Abu Dhabi–Dubai, UAE: In a historic diplomatic offensive under Operation Sindoor, Shiv Sena MP Dr Shrikant Eknath Shinde led an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The mission: to present a united Indian front on the global stage against terrorism—particularly that emanating from Pakistan—and to strengthen bilateral ties rooted in peace, tolerance, and shared security concerns.
The visit, which spanned Abu Dhabi and Dubai, was not just diplomatic—it was deeply spiritual, symbolic, and strategically sharp. The delegation’s activities reflected a careful blend of faith, national interest, and international cooperation.
Dr Shinde began his UAE tour by visiting three iconic religious sites: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, and the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara. In his own words, the experience was “deeply emotional and spiritually inspiring.”
“These holy places are living testaments to the values both nations cherish—peace, coexistence, and interfaith respect,” said Dr. Shinde.
The visits signified a powerful message: India and the UAE stand as models of religious pluralism. The MP especially lauded the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, calling it a symbol of interfaith unity:
“The temple was built on land given by a Muslim, designed by a Christian, and constructed by Hindus. This is not just a temple—it is a monument to universal brotherhood,” he said.
Dr Shinde also acknowledged the key roles played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the late EAM Sushma Swaraj in initiating the temple project.
The delegation held crucial talks with Nickolay E. Mladenov, Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi. The focus was clear: deepening Indo-UAE ties, with special emphasis on counter-terrorism cooperation and combatting radical ideologies.
“This is a visionary step toward stronger bilateral relations. The UAE shares our concerns and has shown strong support in our mission against terrorism,” Dr. Shinde noted.
Speaking at a press conference in Dubai, Dr. Shinde delivered some of his most hard-hitting remarks yet:
“Pakistan has consistently sponsored terrorism. Be it Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, or other outfits—their agenda is the same, and the world needs to see their true face.”
He referred to terror attacks like 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, Uri, and Pulwama, citing Pakistan’s lack of action despite India presenting concrete proof. He also slammed Pakistani politicians for attending the funerals of terrorists killed during India’s Operation Sindoor, calling it a “national disgrace.”
“India is a land of Gautam Buddha, Mahavira, and Mahatma Gandhi—we never initiate violence. But this time, our Operation Sindoor gave a clear and firm message.”
Dr Shinde reiterated India’s unwavering policy: “We won’t tolerate terrorism. Terror and trade cannot go together. Water and blood cannot flow together. If Pakistan wants peace, it must first dismantle its terror infrastructure.”
He warned that if provoked further, India would respond with even more decisive force, just as it did during Operation Sindoor.
Without revealing specifics due to diplomatic sensitivities, Dr Shinde said that UAE officials had shared their deep disgust toward terrorism behind closed doors.
“They told us things we cannot speak publicly—the level of hatred they have for terrorism matches ours. Their support for India is clear and strong.”
One of the most striking aspects of this visit was the bipartisan unity of the delegation.
“Some of us are from the opposition, some from the ruling party—but we are speaking as Indians, standing together against terrorism,” Dr Shinde affirmed.
Dr Shinde also thanked the Indian community in the UAE, calling them “India’s best ambassadors”, and expressed appreciation for their support in promoting peace and national interest abroad.
Special mention was made of H.E. Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, Shri Amarnath, Deputy Chief of Mission, Shri Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, Ms Aayushi Sutaria, IFS officer.
He also acknowledged UAE dignitaries who engaged warmly with the Indian delegation: H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence, H.E. Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defense Committee
The UAE visit is just the beginning. The delegation is now headed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to further India’s global outreach against terrorism.
“Under PM Modi’s leadership, several Indian delegations are visiting countries worldwide. Our goal is to build a global consensus against terrorism, and Operation Sindoor is our call to action,” concluded Dr Shrikant Shinde.
The UAE visit under Operation Sindoor has not only reinforced India’s stance against terrorism but also strengthened its ties with a key partner in West Asia. In a region often torn by conflict, the symbolism of interfaith harmony, diplomatic alignment, and security cooperation made this visit a powerful statement of India’s intent.
As Dr Shinde said, “We are not a country that attacks—but if attacked, we will ensure the world sees justice done.”
