New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, hailed India-Russia relations and claimed it to be the “pole star” in the changing world order.
During a joint press conference with Russian president Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister said that both the countries have agreed on a economic cooperation program till 2030.
“Twenty-five years ago, President Putin laid the foundation of our strategic partnership. The world has witnessed many ups and downs in the last eight decades. However, the friendship between India and Russia has remained like a pole star. This relationship is built on mutual respect and trust… Today, we have held discussions on all factors that will help strengthen this relationship,” PM Modi announced.
“Energy security has been a strong pillar of our partnership, and we will continue this win-win cooperation. Our collaboration in civil nuclear energy has spanned decades and contributed to clean energy. Our cooperation in critical minerals is essential for maintaining a diverse and reliable global supply chain,” he added.
The Prime Minister also spoke on tourism between the two countries and free e-tourist visas.
“This year in October, millions of devotees received the blessings of Lord Buddha’s sacred relics at the International Buddhist Forum in Kalmykia. I’m pleased that we will soon be launching a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day Group Tourist Visa for Russian citizens,” he said.
During the joint press conference, the Russian president thanked PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu for the warm and hospitable welcome and said that Russia will continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the growing Indian economy.
“We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the growing Indian economy. Last year, our bilateral trade turnover grew by 12 per cent, setting a new record. We are currently forecasting that this year’s trade agreement will remain at the same impressive level,” Putin said.
“The Prime Minister gave us a list of challenges that deserve the attention of both governments, and we will act on them. The creation of a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union will help. Our countries are gradually moving to mutual settlements in national currencies, which already account for 96% of commercial transactions. We are also witnessing successful partnerships in energy – stable supplies of oil, gas, coal, and everything required for India’s energy needs,” the Russian president said.
Speaking on joint efforts to curb terrorism, Putin said that the two countries have for long been standing shoulder to shoulder on this issue.
“Whether it is the terrorist attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly attack on the Crocus City Hall, the root of all these incidents is the same. India’s unwavering belief is that terrorism is a direct assault on the values of humanity and that global unity against it is our greatest strength. India and Russia have close cooperation in the UN, G20, BRICS, SCO, and other forums. We will continue our dialogue and cooperation in all these forums,” he said.
The Russian president also spoke on greater ties in the field of defence.
“Our country, for the last half a century, has been helping to arm and modernise the Indian Army, including the Air Defence Forces, aviation, and the Navy. In general, we are undoubtedly satisfied with the results of the negotiation we just had…I can express my confidence that the current visit and the agreements reached will help further deepen the Russian-Indian strategic partnership for the benefit of our countries and the people, the peoples of India and Russia,” he said.
