Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. India sees Russia as a longstanding and time-tested friend that has played a significant role in its economic development and security. Since the signing of the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 the cooperation and coordination between the two has only increased. Under the Declaration of Strategic Partnership, several institutionalized dialogue mechanisms have been put in place that operate at the political and official levels, and ensure regular interaction and follow up on cooperation activities. The 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia was celebrated on 13 April 2012.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar travelled to Russia on a three day visit from July 7 to July 9, 2021. During his visit, Lashkar met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russian Federation. He also met the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russia Yuri Borisov, his counterpart for the Indian-Russia Inter Government Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technology and Cultural cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). He will also have a meeting with the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International affairs, Leonid Slutsky. The visit comes as the continuation of the both side high level visits. The Russian Foreign Minister had visited New Delhi in April. According to MEA, these meeting will further strengthen the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries.
The discussions covered the entire range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as well as exchange of views on various regional and international issues like the situation in Afghanistan, Iran and Syria. A new dimension has been added to the relationship, it is the agreement to hold the 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers. The two leaders also discussed their cooperation in BRICS and the RIC. India is currently the chair of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and also of the RIC (Russia, India and China).
The Foreign Minister also delivered a speech on “India-Russia ties in a Changing World” at the prestigious Primakov Institute of World Economy & International Relations, Moscow.
On 14th July, The Embassy of Russia Federation held a Press Brief Meeting in regard to India’s FM’s visit to Russia on 7th to 9th July, 2021. During the meeting, the Ambassador emphasized on the bilateral cooperation in strategic partnership, including political dialogue, security, trade and economic, military-technical, scientific, cultural and humanitarian ties and also discussed key directions of the Russian-Indian relations, taking into account the previously reached agreements and upcoming contacts, in particular at the highest and high levels.
Relationship between India- Russia has been the steadiest in the world and made good progress. India has always seen its relationship with Russia as a contribution to global peace, security and stability. The cooperation in the future will focus much more on the nuclear, space, energy and defence sector. It is important for India and Russia to work together and ensure that much of the progress in economic, social and democratic terms is maintained.
