The All-party delegation led by Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, held high-level engagements today with the political leadership of the Democratic Republic of Congo, during the visit to the country from May 25-27, 2025.

The delegation met H.E. Mr. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Hon'ble Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Transport, H.E. Ms. Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, Hon'ble State Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, H.E. Mr. Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi, Hon'ble Speaker of the National Assembly and H.E. Mr. JeanMichel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, Hon'ble President of the Senate

During the meetings, the dignitaries of Democratic Republic of Congo conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam. They condemned the acts of terrorism and emphasized that they cannot be justified under any circumstances. They expressed their commitment to combat the global threat of terrorism and evinced keen interest in working closely with India.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Therese thanked India for reaching out and sharing information on the cross-border terrorism faced by India. She conveyed her country's support for India's fight against terrorism and assured that her country stands ready to echo India's message against terrorism at all international fora, where Democratic Republic of Congo is a member.

Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Vital Kamerhe expressed his strong condemnation of the terrorist attack against India. He mentioned that the people of Democratic Republic of Congo shared the pain of the people of India and assured support of the National Assembly for the efforts of the Indian delegation.

President of the Senate Mr. Jean-Michel conveyed that the fight against terrorism and the desire for peace were shared goals of Democratic Republic of Congo and India. He underscored the need for the world to speak in one voice against terrorism.

Dr. Shrikant Shinde expressed India's gratitude for the expression of support and solidarity towards India by leadership of Democratic Republic of Congo. He reaffirmed India's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and conveyed that India's response through Operation Sindoor was responsible, restrained, precise and proportionate. He further emphasized that collaborating with international partners in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a top priority for India.

The delegation concluded their day with an interaction with the Indian Diaspora in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Discussions focused on India's approach to countering cross-border terrorism and Operation Sindoor. The delegation appreciated the important contribution of the Indian community in the DRC, which has helped in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.

On May 27, the delegation will hold a detailed meeting with H.E. Mr. Berthold Ulungu Ekunda Lukata, President of Foreign Affairs Commission at the National Assembly and also interact with local media organisations to put forward India's unified voice against terrorism.

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Vivek Vaibhav

(Release ID: 2131910)