President Vladimir Putin on India-Russia relations

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/unfriendly-forces-trying-to-disrupt-india-russia-ties_1989728.html

New Delhi: India and Russia on Friday admitted there may be some "unfriendly forces or actors" who may be trying to create hindrances in bilateral relations.


India-Russia ties were discussed threadbare as Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with a nine-member Russian delegation led by Director of Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation Alexander Bortnikov here.

"The two sides also acknowledged that there may be some 'unfriendly forces' or 'unfriendly actors' who may be trying to create hindrances in the bilateral relationship but such adverse campaigns are incapable of affecting the deep understanding bolstered by regular dialogues and mutual cooperation," an official statement said.

Singh informed the visiting delegation that India and Russia are all-weather friends and enjoy family-like relations and bilateral ties had withstood all trying times in the midst of changing nature of international and political relations.

During the course of the delegation-level meeting lasting for about 45 minutes, the Home Minister highlighted the sponsoring of terrorism by India's neighbouring country, "which is a threat not only to India and international community but to humanity as a whole".

Singh said India has a policy of zero-tolerance for terrorism.

The Home Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been meeting on different occasions to share and strengthen bilateral cooperation at the highest level.

He also mentioned that the Russian President is loved and respected by all Indians.

Singh said inter-agency cooperation between the two countries should cover bilateral, regional and international issues.

He emphasised that bilateral cooperation should include the areas of military and technical cooperation, energy, economic security and disaster management, and urged that the strategic collaboration between the two countries needs to be strengthened further.

The Home Minister said during the ensuing visit of an Indian delegation to Russia, he would make it a point to visit facilities such as the EMERCOM headquarters to explore areas of technical cooperation between the two countries.

The Russian delegation extended an invitation to the Home Minister to participate in the XVI international meeting of the Heads of Special Services, Security Agencies and Law Enforcement Organisations in Russia later this year, which he accepted.

The Russian team included representatives from FSB's Departments of Constitution Protection and Counter Terrorism, Intelligence Analysis and International Liaison and Scientific & Technical.

The Indian side included Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs.


First Published: Friday, March 24, 2017 - 20:32

 

[Tshering22]

But Russia has joined CPEC. What is Putin smoking? Now Russia will pander to Pakistan only. It's need for CPEC has been proved multiple times by Pakistani PDF diplomats and politicians. They are already in the process of forming a RECTANGLE with Russia as one of the corners.

India is doomed. Will I get vodka anymore?

I don't think Putin is in a hurry to forget us.

There is always an opportunity in such situations. Russia is right now under tight sanctions and has faced some economic challenges. They will naturally look for non-western areas of business interests. Gazprom will vastly benefit from the CPEC through pipeline construction, which happens to be its specialisation.

I think we are relying too much on morality and not aggressively pursuing a counter strategy against the China-Pakistan check mate at the CPEC corridor.

Expecting Russia to always pander to our requests is wrong; we don't share anything with them in pure alliance terms. We don't give them exclusivity in our weapons arsenal;we cozy up with their worst enemies, we also ignore to voice our support on some occasions in the past to improve our own relations with certain western countries.

Though we did support the Russian position on Syria, it wasn't really very substantial; something that Kremlin was expecting from us.

I think we need to get that equation right before we can put our request forward to them to withdraw from CPEC.

Chinese navy deployment at Gwadar, CPEC during the border dispute talks with Republic of India clearly shows Chinese foreign policy.

That is a clear indication of how we need to ramp up our naval firepower and also increase presence in friendly countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam with whom we share a close military relationship.

 

[Hindustani78]

That is a clear indication of how we need to ramp up our naval firepower and also increase presence in friendly countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam with whom we share a close military relationship.

Indian Military Planners are aware what they are dealing with in the neighbourhood. Chinese are already having listening post close to the Vietnam border and on that Vietnamese Military have acquired Chinese tanks and rest of the Vietnamese military is having Russian equipment.

