PM Modi’s informal summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin has resulted in the further strengthening of the years-old friendship. PM has described President Putin as his “personal friend” and a person who has played a crucial role in his career since his early days of Chief Ministership.
“Russia is India’s old-time friend. We share long-standing historical ties, and Mr. President is my personal friend, and a friend of India… Russia and you specifically always played a very important role in my political career. In 2001, when I served as Chief Minister of Gujarat, I made my first visit to Russia with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. And you were the first international leader I met as Chief Minister. Moscow and you yourself marked the beginning of my career,” said PM Modi at the landmark informal Summit with Putin at the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Both countries have agreed in the creation of multipolar world order and stabilisation of Afghanistan. They have expressed their concerns over terrorism and radicalisation. India and Russia will join hands in stabilizing Afghanistan.
There have been other deep discussions on major international issues and a Special Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia has been agreed. The discussion on Indo-Pacific region will also get intensified and coordinated.
There will also be development in synergy in trade and investment between the two countries through the Strategic Economic Dialogue between Niti Aayog and Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. First consignment of LNG under a long-term agreement between Gazprom and GAIL is also welcomed by the two of them.
India and Russia will be presenting stronger united front through their sturdy partnership in military, security and nuclear energy fields. PM Modi has also stated that India’s defence requirement will not be dictated by any other country.
President Putin’s role in including India in the global politics and strategic groups has been incomparable; whether it was when India was granted full membership in the SCO and BRICS, in the Conference on Interaction & Confidence–Building Measures in Asia (CICA), or North-South International Transport Corridor.
Putin and Modi are expected to meet again on the side-lines of SCO Summit in China in June and later, BRICS Summit in South Africa.
