External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that while all nations’ relationships have had ups and downs, the one constant in world politics has been India-Russia ties, news agency ANI reported. He also underlined that governments only engage with those in the domains of military, space, and nuclear energy with whom they have a “high degree” of confidence. On Tuesday, he was meeting with members of the Indian community at an event in Moscow.
Speaking at the event, Jaishankar said: “Relationship between India and Russia, in many ways is exceptional…if one looks at last 60, 70, 80 years of politics among the major countries. They have had their relationships, but all these relationships have their ups and downs…Russia and China, Russia and USA, Russia and Europe, India and China, India and USA. You would see over time, there are good periods, there are difficulties, stresses and very good memories and great achievements”.
He also stated that during his five-day tour to Russia, he will meet with his Russian colleague, Sergei Lavrov, on Wednesday.
Taking to X (previously Twitter), Jaishankar stated that during his discussion, he asked the Indian community to help develop the two nations’ mutually beneficial ties.
“Interacted with the Indian community in Moscow. Appreciated their contribution to building a strong and steady collaboration between India and Russia. The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership reflects experiences and sentiments of last 75 years. Urged the community to contribute to deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation. Their role in promoting close ties between our civil societies is invaluable. An Atmanirbhar Bharat will deepen ties with Russia in a multipolar world,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Interacted with the Indian community in Moscow. Appreciated their contribution to building a strong and steady collaboration between India and Russia.
The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership reflects experiences and sentiments of last 75 years. Urged the community to… pic.twitter.com/rl06FPhbeh
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 26, 2023
During his speech, he also mentioned that during the previous 70-80 years, both India and Russia have evolved a lot, as has international politics, but the connection between New Delhi and Moscow has stayed consistent.
“To me, what is exceptional about India-Russia relationships. From the early 50s, for 70-80 odd years. There have been big changes in this period. The Soviet Union became the Russian Federation, big changes have happened in world politics, Russia has transformed, and India has grown. But, if there is one constant in world politics, it has actually been the relationship between India and Russia,” he was quoted by PTI in its report.
According to S Jaishankar, collaboration between India and Russia in numerous domains demonstrates the nature of the two nations’ relationship.
“Russia is a special partner in a few areas — defence, nuclear energy…Today, in my presence and that of Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, we signed some important agreements pertaining to future units of the Kudankulam Nuclear Project. Typically, defence, nuclear and space, are collaborations you only do with countries with whom you have a high degree of trust. So, it’s not just we do the cooperation is reflective of the quality of the relationship,” he added.
EAM Jaishankar Meets With Russia’s Deputy PM, Affirms Bilateral Cooperation
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on Tuesday for a ‘comprehensive’ and ‘constructive’ discussion of the two nations’ bilateral economic relations.
The two presidents also concluded the Russian Far East cooperation programme and expressed optimism for an early meeting of EaEU-India FTA negotiators.
Taking to X, Jaishankar stated: “A comprehensive and productive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov of Russia on our bilateral economic cooperation. Noted the significant progress in trade, finance, connectivity, energy, civil aviation and nuclear domains. Appreciated the greater focus on exploring new opportunities.”
A comprehensive and productive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov of Russia on our bilateral economic cooperation.
Noted the significant progress in trade, finance, connectivity, energy, civil aviation and nuclear domains.
Appreciated the greater focus on… pic.twitter.com/fPUyDqHL5X
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 26, 2023
He further stated: “Discussed making our cooperation more balanced and sustainable in different dimensions. Finalized the program of cooperation on Russian Far East. Expect to hold early meeting of EaEU-India FTA negotiators.”
EAM also stated that both leaders signed agreements on nuclear power, medicine, and other topics.
Jaishankar said, “Will jointly organize connectivity events across land and maritime corridors. Witnessed signing of agreements on nuclear power and in areas of medicines, pharmaceutical substances and medical devices.”