Why Sitting On The Fence? In Belgium, Indian Delegation Questions West On Terrorism

Last Updated:June 05, 2025, 08:54 IST

Speaking in Brussels, MJ Akbar questioned West's silence on terror attacks against India.

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar questions West for sitting on the fence. (Image: ANI)

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar, part of an all-party delegation in Europe, on Wednesday criticised the international community for its double standards on terrorism. Speaking in Brussels, Akbar questioned the perception that Indian lives are less valuable, pointing out the West’s silence on terror attacks against India.

“Are there two laws in this world? One for America and the West, and another for India?" Akbar asked, as reported by news agency ANI. “After 9/11, the US traveled 12,000 kilometers to seek justice in Afghanistan and Pakistan, holding Pakistan accountable—General Musharraf admitted it. But when India takes action just 500 kilometers away to combat terror, we are told to show restraint," he continued.

Led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, the delegation is on a multi-nation tour covering Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and the UK. Their goal is to expose Pakistan’s ongoing support for terrorism and advocate for justice for Indian victims of terror.

Akbar emphasised that India’s pursuit is for justice, not revenge. “Indian lives are equally precious. We share Europe’s values of democracy and freedom. Yet, too many still sit on the fence," he remarked.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar sentiments, criticising Pakistan for harbouring terrorists and undermining democracy. Citing Pakistan’s political instability and military interference, she described it as “senseless radicalisation." She also condemned former Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s past remarks on India’s counter-terror actions, calling them cowardly and hypocritical.

Ravi Shankar Prasad reinforced that India’s stance is based on justice, not revenge. “We ask the world: do the victims of terror have human rights or not?" he inquired, adding that while India has shown restraint in the past, it now demands global accountability.

The delegation includes MPs from various political parties, including BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), AIADMK, alongside former diplomats. Their mission is to highlight Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism and advocate for a consistent, values-based global approach to counterterrorism.

The delegation was formed following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 innocent people. This prompted an urgent diplomatic outreach and a renewed call for global solidarity in the fight against terror.

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