The Chairman of the Committee Leonid Slutsky (LDPR) first of all expressed condolences in connection with the death of Indian citizens as a result of a terrorist attack near the city of Pahalgam in southern Kashmir.
“Dear colleagues, on behalf of the deputies of the State Duma, I express my deepest condolences in connection with the death of Indian citizens as a result of a terrorist attack near the city of Pahalgam in southern Kashmir. I am confident that the organizers of this monstrous terrorist act will be deservedly punished,” Leonid Slutsky said.
The head of the Committee emphasized that Russia welcomes the de-escalation agreement between New Delhi and Islamabad.
“We hope that the emerging normalization will be long-term and sustainable. We see this as the most important condition for lasting peace and stability in the region. We expect that the parties involved will continue to exercise restraint and will not allow the situation to escalate further. Russia has consistently advocated for the resumption of dialogue and an increase in the level of mutual trust between India and Pakistan. We call on both states to resolve their differences through political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Sims Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999,” Leonid Slutsky noted.
In addition, the head of the Committee added that Russia and India are bound by strong, time-tested ties of friendship. He emphasized that for Russia, the primary importance is the comprehensive strengthening of the special privileged strategic partnership with India, which is based on mutual respect, trust, and equal consideration of each other’s interests.
“We are determined to continue active cooperation in order to form a new, more just and sustainable world order, ensure the rule of international law, combine collective efforts in the fight against modern challenges and threats, and stimulate the progressive economic development of various regions of the world. These principles are the key to the success of joint work on a wide range of global and regional problems,” said Leonid Slutsky.
The head of the Indian delegation, Lok Sabha member Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, in turn, noted the long-term and partnership-like nature of relations between Russia and India.
“We hope that our meeting today will allow us to take another step forward in the development of our bilateral relations. At the same time, we would also like to emphasize that, in general, relations between Russia and India are already very long and time-tested. And that ultimately leads to the desired result, that now there is a special strategic partnership,” said Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.
Ms. Karunanidhi also outlined New Delhi’s approach to the terrorist attack that took place near the city of Pahalgam. According to her, the Indian parliament has a unified position on the issue of combating terrorism.
Leonid Slutsky, in response, emphasized that Russia condemns any form of terrorism and calls on all constructive forces to fight to eradicate the global terrorist threat.
For his part, the head of the United Russia faction, coordinator of the group for relations with the Indian parliament, Vladimir Vasiliev, noted that a constructive inter-parliamentary dialogue opens up broad opportunities for legislative support for effective counteraction to international terrorism. “In the 90s, Russia experienced a terrorist attack by international terrorism, which was aimed at dismembering and tearing the North Caucasus away from Russia. In this difficult struggle, we gained rich experience,” said Vladimir Vasiliev.
The Russian side was also represented by Chairman of the Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption Vasily Piskarev (United Russia), First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs Alexey Chepa (A Just Russia – Patriots – For Truth), First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Kazbek Taysayev (CPRF), and others.
