Moscow stands by India in fight against terrorism
Indian lawmakers have made a three-day visit to the Russian capital to discuss the recent standoff with Pakistan
A delegation of Indian MPs and former diplomats visited the Russian capital this week. One of seven such groups visiting over 30 countries, it was tasked by New Delhi with conveying "India's resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations."
While in Moscow, lawmakers representing all parties in the Indian parliament met with their Russian counterparts, including senators of the Federation Council and members of the State Duma. The delegation also held extended talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.
"The Indian side reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and stressed that India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail," the Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated.
The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism in regional and global forums, particularly in the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). "A decisive commitment to an uncompromising joint fight against all forms of terrorism was confirmed," the ministry stated.
Presenting New Delhi's viewpoint on its recent diplomatic and military standoff with Pakistan - which escalated after 26 Indians lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22 - the head of the delegation, DMK party MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, explained that India's response had been both necessary and non-escalatory.
She also echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks that India would react strongly to terrorist attacks and would make no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors. "We do not want to suffer in silence as we have done in the past," she said, emphasizing that India has been facing security threats for decades.
Moscow was chosen as the delegation's first stop, with subsequent visits planned to Slovenia, Latvia, and Spain. Indian lawmakers and former diplomats emphasized that the long-standing ties with Russia and the high level of trust between the two governments contributed to the success of the visit.
"We naturally seek an understanding that Russia is by our side in this time of difficulty. It is better that people are aware of our suffering from state-sponsored terrorism by Pakistan," the delegation members told the media on Saturday.
Defense cooperation was also discussed, with the effectiveness of Russian-made equipment - including the S-400 air defense systems supplied to India in recent years, as well as BrahMos missiles co-developed by India and Russia, being highlighted by Indian military officials and experts.
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