The delegation focussed on Pakistan’s political troubles and showcasing the bold voices of India’s minority communities.
LONDON – A high-level Indian delegation arrived in the United Kingdom as part of a global outreach following Operation Sindoor. The Indian High Commission in London hosted the delegation at India House, where guests and pre-registered members of the Indian diaspora gathered to hear speeches under tight security.
The delegation was led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and included Ghulam Ali, Rajya Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir; Amar Singh, Congress MP and Sikh leader; and MJ Akbar, a well-known journalist and former minister.
The event focused heavily on Pakistan’s political instability and military influence. Speakers criticised the Pakistani army and alleged its ties to terrorism, while also pointing to the country’s growing international isolation.
Prasad warned of the decline of democracy in Pakistan and the imprisonment of political leaders. His speech was followed by Amar Singh, who lightened the mood with a sharp joke aimed at Prasad: “When it comes to putting people in jail, you’re no less than anyone else.” The crowd laughed, and the remark was seen as both friendly banter and a subtle critique.
The Indian High Commission in London hosted the delegation at India House, where guests and pre-registered members of the Indian diaspora gathered to hear speeches under tight security.
After the event, journalist Muhammad Ghazali Khan, who attended the gathering, shared his views on Facebook. He noted a stark difference in political courage between Sikh and Muslim leaders in India.
“Although Amar Singh said it in jest, compare this courage with the statements of Quaid-e-Millat Owaisi Sahib in the Gulf countries about Muslims in India and communalism,” Khan wrote.
He added that such boldness is not new for Sikh leaders. Khan pointed to Giani Zail Singh’s reaction after Operation Blue Star, as described in Mark Tully’s book Amritsar: Mrs. Gandhi’s Last Battle. He also recalled how writer Khushwant Singh, though not religious, had returned his Padma Bhushan award in protest.
Despite the powerful speeches, some attendees were disappointed that the event did not include a question-and-answer session, which has been a tradition at many High Commission gatherings.
Khan expressed regret: “I went with the hope that if I get the opportunity, I will definitely ask this question.”
He wanted to ask about recent comments by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, who seemed to soften his stance by saying his differences with the ruling party were minor. He also referred to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who claimed there was no conflict between minorities and the majority in India.
“After such statements, and the surprising support from Palestinians for India, why is this political shift not visible within India, where Muslims still face lynchings and bulldozer justice?” Khan wrote.
During the speeches, the crowd raised slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, ‘Vande Mataram’, and ‘Jai Shri Ram’. Khan said these slogans reminded him of an incident at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on 26 January 2023, when a student shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ during an NCC parade.
That incident sparked heavy criticism from right-wing groups, especially the BJP MP from Aligarh, who demanded action against the student. A recording of the MP’s phone call to AMU’s then Vice Chancellor Dr Tariq Mansoor also went viral.
Khan recalled media headlines from the time, including:
- “Religious slogans raised outside AMU during Republic Day event, police order action” (India Today, 27 Jan 2023)
- “AMU suspends student for raising ‘Allahu Akbar’ slogans, investigation ordered” (OpIndia, 28 Jan 2023)
- “NCC students at AMU raise Allahu Akbar slogans in reply to Vande Mataram” (Times Now, 27 Jan 2023)
Khan’s comparison showed what he described as a double standard in the public and political reaction to religious slogans, depending on the community involved.
The London visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort by the Indian government to engage with NRIs and shape global perceptions on national security, communal harmony, and foreign policy. The delegation is expected to travel to other countries in the coming weeks.
While the event celebrated political unity, the absence of open dialogue left some attendees with unanswered questions.
