BJP chief Nitin Nabin meets Russian envoy, discusses bilateral ties

BJP president Nitin Nabin on Tuesday, September 1, met Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov at the party headquarters, with the discussions focusing on the "long-standing and time-tested India-Russia relationships", officials said.

During the meeting, Nabin highlighted the strong personal understanding and trust between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying their regular interactions have helped maintain momentum in bilateral ties.

According to a BJP statement, Modi's meeting with Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, also figured in the discussions.

Nabin expressed confidence that India-Russia relations would continue to strengthen and said he looked forward to further engagements between the two countries, including in the context of the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13.

The BJP president and Alipov also underlined the importance of people-to-people contacts as a lasting pillar of bilateral relations.

The Russian ambassador highlighted the growing opportunities for skilled Indian professionals in Russia, the statement said.

Nabin also briefed Alipov on the BJP's organisational journey, its grassroots structure and functioning, and its network of members and workers, along with the various Morchas and departments and the party's recently reconstituted national team.

He emphasised the BJP's focus on maintaining continuous organisational engagement beyond elections.

Alipov congratulated Nabin and the BJP on the party's recent electoral victories in Assam and West Bengal and praised its organisational strength and grassroots presence, according to the statement.

The Russian envoy also appreciated Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, describing it as a unique initiative for maintaining a direct and regular connect with the people.

The two sides also discussed the upcoming milestone of 80 years of India-Russia diplomatic relations in 2027.

They expressed confidence that the anniversary would create further opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the cultural, academic and people-to-people spheres.

BJP foreign affairs in-charge Vijay Chauthaiwale was also present at the meeting.