‘Investing in India is investing in democracy’: Tejasvi Surya on global outreach tour to US

NEW DELHI: Investing in India is increasingly being seen as a commitment to democracy, responsible leadership, and global progress, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said, as a multi-party Indian parliamentary delegation reached Washington for the final leg of its international outreach tour.The delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and comprising MPs from BJP, Shiv Sena, TDP, and JMM, has already visited Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil. Their mission: to deepen international ties and counter Pakistan’s narrative following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.“Every single country was enthusiastic about what they can offer to India and what India can offer to them,” Surya told PTI, noting strong interest in sectors like manufacturing and technology.

“People know that investment in India is investment in democracy and responsible civilian leadership. It means global progress as well.”The group arrived in the US on Tuesday and will engage with members of the US Congress, think tanks, and media professionals. Surya drew a stark comparison between how the international community views India versus Pakistan. “These countries can only talk about terrorism with Pakistan,” he said, asserting that nearly every major global terror attack in the last two to three decades had investigative links to Pakistan.

Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora echoed the message of regional stability being crucial for economic growth. “For American investments to continue to perform in India, India needs peace. India needs strong borders. India needs security,” he said. “We want to live in peace. We would prefer it if we have a stable neighbour. Nobody wants an unstable lunatic living next to you.”Other members of the delegation include Sarfaraz Ahmad (JMM), Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi (TDP), Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), and India’s former Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.This group is one of seven multi-party delegations sent to 33 global capitals as part of Operation Sindoor — a diplomatic initiative to highlight Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism.Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. India conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan responded with attempted strikes on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The military exchange concluded after talks between the Directors General of Military Operations on May 10, agreeing to halt further hostilities.