Op Sindoor delegation plane delayed as Moscow airport shut after drone attack

New Delhi|May,23: The flight carrying the Operation Sindoor outreach delegation to Moscow, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, was forced to circle and its landing was delayed for hours after a drone attack prompted the temporary closure of Moscow airport on Thursday, the MP’s team said on Friday.
The drone attack, reportedly launched by Ukraine, led to the suspension of both domestic and international flight operations for several hours at the Domodedovo International Airport. As a result, the flight with MP Kanimozhi on board was denied permission to land and had to remain airborne during the disruption. After a prolonged delay, the flight eventually landed safely. Indian embassy officials in Russia received the all-party MPs’ delegation at the airport and escorted them securely to their hotel.
Kanimozhi is leading a delegation to Russia, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, and Latvia to brief these countries on India’s recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attacks. The team will present India’s stance on the regional security situation and sensitise the international community on Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. Other members of the delegation include Rajeev Rai of the Samajwadi Party, Mian Altaf Ahmad of the National Conference, Brijesh Chowta of the BJP, Prem Chand Gupta of the RJD, Ashok Kumar Mittal of the AAP, and former diplomats Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf. All were on the same flight that was delayed. The delegation is scheduled to meet on Friday with the members of the Russian Duma and foreign ministry officials and interact with top experts from local think-tanks. On Saturday, they are scheduled to address a press conference and interact with the local media before leaving for Slovenia.