Moscow, Russia – Updated by: Navya Puri – on December 28, 2023, 09:10 AM
Assessment of India-Russia Relations
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov praised the strong and stable relations between New Delhi and Moscow, affirming that the relationship is based on strategic convergence and geopolitical interests and is beneficial for both sides. Jaishankar stated at a joint press conference with Lavrov that the two sides had “very good talks.” He added, “I believe what has been made clear today is that the relations between India and Russia remain very stable and very strong, based on our strategic convergence and geopolitical interests, and because they are beneficial for both sides.”
Trade Between India and Russia
Jaishankar pointed out that bilateral trade between India and Russia has exceeded $50 billion, confirming that there is potential for further growth and a need to establish more sustainable trade relations. He said, “We appreciate the fact that our trade is at the highest level ever. We exceeded $50 billion last year. We expect to surpass that this year. Most importantly, this trade should be balanced and sustainable, providing a fair opportunity in the market.”
Economic Cooperation and Investments
Several issues related to economic cooperation and investments between India and Russia were discussed. An agreement was reached to resume negotiations between India and the Eurasian Economic Union for a free trade agreement in the second half of January this year. The importance of cooperation in the areas of energy, fertilizers, coal, and collaboration in railway and industrial infrastructure was also emphasized.
Enhancing Cultural and Tourism Links
Cultural and tourism link issues between India and Russia were discussed. Jaishankar expressed his desire to see more Russian tourists in India, noting that the number of flights from India to Russia has increased from 52 flights per week to 64 flights per week, and they are prepared to increase it further.
Lavrov’s Assessment of India-Russia Relations
Lavrov commended the relationship between India and Russia, stating it is based on mutual respect and that it is good to see the relationship making continuous progress. He added, “We express our deep gratitude to our Indian counterparts for their ambition to take a responsible approach in considering and resolving regional and global issues, focusing primarily on national interests and the interests of fair and equal international cooperation. This approach is also characteristic of India’s stance on the ongoing operations in Ukraine and around it, and we talked about that as well.”
He also praised India’s presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) and added that Russia supports India’s candidature for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. He said, “The G20 summit held in New Delhi last year was a true victory for Indian foreign policy; it was a victory for multilateral diplomacy, which was made largely possible because the G20 president did not allow the outcome document to be unilateral. The outcome document reflects a balance of interests.”
During the extensive meeting between Jaishankar and Lavrov, views were exchanged on the Indian Ocean region, the conflict in Ukraine, the current situation in Gaza, Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the G20, and United Nations-related matters.
Jaishankar concluded by stating, “It was a wide-ranging and productive meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. As strategic partners, we discussed the international situation and contemporary issues.”
Progress in economic cooperation, energy trade, connectivity efforts, military technical cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges between India and Russia was also highlighted.
He added, “A consultation protocol for the period from 2024 to 2028 has been signed. The relations between India and Russia reflect geopolitical interests, strategic convergence, and mutual benefit.”
(Using inputs from agencies)
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