India, a strong votary of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam': Mahajan

India is a strong votary of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- the world is one family -- and would always stand firm against terrorism, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said here on Monday.

Mahajan is leading an Indian parliamentary delegation to New Zealand.

Speaking at a programme organised by New Zealand Parliamentarian Mahesh Bindra, who is Co-Chair of New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Group for India, Mahajan expressed her anguish over the martyrdom of the 18 soldiers in Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed that India would continue to engage international community in its fight against state-sponsored terrorism.

Mahajan noted that one of India's most remarkable achievements of the seven decades of freedom is that it has not only sustained but also reinforced a vibrant system of governance based on parliamentary democracy, along with its commitment to secularism and inclusive and equitable development.

"India is emerging as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and India and New Zealand should make sincere efforts to tap the full potential of their trade and economic engagements," she said.

"Keeping in view the shared values of democracy and good governance, India and New Zealand would be able to take their relationships to new heights," she added.

Mahajan acknowledged that the exchange of visits of senior government functionaries, parliamentary delegations and the friendship groups provides an ideal platform to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

--IANS

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