The External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed enthusiasm about his engagements and the opportunity to further strengthen ties as part of his visit to Russia from 25th to 29th December 2023. The time-tested relationship has remained stable and resilient and continues to be characterized by the spirit of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership that reflects experiences and sentiments of the last 75 years. The discussions in Moscow will help foster a positive agenda and constructive interstate dialogue in the ever–evolving global landscape. Dr S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin and conveyed warm greetings and handed over a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also briefed the Russian head of state on his discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
During a meeting with Mr Lavrov discussions were held on the international situation and contemporary issues. They exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine Conflict , the situation in Gaza, Afghanistan and Central Asia and BRICS, SCO, G 20 and the UN. Dr Jaishankar reviewed the progress in economic cooperation, energy trade, connectivity efforts, military – technical cooperation and people to people exchanges. A Protocol on Consultations for the next four years was also signed.
Dr S Jaishankar held a comprehensive and productive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on bilateral and economic cooperation. Long term arrangements in trade, finance, connectivity, energy , fertilizers , civil aviation and nuclear domains were discussed. Trade links are at an all time high , more balanced and sustainable and provides for fair market access . An early meeting of Eurasian Economic Union( Ea-EU)- India FTA will resume in January in India. Activities on the operation of land and sea corridors will be jointly organized. Agreements were also signed in the fields of nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
The development of India-Russia relations has been a key pillar of India’s foreign policy. Regular engagements are held at the leadership and ministerial level. The primary mechanism for enhancing trade and economic cooperation is the India Russia Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC- TEC )which held its 24th session in New Delhi in April 2023.They reviewed the progress in trade and agreed to address the trade deficit and market access issues. Major items of export from India include pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, electrical machinery and mechanical appliances, iron and steel . The major items of import from Russia are oil and petroleum products, fertilizers, mineral resources, precious stones, metals and vegetable oil.
India has longstanding and wide ranging cooperation in the field of defence . It is guided by the Agreement on the Programme for Military-Technical Cooperation. The latest Agreement for 2021-2031 was signed at the inaugural session of India- Russia 22 Dialogue held in New Delhi in December 2021. They participate in bilateral and multilateral military exercises across the three services. India’s only nuclear power plant established with another country is the Kudankulam Nuclear Plant in Tamil Nadu. The bilateral cooperation is guided by the new roadmap for Science, Technology and Innovation and is expected to boost innovation related engagements with focus on commercialization of technologies and full-cycle support for joint projects of economic and societal impact.
India – Russia relations are based on strategic convergence and on the geo-political interests will always keep the ties on a positive trajectory. The Indian Embassy in Moscow was the first Mission abroad by independent India. It is a broad based partnership with steady support from the political leadership. In recent months the bilateral trade has expanded significantly exceeding the target of 30 billion dollars that was set for 2025. There are discussions on ways to increase exports from India as well as developing new models of cooperation. Both countries are looking at strengthening inter-regional cooperation through the Russian Far East and connectivity initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chennai – Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.There is a synergy between Russia’s pivot to the East and India’s own flagship initiatives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
