In a strategic diplomatic outreach, an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde visited the Senate and National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, engaging with top Congolese leaders to strengthen bilateral ties and rally global support against terrorism.
🤝 High-Level Engagements in Congo
The delegation met:
- Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Transport
- Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, President of the Senate
- Vital Kamerhe, President of the National Assembly
- Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
India’s Firm Message: No Trade with Terror
Shinde took a resolute stand during his meetings, asserting:
“Trade and terrorism cannot coexist. Terrorism and dialogue cannot go hand in hand.”
He reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and shared details of Operation Sindoor, a counterterrorism military campaign launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
🛡️ Operation Sindoor: A Decisive Response
Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor was a direct response to the brutal killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. In a swift and coordinated military strike:
- Over 100 terrorists were eliminated
- Targets included infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir
- Groups hit: Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen
🌍 Building Global Consensus
India has dispatched seven multi-party delegations to key nations in Africa, Europe, and Asia to expose Pakistan’s terror links and build international solidarity.
“The Congolese government extended full support to India’s efforts and acknowledged our commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms,” Shinde noted.
🗨️ A Strengthening India-Africa Bond
This visit to Congo is part of India’s broader strategy to deepen South-South cooperation, particularly in regions facing similar security threats.