India & Russia sign record 28 agreements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed regional and global developments, including the post-pandemic global economic recovery, and the situation in Afghanistan at the India - Russia Annual Summit held in Delhi Monday. In his opening remarks at the Summit, Prime Minister Modi said the pace of relations between India and Russia has not changed despite the challenges posed by Covid and the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership has been continuously strengthening. He added that the fight against Covid has also seen excellent cooperation between the two countries, whether it be vaccine trials and production, humanitarian assistance, or repatriation of citizens.

In his statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country perceives India as a great power, a friendly nation, and a time-tested friend. He said the relations between the two nations are growing and he is looking into the future. He said India and Russia cooperate greatly in military and technical sphere like no other country. He also said that fight against terrorism is also fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. Both sides agreed that they share common perspectives and concerns on Afghanistan and appreciated the bilateral roadmap charted out at the NSA level for consultation and cooperation on Afghanistan. They noted that they shared common positions on many international issues and agreed to further strengthen cooperation at multilateral fora, including at the UN Security Council. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the sustained progress in the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between both countries despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. They welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the 2 plus 2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers and the meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation on Monday.

A Joint Statement titled India-Russia: Partnership for Peace, Progress and Prosperity was released following the Summit which covers the state and prospects of bilateral ties. Coinciding with the visit, 28 agreements were signed in different sectors including trade, energy, science and technology, intellectual property, outer space, geological exploration, cultural exchange, and education. An Agreement on Program of the Military-Technical Cooperation from 2021-2031 was signed. This 10 year Defence Cooperation Program outlines the ongoing defence cooperation and future possible cooperation between the two countries.