 

[Thorough Pro]

They both know who's the sucker

Pehley Trump

Ab Putin ..

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
03-April, 2017 16:32 IST
Film Visa & FFO makes India an Attractive Filming Destination: Col. Rathore

MoS I&B Col. Rathore meets Russian Vice Minister of Telecom and Mass Communication

Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore has said that the new category of visa to foreign film makers was a step taken by the government of India to ease issues related to their entry into the country. Both the Film Visa and the Film Facilitation Office (FFO)have been aimed to promote India as an attractive filming destination to the world. The Minister stated this while meeting the Russian Delegation led by Mr. Alexey Volin, Vice Minister of Telecom and Mass Communication of the Russian Federation here today.

During the discussions Col. Rathore apprised the delegation about the National Centre of Excellence for Animations, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) to be set up in Mumbai by the Ministry. Both the Ministers agreed to explore the possible collaboration between the two countries in the field of animations, graphics and visual content.

Cooperation between the field of content generation and content delivery mechanisms for different target audiences specially kids and younger generation was also discussed.

The Ministers while discussing the role of films as medium of cultural exchange between the countries emphasized on exhibiting films in each other’s country through the medium of Film Festivals. A possible collaboration between the National Film Development Corporation and its counterpart from the Russian Federation in the field of Film Bazaar was also discussed.

http://zeenews.india.com/india/need-to-ramp-up-economic-cooperation-with-russia-india-1992517.html

New Delhi: Calling Russia as a "time-tested partner", India on Monday said it has strong political and military ties with it but there was a need to lend greater balance to the relationship by boosting economic cooperation.

In his address to the first-ever India-Russia Media Rountable hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs here, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar also said a more ambitious target has been set to take bilateral trade to USD 30 billion by 2025.

"We enjoy a special and privileged strategic partnership. These are words which have not been chosen lightly but bring about something really very distinctive about our relationship.

"And, we have worked really very hard, especially in the last two years, to give this relationship more content," he said.

The Foreign Secretary, in the presence of Russia's Deputy Minister of Telecom and Mass Communication Alexey Volin, also said the roundtable being held on the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries was "particularly noteworthy".

The event came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia in June to attend St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) to which India has been invited as a guest country.

Addressing a gathering of delegates from top media houses from both sides, Jaishankar said, "I think in this country Russia is regarded as a time-tested partner, and you will see this when you even ask people in the streets their opinion on Russia. I can't think of any other country that enjoys that degree of popular support."

He also emphasised on the challenges the ties face particularly in the trade sector.

"One of the challenges we have faced is the economic cooperation. So, we have set ourselves a more ambitious target of USD 30 billion bilateral trade by 2025. At the same time, have tried to increase the cross-investment between India and Russia," he said.

Jaishankar asserted that while the two countries enjoy a "very strong" political understanding and a "great history" of military, technical cooperation, it was also important today to "give greater balance to our ties with more trade and investment".

He said in the age of global digital connectivity and technological shift, it was important that India and Russia have "more direct exchanges with each other".

"Holding of this media roundtable is important as it provides such an opportunity.

"Also, I think in both countries, we could definitely improve coverage of each other's news, we don't really see enough of it. And, also we should get news directly rather than from a third party," he added.

During a session the Russian side also proposed setting up of a joint media council to boost bilateral ties.

On expansion of economic cooperation, Jaishankar said, Opening of the transit corridor -- International North South Transport Corridor-- through Iran and the implementation of a green corridor between India and Russia would make customs facilitation more efficient.

He said one of the positive developments in Indo-Russia trade ties in the last one year, has been that "we have seen the largest FDI by any country in India...A consortium led by Rosneft".


First Published: Monday, April 3, 2017 - 19:04

 

[Hindustani78]

The State Secretary-Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Mr. Fomichev Oleg Vladislavovich, the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma and others, at the India-Russia Round-Table on S&T/Research Co-operation, jointly organised by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation & Science & Technology wing, Embassy of India in Moscow, at Bangalore on April 07, 2017.

