On the occasion of 70th anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a special message to Russian President Vladimir Putin in which he said the partnership of the two countries is an important factor of peace and stability in the world.
In response Putin said together the two countries make a substantial contribution to the fight against terrorism, extremism, cross-border crime and other challenges. India and Russia established diplomatic relations on April 13, 1947.
“This historic milestone is yet another reminder of the strength and resilience of our partnership that has withstood the test of time. In last seven decades, relations between India and Russia have admirably served the interests of both our peoples. India deeply values the consistent support we have received from Russia in our nation building efforts. Today, our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership encompasses all areas of cooperation and serves as an example of mutually beneficial relations for the entire world. Our friendship is characterized by complete trust, mutual benefit and respect for each other’s interests,” Modi said.
PM added India-Russia cooperation extends to shaping a new world order which reflects the realities of the 21st century. “We share common approaches to the most important regional and global issues, including the centrality of the United Nations and the threat from international terrorism. Our partnership is an important factor of peace and stability in the world,” PM said, adding he deeply values Putin’s commitment to this partnership.
“In India, our partnership with the Russian Federation enjoys national consensus and has always been accorded the highest priority in India’s foreign policy. I am confident that through our common vision and efforts, our partnership will continue growing stronger to reach many more significant milestones,” Modi said.
In his message to Modi, Putin said over the past decades, Russia and India have established a constructive political dialogue while large-scale joint projects in trade, economic, energy, scientific, technological, infrastructure and humanitarian spheres are underway.
“While taking close stands on key issues of global and regional agenda, Moscow and New Delhi effectively coordinate their efforts within such multilateral structures as the UN and BRICS. By acting hand in hand, our countries make a substantial contribution to the fight against terrorism, extremism, cross-border crime and other challenges of today. I am confident that the further strengthening of special and privileged strategic partnership meets the fundamental interests of the peoples of Russia and India and goes fully in line with cementing international stability and security,” Putin said.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Russian counterpart, Sergey lavrov, also congratulated the two countries for the friendship and bonding.