DR Congo Pledges Support to India's Anti-Terror Stance

Kinshasa, May 27 (PTI): In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Democratic Republic of Congo has pledged to amplify India's strong stance against terrorism across international platforms where it has a presence. The assurance was made during the visit of an all-party Indian delegation, led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde, aimed at presenting India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and highlighting Pakistan's alleged involvement in cross-border terror activities.

The delegation, visiting from May 25-27, engaged in high-level discussions with prominent Congolese political figures, as stated in a press release by the Indian Embassy in Kinshasa. Meetings were held with Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Foreign Affairs Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, National Assembly Speaker Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi, and Senate President Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge.

The mission, headed by Shinde, is one of seven distinct multi-party delegations dispatched by India to 33 global capitals. This follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, resulting in 26 fatalities.

During these high-profile interactions, Congolese representatives extended their heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and strongly condemned the terrorist acts, firmly asserting that such acts can never be justified. They communicated their unwavering commitment to eradicating the global menace of terrorism and expressed interest in collaborating closely with India in this effort.

Foreign Minister Therese conveyed her gratitude to India for its proactive communication concerning the cross-border terrorism it faces. She confirmed the Democratic Republic of Congo's readiness to project India's anti-terrorism message at all international stages where the country holds membership.

National Assembly Speaker Kamerhe deplored the terrorist attack in India, stating that the Congolese people shared in the sorrow experienced by the Indian people. He assured the Indian delegation of the National Assembly’s support.

Senate President Jean-Michel highlighted the shared objectives of DR Congo and India in their fight against terrorism and their pursuit of peace, emphasizing the necessity for a unified global stance against such threats.

Shinde expressed gratitude for the Congolese leaders' expressions of support and solidarity toward India. He reiterated India’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and described India’s responsible, restrained, and precise response through Operation Sindoor. He also outlined India’s continued dedication to collaborating with international partners to combat terrorism in all its formats and forms.

The delegation additionally met with members of the Indian diaspora in DR Congo, discussing India's strategy on countering cross-border terrorism and Operation Sindoor, while acknowledging the community’s contributions to strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

Alongside Shinde, the delegation included Bansuri Swaraj (BJP), ET Mohammed Basheer (Indian Union Muslim League), Atul Garg (BJP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Manan Kumar Mishra (BJP), Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia (BJP), and former diplomat Sujan Chinoy.

The backdrop of this diplomacy is heightened tensions between India and Pakistan post the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. In a subsequent strategic move, India conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Following these strikes, Pakistan launched counter-attacks on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10, to which India firmly responded. The military hostilities suspended after talks between the directors general of military operations from both countries on May 10.

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