New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who is leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Russian Federation, while addressing the State Duma, urged that we should all work together to counter terrorist networks and cross-border movement of terrorists.  Mahajan called upon all stakeholders to work collectively an decisively to counter the continued increased threat of terrorism.

Observing that this year both India and Russia are celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations,  Mahajan said that the Members of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation got a glimpse of the majestic history and deep relations between the two countries while entering the majestic hall of Duma.  
Lok Sabha Speaker mentioned that the Indian economy is growing at an appreciable rate and is one of the fastest among the emerging economies of the world by registering a growth 7.1% in 2016-17.   She said that Government of India has introduced nation-wide the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 01 July 2017 which is an important economic reform measure.  She 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 observed.
Mahajan further said that elected MPs / Deputies represent the aspirations of the people and it is their responsibility that necessary environment be created to materialize such aspirations, because the laws and regulations made by them have a long term effect.   Expressing happiness at the fact that the State Duma has instituted an Indo-Russian Federation Friendship Group, she informed that similar initiative has been taken in the Indian Parliament.  She stressed that Parliamentary co-operation between the Legislatures of the States of Russian Federation and the Indian States needs to be expanded.  She further underlined the need that the Parliaments and Governments of the two countries should carry forward the decisions made under the signed agreements.
Highlighting the fact that defence relations between India and Russia have been historically important, Smt. Mahajan said that these are not limited to seller-buyer arrangement but the bonds are deeper and friendly. 
Mahajan further recalled that both India and Russia have stood united on United Nations and particularly on the need for reforms in the UN Security Council, so that the organization could deal with the present day challenges and dangers in an effective manner.   She once again expressed gratitude for the continued support of Russia for permanent membership of UN Security Council.
Earlier, Mahajan held bilateral discussions with Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest as well as increasing cooperation between the Parliaments of both the countries through creation of India-Russia Friendship Groups of Parliamentarians in the respective Parliaments, encouraging Young Parliamentarians to meet each other.  Volodin extended his condolences as well as of the Deputies of the State Duma on the atrocious terrorist attack in India on 10 July in Anantnag.