Prof. Arun Mohanty Memorial Lecture: Experts Highlight Indo-Russian Partnership

New Delhi: The second Prof. Arun Mohanty Memorial Lecture by Eurasian Foundation, his brainchild, was organized on Thursday — the theme being Indo-Russian relationship and its importance in the current political dynamics of the world.

Ambassador Asoke Mukerji pointed out that the Indo-Russian relationship has existed since ancient times and, over the years, been strengthened by special and privileged strategic partnership through bilateral economic relationship, joint cooperation in science and technology, expanding people-to-people exchanges, energy, defence, transport infrastructure, agriculture and agro-processing; industrial and trade cooperation.

He observed that the biggest obstacle faced by their partnership today is from the growing confrontation between the United States and China. He added that India and Russia should take a coordinated strategic position on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

Special invitee, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R. Kudashev remarked that Indo-Russian relationship is time tested and highlighted efforts to link a new maritime route between Chennai and Vladivostok to increase connectivity between the regions.

He further said that Russia will provide COVID-19 medicines to India and will also contribute bilateral trade worth $30 billion towards Make in India and Atmanirvar Bharat Mission by 2025.

The two countries will celebrate the 20th year of strategic partnership later this year.

Prof. Ajay Patnaik, former Dean School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that Prof. Mohanty’s scholarly and academic contributions are immense, in-depth and wide-ranging. His phenomenal achievements and contribution to Russian and Central Asian studies will always be cherished by scholars and the academic world.

Director Eurasian Foundation Namita Mohanty shared Prof. Arun Mohanty’s contribution to the academic world and Indo-Russian bilateral relations.

There were as many as 250 virtual participants from India, Russia and other countries who were from different fields like academics, policymaking, diplomatic communities and others.