Moscow: The flight carrying the Indian delegation to brief leaders in Russia about Operation Sindoor, was delayed for hours after a drone attack by Ukraine forced the temporary closure of the Moscow airport on Thursday. The delegation from India is being led by DMK MP Kanimozhi.
The flight circled over Moscow before being finally cleared for landing, sources said. Indian embassy officials in Russia received the all-party MPs’ delegation at the airport and escorted them securely to their hotel.
The drone attack led to the suspension of both domestic and international flight operations for several hours at the Domodedovo International Airport. As a result, the flight with MP Kanimozhi on board was denied permission to land and had to remain airborne during the disruption.
The Indian Embassy in Moscow posted photographs on Friday of ambassador Vinay Kumar briefing the delegation on various aspects of India-Russia relations, before the start of their official engagements.
Kanimozhi is leading the delegation to Russia, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, and Latvia to brief these countries on India’s recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 persons, mostly tourists from across the country, dead. The team will present India’s stance on the regional security situation and sensitise the international community on Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
Other members of the delegation include Rajeev Rai of the Samajwadi Party, Mian Altaf Ahmad of the National Conference, Brijesh Chowta of the BJP, Prem Chand Gupta of the RJD, Ashok Kumar Mittal of the AAP, and former diplomats Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf. All were on the same flight that was delayed.
The delegation is scheduled to meet with the members of the Russian Duma and foreign ministry officials and interact with top experts from local think-tanks on Friday.
On Saturday, they are scheduled to address a press conference and interact with the local media before leaving for Slovenia.
