Parliamentary Delegation: Azad Falls Ill in Kuwait, to Miss Algeria, Saudi Arabia Trip

In Italy, the delegation headed by BJP MP Dr Ravi Shankar Prasad, met Senator Stefania Craxi who is head of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. The delegation briefed about India's united stance against terrorism in all its forms, and zero tolerance against cross border terrorism. Senator Craxi stated that we should speak in one voice against terrorism and proposed cooperation to address this global scourge.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had posted on X immediately after the Pahalgam attack conveying her sadness due to loss of lives and closeness to the government and people of India. She spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 April to reiterate condolences and Italy’s commitment to combat international terrorism. She also called for strengthening bilateral dialogue and joint action in this area.

In Jakarta, the delegation, led by JD (U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha met Arief Havas Oegroseno, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Muhammad Husein Fadlulloh, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation and Muhammad Rofiqi, Chairperson of Indonesia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group to sensitize them on India’s strong commitment against terrorism.

During the meeting it was conveyed that the attack on innocent civilians at Pahalgam was an attempt to disrupt peace and drive a wedge between communities. The Indonesian side reiterated its condemnation of the terrorist act and extended support in the fight against terrorism in all possible forums. The Indonesian side conveyed that they condemn terrorism and believe in dialogue for solving problems, not terrorism as it is against humanity, supporting India's zero-tolerance approach.

In South Africa, the delegation led by NCP MP Supriya Sule held meetings with Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Province (NCOP) of South Africa, Mr. P (Les) Govender, along with other Members of the Parliament of South Africa at the National Council of Provinces of South Africa. The India delegation members explained the background of terrorist incidents in India, including the Pahalgam attack, and conveyed India's united message of zero tolerance for terrorism.

The delegation, led by Kanimozhi Karunanidhi DMK met members of the Hellenic Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Greece-India Friendship Group. The delegation, headed by Dr Shrikant Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena (Shinde) departed from Congo for Sierra Leone on Wednesday. Delegation led by BJP’s Baijayant Panda landed in Riyadh on Wednesday. “Along with my colleagues from the all-party delegation, I offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, honouring his timeless message of peace, non-violence and tolerance. We also had a detailed interaction with Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan, reaffirming India’s resolute stand against terrorism & commitment to global peace,” Mr Panda wrote on X.

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad had to be hospitalized in Kuwait after falling ill due to possible heat stroke. He is currently stable and out of danger.

“Blessed to share that despite the extreme heat in Kuwait affecting my health, by God’s grace I’m doing fine and recovering well. All test results are normal. Thank you all for your concern and prayers — it truly means a lot!” Mr Azad wrote on X as concerns over his health poured in from various quarters.

Earlier, BJP MP Baijyant Panda broke the news through a posting on X saying, “Halfway into our delegation's tour, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad has had to be admitted to hospital. He is stable, under medical supervision, and will be undergoing some tests and procedures . His contributions to the meetings in Bahrain and Kuwait were highly impactful, and he is disappointed at being bedridden. We will deeply miss his presence in Saudi Arabia and Algeria.”

Later, when Azad tweeted about his health Panda wrote back, “That is wonderful news indeed! Wishing you a speedy recovery. We were touched by your warm bonhomie, and truly admire your dedication to speak for India despite bad health through a gruelling schedule in two countries.”

Having served as the JK CM, Azad could present first hand experience of the cross border terrorism faced by the state, now a union territory. “Pakistan spreads a lot of disinformation. It is their habit…I think the disinformation which they used to hear has all been done away with,” he said during a meeting in Kuwait.