**India Reaffirms Stance Against Terrorism in Meeting with South Korean Delegation**
India’s commitment to combating terrorism was underscored by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during a meeting with a South Korean delegation led by former Prime Minister Kim Boo Kyum at Parliament House in New Delhi on Friday. Birla condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, asserting that such acts necessitate a robust global response.
He criticized Pakistan for its inaction against terrorist groups operating within its borders and highlighted India’s exercise of its sovereign rights through Operation Sindoor, which involved targeted military strikes aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. Birla emphasized that this operation was conducted in a measured and non-provocative manner, aligning with India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. He expressed hope for continued support from Korea in India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
This meeting followed the U.S. designation of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based offshoot of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT), as a terrorist organization due to its involvement in the April 22 attack in the Baisaran Valley. In response, Pakistan claimed to have dismantled the terrorist network associated with LeT and rejected any connections between the Pahalgam attack and the now-defunct group.
Birla also expressed gratitude to Korea for condemning the Pahalgam attack and for the condolences extended by the Korean National Assembly following the tragic Air India flight AI 171 crash near Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, including 241 passengers and 12 crew members.
Congratulating Korea on its recent presidential election, Birla extended warm wishes to newly elected President Lee Jae-myung, expressing confidence in the strengthening of bilateral ties under his leadership, particularly given Lee’s previous role as Chairman of the Korea-India Parliamentary Friendship Group.
The Speaker highlighted India’s efforts to integrate advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into parliamentary processes to enhance governance, transparency, and public engagement. He offered to share India’s expertise in this area with Korea and welcomed the establishment of a Korea-India Parliamentary Friendship Group in Seoul, indicating India’s consideration of a similar initiative to foster parliamentary exchanges and cooperation.
In conclusion, Birla expressed optimism that India and Korea would continue to collaborate closely as democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific region, working together towards peace, security, and economic development.
**FAQ**
**What was the main focus of the meeting between Om Birla and the South Korean delegation?**
The main focus of the meeting was to reaffirm India’s strong stance against terrorism, particularly in light of recent attacks, and to discuss bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
