As the friendship grows older, its roots go deeper. And if this is also true in bilateral relations between two nations, the fruits of this relationship pass on to the coming generations. The bilateral relationship between India and Russia is one such example of deeper friendship at the international level. The recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia for 20th Annual Bilateral Summit has proven a great leap forward as both nations sign as many as 25 agreements. The agreements include diverse areas from energy cooperation to setting up of production facilities for Russian spares in India.
Both, PM Modi and President Putin, discussed issues including cooperation in trade and investment, oil and gas, nuclear energy, defence, space and maritime connectivity. Both nations have also agreed to develop transport connectivity between Chennai and Vladivostok. Mr. Modi also attended 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) at Vladivostok becoming the first Indian PM to visit Far East of Russia.
Russia’s Respect for India’s Sovereignty on Article 370:
The bilateral summit has been held not too long after India abrogated the special status of state of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and instead created two Union Territories. Russia backed India’s decision and said that the changes in the status are within the framework of the Indian Constitution. As PM said during the visit that ‘India and Russia are against “outside influence” in the internal matters of any nation’, both nations show respect for sovereignty of nations and adherence to international laws.
21st Century: The century of Indo-Russian Relationship:
Two great events happened during 1990s made far reaching impact on the relations between India and Russia were fall of USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) and economic reforms in India. After these events there arose this strong possibility that these two nations may not share the same flavour of relationship as they did before. But as against this odd assumption both countries continued to share a very strong bond of “strategic” relationship and they have come a long way since then. And now in 21st century, both have set a fine example of intact relationship.
