Kinshasa: India’s All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, on Anti-Terror Cooperation led by Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, commenced its diplomatic visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a series of high-level engagements in Kinshasa on May 25, 2025. The delegation’s visit, scheduled from May 25 to 27, 2025, reflects India’s sustained outreach to global partners under its Anti-Terror initiative, Operation Sindoor, and seeks to strengthen cooperation in addressing the common threat of terrorism.
High-Level Meetings Reflect Shared Commitment
During the first day of the visit, the Indian delegation held constructive meetings with several top political leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, including:
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H.E. Mr. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport
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H.E. Ms. Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, Hon’ble State Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie
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H.E. Mr. Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi, Hon’ble Speaker of the National Assembly
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H.E. Mr. Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, Hon’ble President of the Senate
The meetings were marked by strong expressions of solidarity from the Congolese leadership following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Congolese leaders condemned the heinous act unequivocally and emphasized the necessity of a united global response to terrorism.
Congolese Support for India’s Anti-Terror Stance
Ms. Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, conveyed deep condolences and thanked India for its outreach and transparency regarding the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism. She assured India of DRC’s commitment to support and amplify India’s voice against terrorism at all international platforms where the DRC holds membership.
Mr. Vital Kamerhe, Speaker of the National Assembly, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the people of DRC share India’s pain and stand in solidarity with its people. He pledged full support from the Congolese Parliament for India’s diplomatic and security initiatives.
Mr. Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, President of the Senate, emphasized that peace and the fight against terrorism are shared aspirations of both nations. He called for a global consensus and unity of voice against terrorism, stressing that such acts must never be justified or ignored.
India’s Message: Responsibility, Restraint, and Resolve
Dr. Shrikant Shinde, in response, thanked the leadership of DRC for their heartfelt support. He reiterated India’s commitment to zero tolerance towards terrorism and highlighted the nature of India’s response under Operation Sindoor as responsible, restrained, precise, and proportionate. He stressed that India considers collaboration with international partners as crucial to effectively addressing and dismantling global terrorist networks.
Strengthening Community and Bilateral Bonds
In the evening, the Indian delegation engaged with members of the Indian diaspora in the DRC. The interaction focused on India’s evolving foreign policy, its counter-terrorism strategy, and the importance of the diaspora’s role in reinforcing India-DRC relations. The delegation expressed deep appreciation for the Indian community’s contributions to economic and cultural development in the host country.
Looking Ahead
The delegation is set to continue its engagements on May 27, with a scheduled meeting with H.E. Mr. Berthold Ulungu Ekunda Lukata, President of the Foreign Affairs Commission at the National Assembly. They will also hold interactions with Congolese media, further spreading India’s unified message on combating terrorism and strengthening international partnerships.
Conclusion:
India’s visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, led by a bipartisan parliamentary delegation, has opened a new chapter in diplomatic collaboration and anti-terror cooperation. The shared resolve, mutual respect, and strengthened dialogue between India and the DRC exemplify a global consensus that terrorism has no justification and must be eradicated through joint efforts, sustained dialogue, and multilateral solidarity.
For more details, check press release on MEA website.
Image Source: Morung Express
