant engagement with John Steenhuisen, Leader of the Democratic Alliance, and the Minister of Agriculture. The Democratic Alliance expressed unequivocal solidarity with India and supported its efforts to counter terrorism and dismantle cross-border networks.

This leg of India's diplomatic outreach—extending from Europe and Latin America to the Gulf and Africa—marks a new era of strategic parliamentary diplomacy. South Africa’s expressions of support add momentum to India’s efforts at building a global consensus against the normalization of terror.