Indian MPs conduct anti-terrorism discussions in Moscow

(MENAFN) A cross-party delegation of Indian parliamentarians has visited Moscow to engage in discussions with Russian lawmakers on the issue of terrorism, particularly alleged threats originating from Pakistan. The group met with members of both the upper and lower houses of the Russian parliament to highlight New Delhi’s position on recent terrorist incidents.

The Indian Embassy in Moscow reported that the delegation first held talks on Friday with Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council’s International Affairs Committee, along with other Russian senators. They later convened with members of the State Duma, Russia's lower house.

Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the Duma’s International Affairs Committee, expressed his condolences for the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, southern Kashmir, and assured the Indian delegation that those responsible would face justice.

The Indian team is also scheduled to meet officials from Russia’s Foreign Ministry and engage with local policy experts and think tanks. According to the Indian Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, this is part of a broader diplomatic initiative involving seven similar delegations sent to various countries to present a united Indian stance on counter-terrorism.

MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), who led the delegation, emphasized bipartisan unity on the issue. “While we may differ politically, we are united in our stance against terrorism and in defense of our country,” she said. She also underlined the importance of India’s long-standing relationship with Russia and expressed hopes for deeper cooperation.

The outreach follows what India considers unfavorable international media coverage of its recent military response to a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 dead. The Indian Foreign Ministry explained that the delegations aim to globally reinforce India’s strong resolve to combat terrorism in all forms.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is determined to rally global support against terrorism. “We want the world to come together to fight terrorism tooth and nail,” he said.

Earlier in May, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express solidarity, condemn the Kashmir attack, and reaffirm the “special privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations. The Kremlin emphasized that this bilateral relationship continues to thrive, unaffected by outside pressures.

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