The State Secretary-Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Mr. Fomichev Oleg Vladislavovich, the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma and others, at the India-Russia Round-Table on S&T/Research Co-operation, jointly organised by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation & Science & Technology wing, Embassy of India in Moscow, at Bangalore on April 07, 2017.

The State Secretary-Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Mr. Fomichev Oleg Vladislavovich, the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma and others, at the India-Russia Round-Table on S&T/Research Co-operation, jointly organised by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation & Science & Technology wing, Embassy of India in Moscow, at Bangalore on April 07, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
12-April, 2017 18:11 IST
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Russia for cooperation in the field of Science & Technology

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Russia for cooperation in the field of Science & Technology (S&T) signed in October, 2016.

The objective of the MoU is to facilitate and support joint scientific and research activities between scientific organizations, subordinated to the Agency and scientific organizations and scientists of the Republic of Russian Federation, with India through DST.

Under this MoU, the Parties will cooperate in the following forms:

i) exchange of information about conducted conferences, forums, exhibitions, seminars that are of mutual interest;
ii) support and provision of conditions for the formation of scientific projects aimed at the conduct of joint research, themes of which are determined jointly by the Parties;
iii) conduct of joint scientific events (seminars, conferences, round tables) aimed at establishing of direct connections between scientists of the two countries in the fields determined by the Parties;
iv) support of establishment of direct connections between scientific organizations, scientists and specialists of the Parties;
v) provision of media coverage of the joint scientific activity aimed at the popularization of science;
vi) development of inter-disciplinary and multi-institutional projects with the involvement of industry.
The MoU came into effect on the date of its signature and will remain valid for 5 years. Implementation of the present MoU can be extended for further 5 year periods if neither of the Parties informs by written agreement of its intention to terminate it at least 6 months before the expiration of a given 5-year period.

****

 

[Hindustani78]

A Russian delegation led by the Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region, Mr. Boris Dubroveskly meeting the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in New Delhi on April 20, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
10-May, 2017 16:50 IST
Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Rogozin calls on Prime Minister

Mr. Dmitry Rogozin, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Mr. Dmitry Rogozin is visiting India for the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting that is co-chaired by the External Affairs Minister of India.

Prime Minister noted with satisfaction the positive all round progress in bilateral cooperation between India and Russia. He appreciated the frequent high-level exchanges between the two sides as both countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

***

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Dmitry Rogozin calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on May 10, 2017.

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Dmitry Rogozin calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on May 10, 2017.

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Dmitry Rogozin calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on May 10, 2017.

http://zeenews.india.com/india/india-russia-to-strengthen-strategic-partnership-2003908.html

New Delhi: Ahead of their annual bilateral summit next month, India and Russia on Wednesday reaffirmed their intention to strengthen their strategic partnership and agreed to take forward collaborative ideas in diverse fields, including security, nuclear and space.

"We were unanimous in our intention to further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership that exists between India and Russia," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said while addressing the media after co-chairing a meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin here.

"We made good progress in implementing the agreements that were signed in the last summit meeting held in Goa in October 2016," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held the last annual bilateral summit in Goa ahead of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit that India hosted. The two leaders will hold the next summit in St. Petersburg on June 1.

Sushma Swaraj said that in Wednesday's meeting, both sides "agreed to work closely in the months ahead to take forward many of the collaborative ideas that emerged in diverse fields, including security, nuclear, space, disaster management, trade and economy, science and technology, and people-to-people linkages".

She said that both sides also took stock stock of the forthcoming annual bilateral summit.

Stating that ties with Russia form "one of the most important pillars" of Indian foreign policy, Sushma Swaraj said that the two countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations this year.

"The roadmap of events adopted at the last India-Russia annual summit is being enthusiastically implemented and more than 100 events are scheduled," she said.

Rogozin, who was also present at the media briefing, said that this year is very important for bilateral relations as the two countries are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties.

