Op Sindoor delegation plane delayed as Ukraine drone strike shuts Moscow airport

A flight carrying the Operation Sindoor outreach delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, was delayed for hours and forced to circle in the air after a drone strike temporarily shut down Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport. The incident occurred on Thursday and was reportedly a result of a Ukrainian drone attack targeting the airport's operational facilities.

Due to the unexpected closure of both domestic and international flight operations, the plane carrying the Indian all-party delegation was denied landing clearance and had to remain in holding patterns over Russian airspace for an extended period.

The delegation was en route to Moscow as part of India's diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, aimed at strengthening international consensus on counter-terrorism. Despite the disruption, the flight landed safely later that evening after airport operations resumed.

Officials from the Indian Embassy in Russia met the delegation upon arrival and ensured their safe transfer to their accommodation. The Indian side reaffirmed its determination to continue with the scheduled diplomatic engagements.

This visit, featuring MPs from multiple parties, is meant to showcase India’s resolve against terrorism and foster international cooperation on security matters. The temporary delay did not affect the delegation’s agenda, which is expected to continue as planned.