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India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Committed to strategic partnership, says Leonid Slutsky about India-Russia ties
By Suchitra Mukherjee Moscow [Russia], May 23 (ANI): Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the Duma Committee on International Affairs, described a landmark meeting between Indian and Russian parliamentary delegations, marking a new chapter in the strategic relationship between the two nations. The session saw full representation from all parliamentary parties on both sides, underlining the shared commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and further strengthening bilateral ties. 'The meeting between the delegations of the Indian Parliament ended with members of both Houses being represented. All parliamentary parties working in the Houses of the Indian Parliament were represented. On our side, all five parliamentary parties working in the State Duma were also represented at a high level. I chaired, also with me, my colleagues were received by Vladimir Vladimirovich Vasilyev, the leader of the United Russia parliamentary majority faction, and Vladimir Vladimirovich personally heads the friendship group with the Indian Parliament.' He continued, 'Vasily Ivanovich Piskaryov, chairman of the Security Committee, also represents United Russia, one of the leaders of Just Russia, my first deputy on the committee, Alexei Vasilyevich Chepa, my colleague Anna Skroznikova of New People, and Kazbek Taisaev of the CPRF.' Discussions during the meeting focused on the ongoing strategic interaction between Russia and India. Slutsky highlighted how this partnership has been recognized at the highest levels, referencing recent communications between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as high-level talks between foreign ministers of both countries. He stressed the mutual desire to deepen ties, particularly within global platforms and integration blocs. 'We talked about the strategic interaction between Russia and India, which was previously noted in a telephone conversation between the President of Russia and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. Moreover, on May 2, Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov, our Foreign Minister, whom we congratulate on his high award, the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, and India's Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar spoke about the same,' Slutsky said. Slutsky added, 'We remain committed to the course of strategic partnership between our countries, to cooperation in the most important interstate platforms, in integration blocs, first of all BRICS, and we will increase this bilateral cooperation, including through parliamentary diplomacy. And, of course, we are committed to peace and strongly condemn terrorism.' A key moment in the meeting was the Russian delegation's message of condolence and solidarity with India after the recent terrorist attack in South Kashmir. The two sides also agreed to boost cooperation on multiple fronts, including inter-party relations and specialised committees. 'We expressed our deepest condolences to the Indian side in connection with the heinous terrorist attack in South Kashmir on April 22. We agreed to increase inter-parliamentary cooperation, which was facilitated by the recent visit to India by the Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, in the format of inter-party cooperation, in the format of cooperation between specialized committees, in the format of friendly relations and invariably the closest professional cooperation, which today the parliaments of Russia and India need equally,' Chairman of the Duma Committee on International Affairs said. He added, 'So today's meeting is an important check of the clock and, perhaps, a kind of transition of inter-parliamentary cooperation between our countries to a somewhat higher orbit. We will synchronise our watches, we will meet more often, we will work more often, and we are sure that this will contribute to the thesis that the 21st century will be the century of parliamentary diplomacy. A very important visit, very important and fruitful negotiations.' Earlier yesterday, the Indian delegation met Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Co-Existence in the UAE, who conveyed his deep condolences for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The Indian side used the opportunity to draw attention to the perpetration of cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's efforts to sow social disharmony in India. Throughout its visit, the all-party Indian delegation has consistently projected a message of national unity and a resolute stance against terrorism in all forms. The delegation's global outreach aims to reinforce India's policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and mobilise broader support from international partners. Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, conducting precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK). The Indian Armed Forces also responded to further Pakistani aggression by targeting airbases. The military escalation led to an understanding to halt further action after a direct call between Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations and his Indian counterpart. (ANI)


Russia Today
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Top Russian MP tells Zelensky to ‘stop the clownery' (VIDEO)
A senior Russian MP has blasted Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky for continuing to block peace negotiations with Moscow, saying Kiev should 'stop the clownery' and return to diplomacy. In an interview with RT on Monday, State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Leonid Slutsky noted that Zelensky 'banned negotiations for himself.' He was referring to the Ukrainian leader's 2022 order banning direct negotiations with Russia as long as President Vladimir Putin remains in office. 'He should recall his first profession less often and stop the clownery,' Slutsky said, in an apparent jab at Zelensky's past as a comedian. On Sunday, the Russian president proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine without any preconditions on May 15 in Istanbul. The peace settlement process must start with talks, which could ultimately yield 'some kind of new truce and a new ceasefire,' according to Putin. Slutsky urged the Ukrainian leadership be 'rational,' calling negotiations the 'only sensible step.' 'We are ready to choose our delegation and fly to Istanbul even this minute,' he said. 'Of course, the talks won't be easy, but I hope we can truly bring the military phase of this conflict to an end. It is in everyone's interest.' The lawmaker claimed that worldwide support for Russia's offer is growing as the global majority has formed around Putin's ideas of a multipolar world. 'We must face reality and start negotiations. I urge everyone to morally support this position,' Slutsky said. He added that the number of countries supporting the conflict is 'approaching zero,' and that 'the path toward peace has been laid out by the Russian president, endorsed by US President [Donald Trump] and all reasonable people.'

Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Stop Clownery, Start…': Russian Leader Lambasts Zelensky Ahead of Proposed Talks With Putin
In a scathing statement, senior Russian lawmaker Leonid Slutsky lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging him to "stop the clownery" and return to peace negotiations. Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee, accused Zelensky of personally blocking dialogue by issuing a 2022 order banning direct talks with Moscow. Speaking to RT, Slutsky emphasized that Russia is ready to send a delegation to Istanbul immediately, calling negotiations the only rational step forward. This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed unconditional direct talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. Slutsky's remarks signal renewed Russian pressure on Kyiv amid the ongoing war.#zelensky #putin #russia #ukraine #ceasefire #turkey Read More


Russia Today
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
‘Stop the clownery' – top Russian MP to Zelensky (VIDEO)
A senior Russian MP has blasted Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky for continuing to block peace negotiations with Moscow, saying Kiev should 'stop the clownery' and return to diplomacy. In an interview with RT on Monday, State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Leonid Slutsky noted that Zelensky 'banned negotiations for himself.' He was referring to the Ukrainian leader's 2022 order banning direct negotiations with Russia as long as President Vladimir Putin remains in office. 'He should recall his first profession less often and stop the clownery,' Slutsky said, in an apparent jab at Zelensky's past as a comedian. On Sunday, the Russian president proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine without any preconditions on May 15 in Istanbul. The peace settlement process must start with talks, which could ultimately yield 'some kind of new truce and a new ceasefire,' according to Putin. Slutsky urged the Ukrainian leadership be 'rational,' calling negotiations the 'only sensible step.' 'We are ready to choose our delegation and fly to Istanbul even this minute,' he said. 'Of course, the talks won't be easy, but I hope we can truly bring the military phase of this conflict to an end. It is in everyone's interest.' The lawmaker claimed that worldwide support for Russia's offer is growing as the global majority has formed around Putin's ideas of a multipolar world. 'We must face reality and start negotiations. I urge everyone to morally support this position,' Slutsky said. He added that the number of countries supporting the conflict is 'approaching zero,' and that 'the path toward peace has been laid out by the Russian president, endorsed by US President [Donald Trump] and all reasonable people.'


Russia Today
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Forum highlights Russia's role in shaping multipolar global order
Foreign policy experts have highlighted the emergence of a multipolar world order and noted Russia's central role in shaping it. The remarks were made during a major international academic conference in Moscow on Thursday. Speaking at the forum, which was titled 'New World Order: Formation of a Multipolar World and the Role of Russia', State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Leonid Slutsky stated that Russia is actively promoting a new model of international relations. This new world order, based on multipolarity and mutual respect, will allow for the creation of a safe and stable global architecture, according to the lawmaker. He noted that these trends contrast with those pursued by the so-called 'golden billion,' who seek to maintain their own hegemony and risk drawing humanity into World War III. 'Russia plays a central role in building a new, fair world order,' Slutsky said. The deputy also stressed that the UN should remain the cornerstone of global politics, but, in order to remain relevant, it should be adjusted to account for the realities of today. Also at the forum, Ivan Timofeev, the director general of the Russian International Affairs Council, said that Europe is facing a profound political and security crisis and that 'the old European system of collective security has ceased to function.' He suggested that the principles that once underlined Europe's security framework have eroded, and that a new, broader Eurasian security model will be established in the near future. This model, unlike its predecessor, will function on the basis of equal cooperation among all members of the Eurasian space and will not presuppose any sort of hierarchy, Timofeev said. The event, hosted by the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of World History, brought together scholars, diplomats, and public figures. Discussions centered on the decline of Western dominance and the expanding influence of regional organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. 'I am confident that the new world order will be multipolar, with the leading role of the UN, with a single and indivisible security space,' Slutsky concluded in his speech, noting that 'the point of no return has been passed.'