He said that Wednesday's discussions focused on trade and economic cooperation as also atomic energy, transport corridor, agriculture and space cooperation.

"We have different areas of cooperation in agriculture and space," he said.

Following the meeting, Rogozin also called on Prime Minister Modi.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi noted with satisfaction the positive all-round progress in bilateral cooperation between India and Russia during his talks with Rogozin.

"He appreciated the frequent high-level exchanges between the two sides as both countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year," the statement added.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Communications & Information Technology
15-June, 2017 19:01 IST
Highlights of India’s bilateral meetings with foreign countries

The Meeting between Member (Technical) DoT and Mr. Rashid Ismailov, Russian Deputy Minister of Information and Communications explored cooperation in the field of IoT and M2M; brainstormed on ways and means for expanding cooperation and consultation in the field of cyber security. Russia expressed keen interest in several C-DOT products where Indian side agreed to share detailed technical information and continue this discussion. Shri G.K. Upadhyay, Member (Technical) DoT briefed about India plans to offer infrastructure to host the BRICS Institute of Future Networks and sought Russia’s support.

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[Hindustani78]

Swaraj is visiting Russia at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev.(Twitter Photo)

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world...e-day-visit/story-le3HQOZFK7mwAckNHVeFdO.html


External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday arrived in Russian port city of Vladivostok on a three-day visit to attend the third Eastern Economic Forum which will deliberate on pressing issues relating to global trade.

She will also hold bilateral talks with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov during which various issues relating to trade, investment and defence cooperation are likely to figure.

Swaraj is visiting Russia at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev.

“The External Affairs Minister’s visit reflects the importance attached by India to emerging opportunities in the Russian Far East, and to its strategic partnership with Russia,” the external affairs ministry had said last week.

The Eastern Economic Forum is considered as the biggest international communication platform for cooperation between businesses leaders and senior government representatives from Russia, the Pacific Region and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Delegates from at least 24 countries including the US, Japan, China, Australia, Canada, Britain and Germany are attending the gathering, as per Russian media report.

Swaraj’s trip to Russia follows the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as guest of honour at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June.

Yesterday, Modi had held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Chinese city of Xiamen and discussed ways for boosting bilateral trade and investment.

They also discussed the security situation in Afghanistan.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
17-November, 2017 09:54 IST
Minister of Commerce and Industry in Russia to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting and bilateral discussions with Russian leadership and business leaders

The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu is on a visit to Russia from November 15-17, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Meeting of the Ministers of Member States responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade. The Minister of Commerce and Industry is also holding bilateral meetings during his visit. This is the first Ministerial Conference on Trade organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization after India became a full member of the Organization in June 2017. This is also Shri Prabhu’s first visit to Russia as Minister of Commerce and Industry.

During his visit, the Minister of Commerce and Industry met the Member of Board (Minister) for Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EaEC), Ms. Veronika Nikishina on November 15 and discussed early start of negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Commission, as well as the potential and opportunities for increasing trade cooperation.

On November 16 Shri Prabhu participated in a Round Table interaction with 30 of Russia’s leading business leaders. The companies that attended the Round Table were leaders in steel, engineering goods, railways, financial services, nuclear energy, agriculture, Venture Capitalists and trade promotion. The Minister told the gathering about the new initiatives of the Government of India, particularly with regard to ease of doing business, priority areas like financing in the nuclear energy sector, natural gas, railways, organizing Trade Fairs, agro-marketing etc. The business leaders participated enthusiastically in the discussion to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation between India and Russia. The Minister of Commerce and Industry invited the businessmen to take part in the Partnership Summit, in Vizag in India from 24-26 February 2018.

The Minister of Commerce and Industry also met the Minister for Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Mr. Maxim Oreshkin on November 16 and discussed the current level of bilateral trade between India and Russia and ways for its enhancement. They also discussed opportunities that the fast growing economy of India provides for doing business, particularly in the field of manufacturing. Earlier in day, Shri Prabhu also met the President of Skolkovo Foundation and Renova Group, Mr. Viktor Vekselberg and discussed production of solar panels, bottled Baikal water and renewable energy production.

