Indian Parliamentary Delegation Engages with Terror Victims in Spain, Strengthens Global Anti-Terror Resolve

Madrid – An Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, currently visiting Spain as part of India’s global outreach against terrorism, met with members of the Association of Victims of Terrorism (AVT) in Madrid. The AVT, founded in 1981, supports individuals directly affected by acts of terrorism in Spain, many of whom have yet to receive full compensation or recognition.

Led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, the delegation comprises Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.), RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, and Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, India’s former Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The interaction with AVT was deeply moving and allowed both sides to share experiences and reflections on the global scourge of terrorism. The Indian MPs conveyed India’s long-standing struggle against cross-border terrorism, particularly sponsored from across the western border, and reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and resilience.

“In a heartfelt exchange, we reflected on the pain, strength, and resilience that terrorism has shaped. We also shared India’s firm approach to tackling cross-border threats, reaffirming our collective commitment to creating a safer and more humane world,” posted Ashok Mittal on X (formerly Twitter).

The delegation also met with Arturo Fernandez Alvarez, a Spanish survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Arturo’s presence added emotional depth to the meeting, as he joined the delegates in condemning terrorism and expressing solidarity with its victims across borders.

On Sunday, the delegation held a significant engagement with the Indian diaspora in Spain. The members reassured the community of India’s global leadership in the fight against terrorism and urged them to remain united and take pride in their Indian heritage. The community responded enthusiastically, expressing strong support for India’s counter-terror efforts and a deep sense of national belonging.

According to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Madrid, members of the diaspora shared how their Spanish friends reacted with shock and concern to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This reflects increasing international awareness of the threats India faces. The diaspora also reiterated their solidarity with India’s anti-terror stance.

The final leg of the Spain visit will involve meetings with members of the Spanish government, parliamentarians, and civil society leaders. These interactions aim to brief Spanish stakeholders on India’s major anti-terror initiatives, including Operation Sindoor, and highlight India’s rising stature as the world’s fourth-largest economy committed to global peace and security.

This Spain visit follows earlier stops in Latvia, Greece, Slovenia, and Russia as part of India’s comprehensive diplomatic campaign to expose Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and strengthen international partnerships to combat extremism.

The delegation’s engagements underline India’s message: while the nation continues to grow economically and diplomatically, it remains steadfast in its commitment to confronting terrorism and promoting global security and harmony.