Proud to have stood with India: Russia ahead of Putin’s visit
As the world watches with bated breath, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India on December 4 and 5, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Ahead of this highly anticipated visit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has expressed Russia’s admiration for India’s remarkable growth, stating, “We are proud to have been shoulder to shoulder next to our Indian friends during their historic growth.” This statement underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and Russia, built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.
Peskov’s comments highlight the significance of the India-Russia relationship, which has been a cornerstone of Indian foreign policy for decades. The two nations have a long history of cooperation, dating back to the Soviet era, and have continued to strengthen their ties in recent years. Russia has been a steadfast supporter of India’s growth and development, providing critical support in areas such as defence, energy, and space exploration.
One of the key areas of cooperation between India and Russia is defence. The two nations have a robust defence partnership, with Russia being one of India’s largest defence suppliers. The BrahMos missile, a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, is a prime example of this cooperation. The BrahMos missile has been successfully tested and inducted into the Indian Armed Forces, and has become a symbol of the India-Russia defence partnership.
The defence cooperation between India and Russia is not limited to the BrahMos missile. The two nations have also collaborated on other defence projects, including the development of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet and the T-90 tank. Russia has also provided critical support to India’s nuclear submarine programme, with the lease of the Akula-class submarine, INS Chakra.
Beyond defence, India and Russia have also cooperated in other areas, including energy and space exploration. Russia’s state-owned energy company, Rosneft, has invested heavily in India’s energy sector, including a significant stake in the Essar Oil refinery. The two nations have also collaborated on space exploration, with Russia providing critical support to India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1.
Peskov’s comments also highlighted the “bright future” for the strategic partnership between India and Russia. This is reflected in the growing economic ties between the two nations, with bilateral trade expected to reach $30 billion by 2025. The two nations have also agreed to cooperate in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, which are expected to drive growth and innovation in the years to come.
The visit of President Putin to India is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defence cooperation, energy security, and trade and investment. The visit is also expected to see the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding, which will further deepen the strategic partnership between India and Russia.
In conclusion, the comments of Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reflect the deepening strategic partnership between India and Russia. The two nations have a long history of cooperation, and have continued to strengthen their ties in recent years. The visit of President Putin to India is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, and will see the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding. As Peskov stated, Russia is “proud to have stood with India” during its historic growth, and the two nations look forward to a “bright future” for their strategic partnership.
The India-Russia relationship is a testament to the power of diplomacy and cooperation in achieving common goals. As the world becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, the importance of strong bilateral relationships cannot be overstated. The visit of President Putin to India is a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, and underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthening their ties and cooperation.
As the world watches the visit of President Putin to India, it is clear that the India-Russia relationship is poised for significant growth and expansion in the years to come. With a strong foundation of trust, mutual respect, and cooperation, the two nations are well-positioned to address the challenges of the 21st century and achieve their common goals.
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