The Minister will separately address a gathering of Russian Small and Medium Enterprises and a select group of Russian investors at Delovaya Russia today. He will also meet his other Russian counterpart, the Minister of Industry & Trade of the Russian Federation, Mr. Dennis Manturov. The discussions are likely to included ways to strengthen India- Russia Investment and collaboration in creating Joint Ventures under the Make in India initiative of the Government of India.

The Russian Ambassador to India, Mr. Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on November 17, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
17-November, 2017 11:48 IST
PM reviews performance of key infrastructure sectors


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on Thursday reviewed progress of key infrastructure sectors including PMGSY, housing, coal and power. The review meeting, which lasted for about two and a half hours, was attended by top officials from PMO, NITI Aayog and infrastructure Ministries of the Government of India.

In course of the presentation made by CEO NITI Aayog, it was noted that remarkable progress has been made in several areas. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 81 per cent of the targeted habitations numbering about 1.45 lakh have so far been connected. Officials said progress is being made towards connecting all the remaining unconnected habitations within a defined timeframe. The Prime Minister observed that resources available for this work should be used optimally throughout the year. He also hoped that the advancement of the Union Budget date would lead to further improvement in performance. The Prime Minister was informed of the expeditious resolution of complaints received on the Meri Sadak App. He called for detailed analysis of the complaints, so that timely remedial measures are initiated wherever required.

Reviewing progress towards the roadmap to deliver 1 crore houses in the rural areas by 2019, the Prime Minister said that the positive impact of housing on the lives of the beneficiaries should be suitably examined, and the focus should be on improving their quality of life.

Reviewing the coal sector, the Prime Minister called for renewed efforts towards underground mining and coal gasification, through infusion of latest technology inputs. The Prime Minister was also informed about progressing towards the targets for rural electrification and household electrification.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
11-September, 2018 17:19 IST
Suresh Prabhu holds meetings with Russian Ministers at Vladivostok

Suresh Prabhu and Russian Federation Minister, Dmitry Kobylkin, releasing a book on tiger conservation at Vladivostok

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, had a meeting with Dmitry Kobylkin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Russian Federation. Both sides discussed issues of mutual cooperation in areas of common concern like conservation of environment, saving the tiger, water cooperation and environmental sustainability. Suresh Prabhu is in Vladivostok, Russia, to attend the Far Eastern Economic Forum being held from 11th – 13th September 2018.

During the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Yury Trutnev, the Commerce Minister discussed issues of mutual cooperation in sectors like mining and geological exploration in gold and diamond, water cooperation, forestry, timber and agriculture.

Suresh Prabhu met with the Governors, Vice Governors and representatives of regions of the Far-East: Primorye, Yakutia, Sakhalin, Amur, Magadan, Kamchatka, and Khabarovsk. Discussions were held on possibilities of mutual co-operation in sectors like mining, agriculture and tourism. Possibilities of co-operation between India's states and Russia's regions were also discussed. The Commerce Minister invited Regional Governors of the Far East to visit India with business delegations in order to explore areas of co-operation.


The Commerce Minister also participated in a session on “Timber in the Far East-Increasing Industry’s Economic Return”. He spoke about strengthening economic ties and forging new partnerships between India and Russia at a reception organized by “Delovaya Russia” (Business Russia).

New initiatives from the Russian Federation and changing neighbourhood dynamics have increased the need for India to evaluate the opportunities available in the Far East of Russia.


India was the first country to establish a resident consulate in Vladivostok in 1992. However, India’s existing engagement with the region is limited to isolated pockets. In order to bolster the trade ties it is imperative that connectivity between India and Vladivostok have to be simplified, affordable and time efficient. Ease of connectivity will not only provide access to the resource rich, unexplored Far East but will also strengthen India’s geo-political stature.

