Srinagar, June 23: Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs were on Tuesday briefed by security and defence officials on measures being taken to safeguard India’s borders and the lessons learned from the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, committee member Rajiv Shukla said the interaction with Army and security officials focused on border protection strategies, the performance of security forces during Operation Sindoor, and preparations for future security challenges.
“We had a very fruitful discussion with Army officers, security personnel and defence forces on how they protect our borders and about the role played by our forces during Operation Sindoor. We were also informed about future preparations and key lessons learned,” Shukla said.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by MP Shashi Tharoor, began a four-day study visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on June 22. The visit aims to review strategic border security issues and matters related to India’s foreign policy.
As part of the tour, the committee is scheduled to visit Kargil and Leh on Wednesday and Thursday to gain first-hand insights into border management and the prevailing security situation in frontier regions.
The panel is examining developments in India’s bilateral relations, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and security challenges posed by cross-border terrorism along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border. It is also reviewing India-China relations and the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
The visit comes amid political debate triggered by remarks made by committee chairman Shashi Tharoor regarding what he described as “encouraging progress towards normalcy” in Jammu and Kashmir following a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Tharoor later clarified that the committee’s mandate is limited to foreign affairs-related issues, including India-Pakistan relations, Sino-Indian relations and passport services, and not an assessment of conditions in the Valley.
Shukla said the primary objective of the parliamentary tour is to evaluate issues related to India’s relations with Pakistan and border security requirements.
“The focus is on understanding what more can be done along the Pakistan border, future security measures, and the requirements of our armed forces. Officials also briefed us on efforts being made to instill confidence among the local population,” he said.
Commenting on the Iran-US peace agreement, Shukla said prolonged regional conflict had adversely impacted India and the global economy.
“India and the rest of the world have suffered economic losses because of the conflict. The sooner peace is restored, the better it will be for everyone,” he said.
He added that the reopening and smooth functioning of the Strait of Hormuz would be crucial for India’s energy security and trade, noting that disruptions in maritime traffic had affected the movement of Indian vessels through the strategic waterway.
