May 23, 2025: An all-party parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi was formally received by members of Russia’s Federal Assembly on Friday, as part of India’s global diplomatic outreach against terrorism.
The delegation met with Leonid Slutsky, Chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, along with several other Russian lawmakers. Delegation members included Rajeev Rai (Samajwadi Party), Captain Brijesh Chowkta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (RJD), Ashok Kumar Mittal (AAP), and former Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri.
Sharing the update on X, the Indian Embassy in Russia posted:“MPs @KanimozhiDMK, @RajeevRai, @CaptBrijesh, @guptapc50, @DrAshokKMittal and @ambmanjeevpuri are received by the Chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs H.E. Mr. Leonid Slutsky along with other Members of the State Duma.”
Earlier in the day, the delegation also held discussions with Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, and other Russian senators in Moscow.
In a separate post, the Indian Embassy emphasized India and Russia’s alignment on counter-terrorism:“Together in the fight against terrorism! All-Party Delegation led by Hon’ble MP @KanimozhiDMK in the Federation Council of the Russian Federation with First Deputy Chair of the Committee on International Affairs HE Andrey Denisov and other Senators.”India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, briefed the visiting MPs on key aspects of India-Russia relations, ahead of the formal engagements.
The multi-party delegation arrived in Moscow on Friday as part of a broader diplomatic tour covering Russia, Slovenia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain. The mission is focused on highlighting Operation Sindoor and reaffirming India’s zero tolerance policy on terrorism following recent terror attacks, including the tragic loss of 26 lives in Jammu & Kashmir.
In addition to Kanimozhi, the delegation includes MPs from a wide political spectrum, including NC MP Mian Altaf Ahmad and NCP MP Jawed Ashraf.
The initiative reflects a unified political stance on national security, aiming to present India’s firm message on terrorism to global partners.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, Kanimozhi stated that reaching out to Russia at this juncture is crucial.
“Russia has been a strategic partner, and it’s important to engage with them now, as India faces repeated terror attacks. This all-party delegation is here to explain India’s position and share our national consensus on counter-terrorism.”
Following the engagements in Russia, the delegation will continue its international outreach in Slovenia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain.