Need cooperation against terror: Sumitra Mahajan in Russia

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday called for "collective and decisive" cooperation among nations to counter the increased threat of terrorism.

Mahajan's remarks came during her address to the State Duma in Russia where she is leading an Indian parliamentary delegation.

"All of us should work together to counter terrorist networks and cross-border movement of terrorists. There should not be double standards in fight against terrorism," she said.

Mahajan's visit to Moscow comes as both India and Russia are celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Highlighting the fact that defence relations between India and Russia have been historically important, Mahajan said that these were not limited to seller-buyer arrangement but "the bonds are deeper and friendly".

She recalled that both India and Russia have stood united in the United Nations and particularly on the need for reforms in the UN Security Council so that the organisation could deal with the present day challenges and dangers.

The Speaker thanked Russia for its continued support to India for permanent membership of UN Security Council.

During her address, Mahajan said the Indian economy was one of the fastest among the emerging economies of the world by registering a growth 7.1 per cent in 2016-17.

"The Indian government had introduced nation-wide Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1 which was an important economic reform measure," she said.

Mahajan stressed that there is an ambitious project of building energy-bridge between the two countries.

"Opening of International North-South Transport Corridor, establishment of green-corridor, technology transfer and deepening the mutual friendships between the peoples of the two countries are the areas which need to strengthened and further consolidated," she said.

Expressing happiness at the fact that the State Duma had instituted an Indo-Russian Federation Friendship Group, she said that Indian Parliament had taken a similar initiative.

She said that parliamentary co-operation between the legislatures of the states of Russian Federation and the Indian states needed to be expanded.

--IANS

vv/him/dg