'Russia an important partner in India's economic progress' asserts Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday stated that New Delhi considers Russia as a significant partner in its economic progress. Further added that the Russia-India relationship has evolved into a 'special and privileged' strategic partnership. The comments were made by the Union Minister while addressing the "Days of Moscow" event in New Delhi.

"We consider Russia as an important partner in our economic progress. Our bilateral relationship has matured into a special and privileged strategic partnership. Lot has changed on the global scene but our friendship remains steadfast," he said. The minister added that he was happy to join the "Days of Moscow" program saying the event is showcasing the rich traditions of Moscow to the Indian audience.

"I deeply admire your rich cultural heritage and diversity. Our two countries have celebrated the 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2017," he said adding that this initiative from the Russian Embassy is truly commendable. Russian Ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev said, "I am confident that Moscow, one of the most developed regions of Russia, should join efforts to enhance infrastructure, health care, e-governance and tourism with such a dynamic and promising partner as Delhi."

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"With a full-fledged implementation of twin city agreement signed last year by Moscow and Delhi...and Delhi city governments will become a great contribution for the benefit of our countries commemorating the 10th anniversary of special and privileged strategic partnership next year blessed with the personal friendship of President Putin and Prime Minister Modi," he said. 

Modi-Putin relationship

At the BRICS summit in November, PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed the progress made in the bilateral relationship between Russia and India. During the bilateral meeting with the Russian President on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS summit, PM Modi decided that the first Bilateral Regional Forum at the level of Russian Provinces and the Indian States should be held next year to dismantle the barriers of trade at the regional level, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The two leaders noted with satisfaction that the USD 25 billion targets of bilateral trade by 2025 has already been achieved, it read.

During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed the stability and progress made in imports of oil and natural gas. Putin highlighted the potential of the Arctic region in natural gas and invited India to invest in the region, the statement said. The two leaders also reviewed the progress made in the field of infrastructure particularly railways in the context of raising the speed of the Nagpur-Secunderabad sector railway line.

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The leaders also noted with satisfaction the cooperation in the defence sector and in the field of civil nuclear energy. According to the statement, they welcomed the prospects of cooperation in civil nuclear energy in third countries. The two leaders also noted that both sides shared common positions on international issues and agreed to continue close consultations in the future, the statement added.

The two leaders met over two months after holding extensive talks in Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) wherein India had announced an "unprecedented" USD 1 billion line of credit to develop the country's resource-rich far east region.

PM Modi meeting Putin on the sidelines of the 6th Eastern Economic Forum lauded his 'great friend' Vladimir Putin and called the relationship between India and Russia "an unprecedented partnership." PM Modi and the Russian President also witnessed the exchange of 15 documents announcing new areas of cooperation including connectivity, deep-sea exploration, space, energy among others between the two countries. During the joint statement at Vladivostok on Wednesday, PM Modi also spoke on the importance of working together between India and Russia on many global forums like BRICS and SCO. 

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(With ANI inputs)