New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday described India as a great power, a friendly nation, and a friend that has stood the test of time. He held extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed shared concern over terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Putin also expressed concern over developments in Afghanistan and said that India and Russia will continue to coordinate on the major challenges facing the region.
In his opening remarks, he said, “We consider India a great power, a friendly nation and a friend that has stood the test of time. The ties between the two countries are deepening and I am looking forward to the future.” The special strategic partnership between the two sides is deepening.
‘India-Russia concerned about developments in Afghanistan’
Putin said that the two sides continue to cooperate on global issues and there are similarities in their positions on many issues. The Russian president said, “Naturally, we are concerned about everything related to terrorism. I mean the fight against terrorism and the fight against drugs and organized crime. And about that, we are concerned about the developments in Afghanistan.”
Very happy to visit India Putin
The Russian leader also noted the growing cooperation between the two countries in areas including environment, trade and investment, and high technology, among others. Putin said, “Right now, the mutual investment is about $38 billion. More investments are coming from Russia.” He said that he is very happy to visit the friendly country of India.
‘India-Russia friendship remains as it was before’
Modi said that in the last few decades, the world has seen many fundamental changes and various types of geopolitical changes but the friendship between India and Russia has remained the same. The Prime Minister said, “Your visit to India demonstrates your commitment to India.” The summit took place hours after the first ‘two plus two’ talks between the foreign and defense ministers of India and Russia with the aim of having a comprehensive discussion on issues of strategic importance. Putin has come to India on a brief visit for the meeting.
The day began with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu. Apart from this, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. After this, the Defense and Foreign Ministers of both the countries held ‘two plus two’ talks. Lavrov and Shoygu arrived here on Sunday night.
