“Steady Headway” in Russia-India Ties Despite “Current Turbulences,” According to Putin and Jaishankar
In a recent meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations between Russia and India. Despite the challenges faced by both nations due to the “current turbulence” in the world, Putin emphasized that the ties between Russia and India are steadily advancing.
Putin’s statement reflects the enduring friendship and cooperation that have characterized the relationship between Russia and India for decades. The two countries have a long history of close ties, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Over the years, Russia and India have collaborated extensively in areas such as defence, energy, space exploration, and cultural exchanges. These collaborations have not only strengthened the bond between the two nations but have also contributed to regional stability and development.
One of the key pillars of the Russia-India relationship is defence cooperation. India has been a major buyer of Russian defence equipment for several decades. The two countries have successfully implemented joint projects, such as the production of advanced military hardware and technology transfer. This partnership has not only bolstered India’s defence capabilities but has also deepened the strategic ties between the two nations.
“It is complicated considering that India will hold general elections to Parliament. We wish success to our friends in India. We believe we will maintain our traditional friendly ties in any alignment of political forces,” Putin, who is seeking a fifth term in office in March next year, said.
According to a press release from the Kremlin, Jaishankar, on his part, delivered Prime Minister Modi’s greetings and gave Putin a letter in which he discussed the current state of India-Russia cooperation and the advancements the two countries have made recently.
Prime Minister Modi is excited to visit Russia in the upcoming year, Jaishankar also informed Putin.
“I am confident we can work out a time that works for both of our countries’ political calendars. So he is looking forward to it, for sure,” Jaishanar was quoted in the Kremlin press release.
Additionally, Putin discussed bilateral trade relations.
“For the second year in a row, our trade is expanding at a confident rate. “Compared to last year, this year’s growth rates were even higher,” he stated.
Despite growing reluctance on the part of many Western nations, India has become a major importer of Russian crude oil.
“This is our second year of confident growth in our trade. The growth rates were even higher this year than they were the previous. The Russian president stated, “I have no idea how many percentage points it increased by last year, but we have already surpassed this figure in the first nine months of this year.”
Although oil, oil products, and coal are the main energy resources here, this is more than that. We are working together in high-tech areas,” he said.
Jaishankar also informed Putin that bilateral trade has touched more than USD 50 billion.
“We believe that this is something whose potential is now only beginning to be visible. It is important that we give it a more sustainable character, and we discussed how we should do that,” Jaishankar said.
He also pointed out that India and Russia signed agreements on Tuesday that would take the Kudankulam nuclear power project forward.
Furthermore, Russia and India have been actively engaged in the energy sector. The partnership between the two countries in this field has been mutually beneficial. Russia is a reliable supplier of energy resources to India, while India offers a growing market for Russian energy exports. Both countries have also explored opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, aiming to harness clean and sustainable sources of power.
Space cooperation is another area where Russia and India have achieved significant milestones. The two nations have successfully launched joint space missions and have collaborated on satellite projects. These endeavours have not only strengthened scientific and technological cooperation but have also showcased the synergy between the two countries in exploring the vast potential of space.
Aside from the strategic and economic aspects of the relationship, Russia and India share a deep cultural bond. Both nations have a rich heritage and a diverse cultural landscape. Cultural exchanges, such as music and dance festivals, film collaborations, and art exhibitions, have played a crucial role in fostering people-to-people contacts and enhancing mutual understanding.
Looking ahead, President Putin expressed confidence that the traditionally friendly ties between Russia and India will persist, regardless of any changes in the political landscape. The upcoming elections in India will not alter the strong foundation of the bilateral relationship. Both countries have consistently demonstrated their commitment to nurturing and expanding their partnership, irrespective of the prevailing global challenges.
The steady progress in Russia-India ties is a testament to the resilience and strength of the relationship. Despite the “current turbulence” in the world, the bond between the two nations continues to grow, guided by a shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity. As Russia and India navigate the complexities of the modern world, their enduring friendship serves as a beacon of hope and a model for constructive international cooperation.