Media Center

English rendition of Prepared text of Press Statement by Prime Minister in St. Petersburg during his visit to Russia (June 01, 2017)

June 01, 2017

Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin,
Distinguished members of the Russian and Indian delegations,
Members of the Media,


It is a matter of great pleasure for me to visit the beautiful hometown of President Putin, St. Petersburg. I congratulate President Putin and the people of St. Petersburg for our hearty and warm welcome. Your welcome is a symbol of the sweetness of our relations.

Friends,

This year, India and Russia are celebrating 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. From culture to security; the language of our relations is similar.

As it is said in the Russian language:
Мы говорим на одном языке
(We speak one language)

If there has been a steady truth in the regional and international turmoil of the past 7 decades, then it is the strong relationship between India and Russia. The fundamental basis of our relations is mutual affection, mutual respect and unwavering and strong faith in each other. There has been an all-rounded development of our partnership and cooperation based on this powerful foundation.

Friends,

Today, I and President Putin have talked extensively on the whole form of development of our relations. We have taken important decisions to make an action plan to accelerate the present momentum of relations and its bright future. In view of this, we have adopted a proclamation in St. Petersburg today. A form that will not only pave the way for the development of economic and political strength of both the countries, rather it will prove to be a benchmark of stability in the global upheaval.

Friends,

In today's inter-dependent and inter-connected world, increasing economic cooperation is the key driver for development of relations. President Putin and I have a very important and shared objective which is rapid progress in our economic relations. India joining as a guest country in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and my statement in the plenary of this forum tomorrow, will bring the economies of both countries closer. Due to these efforts, bilateral investment has made tremendous progress and we are very close to the achievement of 30 billion US dollars investment target by 2025. One of the main grounds for the deepening of economic relations is the Energy Cooperation which has Nuclear, Hydrocarbon and Renewable Energy as its main components.

I am happy that finalization of Kudankulam-V and VI today will make bilateral energy cooperation between our two countries much stronger. India and Russia are expanding their cooperation with mutual benefit in the field of nuclear energy to third countries. Private sector has an important role in the development of our business and commercial relations.

In this context, we would like to invite private sectors of both countries for a more proactive role. We also believe that more physical and institutional connectivity between the two countries is also mandatory for strengthening of economic relations. In this context, our cooperation under the International North-South Transport Corridor will provide an important direction to our participation.

FTA negotiations with the upcoming Eurasian Economic Union will further strengthen our economic cooperation. Scientific, industrial and technical cooperation are an important part of our overall economic cooperation. The benefits generated by it provides strength and prosperity to our society and economies. Our shared program of 'Bridge to Innovation' will prove to be very helpful in the development of young scientists, start-ups and young entrepreneurs of both countries. This will directly connect the future of our younger generation with the opportunities of Innovation Economy. Hopefully this will convert job-seekers into job-creators. At the end of this month, both countries will hold Bilateral Science and Technology Commission for the first time. I believe it will take our scientific and technical cooperation to a new height.

Friends,

In the field of defence,
The defense relations between India and Russia are very strong. Whatever have been the nature of global relations, security partnership between India and Russia has always protected the strategic interests of the two countries. The first Military Industry Conference held recently in India was an important step in deepening the involvement of both the countries in the entire value chain of defense and security equipment. Joint Venture of production of Kamov-226 helicopter has started and joint manufacturing of frigates is also being implemented. Defense-related manufacturing cooperation is getting a new direction. In order to give a new dimension to Military to Military cooperation between the two countries this year, both countries will hold the first Tri-Services Exercise INDRA -2017.
Friends,

A major factor of our good relations is people-to-people contacts between the two countries. The popularity of Russian culture in India and the popularity of all aspects of Yoga, Ayurveda and Indian culture in Russia is a matter of satisfaction for both countries. I believe that like previous years, our Russian friends will also celebrate International Day of Yoga this year with great splendour.

Friends,

Today I and President Putin discussed the changing regional and international scenario with great detail. We agree that whether it is the issue of terrorism, the question of security of strategic interests, or the issue of dealing with emerging new concerns, India and Russia will always stand in support of each other. India congratulates Russia's unconditional and full support on cross-border terrorism. There is a similarity between the ideologies of the two countries on Afghanistan, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. India and Russia are also continuously coordinating in BRICS and G-20. Under the strong leadership of Russia in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we are both involved in the innovation of regional cooperation.

Friends,

I congratulate President Putin for the unparalleled leadership in the development of our relations. Our relation is such a fruitful tree whose roots have been cultivated by many great people for seven decades. One such person was Ambassador Alexander Kadakin. We lost this friend of India this year. In the memory of this glorious son of Russia, a road in New Delhi has been named after the name of Ambassador Kadakin.

Excellency Putin,

On every criterion of time, in the face of every challenge, the development of our societies and the strategic partnership of India and Russia has been a pillar of strength for the benefit of the whole world. Our unshakeable partnership will provide a balance and stability to the world in the coming years. The decisions taken in today's talks will pave the way for our cooperation. With these words, once again, I congratulate you and the people of St. Petersburg.

Thank you.
Write a Comment Write a Comment
Comments

Post A Comment

  • Name *
    E-mail *
  • Write Your Comment *
  • Verification Code * Verification Code