Why Is M J Akbar Part of Operation Sindoor’s Diplomatic Push?
Following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. To bolster its global anti-terrorism stance, the Modi government dispatched seven all-party delegations to 33 world capitals, including a team led by BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad, of which Akbar is a member. This group will visit Europe—UK, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and the EU—to counter Pakistan’s narrative on cross-border terrorism.
Akbar’s inclusion, despite his controversial history, leverages his foreign affairs expertise and journalistic background, including his 2012 book Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan, which critiques Pakistan’s terrorism links. His recent X posts praising Modi’s decisive strikes further align with the mission’s goals.
To prevent the unthinkable from becoming reality you must make it thinkable. Prime Minister Modi has just done so with Pakistan. Please see my analysis in the latest Open magazine
— M.J. Akbar (@mjakbar) May 16, 2025
M J Akbar, a veteran journalist and former Union Minister of State for External Affairs, faced a dramatic exit from the Modi 1.0 government in October 2018. Multiple women accused him of sexual harassment during the MeToo movement, alleging misconduct from his time as a media editor. The allegations, notably from journalist Priya Ramani, led to his resignation as a junior foreign minister, marking a significant setback for the BJP leader. In 2021, a Delhi court acquitted Ramani, affirming a woman’s right to voice grievances, though Akbar appealed the decision in the Delhi High Court. His political career waned, losing roles like vice-chairman of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society by 2019.
What Does Akbar’s Comeback Signify for India’s Diplomacy?
Akbar’s return to a high-profile diplomatic role signals the Modi government’s strategic prioritization of experience over past controversies in times of national security crises. The multi-party delegations, including MPs like Shashi Tharoor and Asaduddin Owaisi, reflect India’s aim to project unity against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Akbar’s involvement, given his prior diplomatic tenure and vocal anti-Pakistan stance, adds weight to India’s narrative in Europe, a key diplomatic arena. Critics, however, may question the optics of reinstating a figure tied to unresolved allegations, especially in a mission emphasizing moral credibility. For those curious about Akbar’s role in Operation Sindoor, this move underscores the government’s willingness to tap seasoned voices to amplify India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, despite domestic political sensitivities.
