TMC's Yusuf Pathan bows out of Centre's Op Sindoor delegation

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Yusuf Pathan will not be participating in Operation Sindoor, an international outreach mission announced by the Indian government to rally global support against terrorism. The government had named Pathan as part of a parliamentary delegation visiting Southeast Asian nations, but party sources said the inclusion was made without consulting the TMC.

According to insiders from Mamata Banerjee’s party, Yusuf Pathan was approached directly by government officials rather than through the party channel. The former Indian cricketer-turned-parliamentarian reportedly informed that he would be unavailable to join the delegation, aligning with his party’s broader stance.

TMC has cited its belief that foreign policy is solely under the Centre’s domain, and therefore, any international diplomatic effort should be the complete responsibility of the Union government. A senior party leader stated, “Foreign policy is entirely within the domain of the Union government. Let only the Union government decide and act.”

The Trinamool Congress emphasized that it continues to stand with the nation and its armed forces, and does not wish to politicize foreign relations. “We believe the nation is above all and have pledged support to all measures required to defend it,” said a TMC leader to news agency PTI.

Operation Sindoor involves seven different delegations composed of 51 MPs, ex-ministers, and politicians from multiple parties. The outreach aims to convey India's unified stance against terrorism to key countries across the world, especially in the wake of increased cross-border concerns.

Yusuf Pathan was listed in a delegation headed by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, which is scheduled to visit Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. The group also includes leaders from BJP, Congress, CPI(M), and other political backgrounds. However, with TMC pulling out, the list may undergo changes.