VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, May 24: As part of India’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and strategic engagements, an All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Lok Sabha MP Ms. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi visited the Russian Federation from 23–24 May 2025. The delegation’s visit was aimed at reinforcing India’s unwavering stand against terrorism and promoting academic, strategic, and media cooperation between the two nations.
Over the course of two days, the Indian delegation held extensive interactions with Russian think tanks, academic institutions, media representatives, and strategic affairs experts. The visit aligned with the delegation’s broader mandate to project India’s unified position on counter-terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy towards all forms and manifestations of terrorism.
High-Level Strategic Dialogue
On the evening of 23 May, the delegation held in-depth discussions with scholars and experts from prominent Russian institutions including the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), the Higher School of Economics (HSE), the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies (RISS), the Valdai Discussion Club, and the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC).
The dialogue focused on the evolving threat landscape posed by cross-border terrorism and the growing role of state actors in sponsoring such activities. Both sides expressed concern over the increasing use of disinformation campaigns to obscure ground realities and manipulate public perception. Drawing upon shared regional experiences, the Indian and Russian experts discussed the development of joint frameworks for counter-terrorism research, strategic foresight, and crisis response mechanisms. There was mutual agreement on the need for deeper academic collaboration between institutions of both countries.
Media Outreach and India’s Global Message
On 24 May, the delegation engaged with prominent Russian media outlets including TASS, Kommersant, Vedomosti, RBC, Izvestia, RIA Novosti, RT, and Sputnik. During the interaction, the Indian delegation highlighted the rapidly evolving tactics employed by transnational terrorist groups, including the use of humanitarian cover and emerging technologies to propagate violence.
The delegation firmly addressed concerns about selective silence, the politicisation of terror narratives, and the increasing menace of state-sponsored propaganda. Reiterating India’s stance, Ms. Karunanidhi underscored the country’s demand for international accountability for cross-border terrorism, especially state complicity in such acts.
Reaffirming Diplomatic Commitments
The delegation’s visit also served to amplify India’s diplomatic message to the international community. By engaging with Russia’s strategic and media stakeholders, the Indian representatives stressed the importance of a principled and coordinated global response to terrorism. They also emphasized the urgency of countering selective approaches to terror and the need for consistent messaging from global media and strategic communities.
Strengthening Indo-Russian Partnership
India and Russia share a historically strong relationship built on mutual trust and strategic convergence. The engagements held during this delegation’s visit further cemented the countries’ “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The meetings with Russian parliamentarians, officials, and think tanks helped reinforce the shared vision for a cooperative approach to global challenges, especially terrorism.
The Indian delegation’s engagements on 23–24 May are seen as a reaffirmation of India’s proactive diplomacy and its strategic alignment with key partners like Russia on matters of global and regional significance.
