New Delhi: A flight carrying an Indian parliamentary delegation led by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi was forced to circle Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport for nearly 45 minutes on May 22, 2025, following a drone attack attributed to Ukraine. The delegation, part of an international outreach under Operation Sindoor to address Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, landed safely after the airport resumed operations. The team received a warm welcome from Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar as they embarked on a five-nation tour to highlight cross-border security concerns.
Drone Attack Disrupts Moscow Airport Operations
The drone attack, which targeted Moscow’s airspace, led to a temporary closure of Domodedovo International Airport, suspending all flights for several hours. According to Russian authorities, the attack caused no casualties, but it heightened security concerns in the region. The Indian delegation’s flight, en route from New Delhi, was caught in the disruption, circling mid-air as air traffic control managed the crisis. “The situation was handled with utmost professionalism, ensuring the safety of all passengers,” a source close to Kanimozhi said, confirming the delay lasted approximately 45 minutes.
Operation Sindoor: A Global Call Against Terrorism
The all-party delegation, comprising MPs Rajeev Rai, Brijesh Chowta, Prem Chand Gupta, Ashok Kumar Mittal, and former diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri, is part of Operation Sindoor’s diplomatic outreach. Launched in response to the October 2024 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, the operation included a military offensive targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The delegation’s Moscow visit marks the first leg of a tour covering Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to garner international support against cross-border terrorism. A recent report by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) estimates that Pakistan-sponsored terror activities have cost India over 40,000 lives since the 1990s, underscoring the urgency of global cooperation.
Warm Welcome Amid Diplomatic Mission
Upon landing at Domodedovo International Airport on Thursday night, the delegation was greeted by Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Russian officials, signaling strong bilateral ties. Kanimozhi, a prominent Lok Sabha member from Thoothukudi, emphasized the need for a united global stance against terrorism. “India’s resolve to combat terrorism is unwavering, and we seek to strengthen international partnerships to ensure peace and security,” she said in a statement. The delegation is scheduled to meet Russian lawmakers and attend a security conference in Moscow to discuss counter-terrorism strategies.
Geopolitical Context and Security Implications
The drone attack coincides with escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow reporting over 50 drone incursions in 2025 alone, per Russian Ministry of Defence data. The incident underscores the challenges of ensuring safe air travel amid regional conflicts. For India, the delegation’s safe landing reinforces the importance of robust diplomatic channels. “This outreach is critical to expose Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism and to build a global consensus,” said Brijesh Chowta, a delegation member, highlighting the strategic importance of the tour.