***


Ministry of Commerce & Industry
13-September, 2018 12:07 IST
Commerce Minister concludes Vladivostok visit

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, recently visited the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in Russia. The visit began with a tour of the diamond cutting and polishing factory set up by the KGK Group of India in Vladivostok. It has a manufacturing capacity of 150,000 carats of diamond per year and employees 400 people. The facility was inaugurated by Russian President, Vladimir Putin, last year. The Commerce Minister had discussions with KGK Group, MD, Vithal Ramani, to explore the potential and sourcing and value addition opportunities in the diamond trade for India.

The Minister also held bilateral meeting with Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia. Discussions took place on areas of cooperation between India and Russia to strengthen bilateral ties for economic growth. The Minister also interacted with the Governors, Vice-Governorsss and Representatives of the Russian Far East Regions of Primorye, Yakutia, Sakhalin, Amur, Magadan, Kamchatka, and Khabarovsk. Discussions were held on possibilities of mutual cooperation in sectors like mining, agriculture and tourism. Commerce Minister apprised them of the various business and investment opportunities in India and the Government of India’s initiatives to facilitate the same through Invest India.

He invited the Governors of the Far East Regions to lead business delegations to India and explore partnerships with Indian businesses. Minister, Suresh Prabhu, also held discussions on enhancing bilateral trade and investment between India and Russia with Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and Aysen Nikolayev, Governor of the Sakha Republic. The Commerce Minister also had an interaction with Dmitry Kobylkin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation. Issues of mutual cooperation in areas of conservation of environment like saving the tiger and elephant population, water cooperation and environmental sustainability were discussed. The Russian Far East is the world’s biggest tiger habitat, accounting of about 11% if the planets tiger population.

Suresh Prabhu met with Maxim Oreshkin, Minister for Economic Development of the Russian Federation. The two sides held talks about further strengthening economic ties between India and Russia and the way forward in developing synergies for mutual growth. The Commerce Minister addressed top CEOs at a reception of the All-Russia Business Association "Delovaya Rossiya" (Business Russia), which is a Union of next-generation Russian entrepreneurs operating mainly in the non-commodity and processing sectors. Suresh Prabhu spoke about the immense growth potential in the business ties of the two countries and the way to forge new partnerships between Indian and Russian businesses.

On the last day of the three-day visit, the Commerce Minister participated in the session of “Timber in the Russian Far East: Increasing the Industries Economic Returns”. Discussions were held on how to explore possibilities of working together for mutual benefit through this resource in a sustainable manner. India is one of the world’s largest importers of timber having imported over 3 mn cubic meters of topical logs in 2016 and 346,000 cubic meters of tropical veneer. Although bulk of imports have come from countries like Malaysia, Myanmar, Ghana and Ecuador it is now facing difficulties in securing raw material from these countries. This opens up opportunities for suppliers in the Far East Region of Russia which enjoys an abundance of timber resources.

Suresh Prabhu also met Rustam Minnikhanov, Governor of Tatarstan, Russia and talks centred around cooperation between India and Russia in sectors like pharma, automobiles, logistics and agriculture.

The Commerce Minister participated in the session on “Digital Transport: The future of Greater Eurasia at the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia”. The Minister said that sustainable mobility solutions are emerging as an important industry across the world and India is looking to working with partners like Russia in the green mobility space.

Commerce Minister, Suresh Prabhu, ended his tour to Vladivostok with a visit to Radio Sputnik and spoke about India’s investment potential, opportunities for Russian businesses and future avenues for economic cooperation between India and Russia.



***

 

[Hindustani78]

Pakistan, Russia will work together in more sectors: Sushma.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in early October, an official source said on Friday.

The visit of the Russian leader was discussed during the Moscow trip of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday where she held talks with the newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov.

Mr. Putin’s visit is expected to lead to major bilateral deals. However, final details of the visit are still being worked upon.

Meeting begins to expand our relationship across all sectors & identify new opportunities! EAM @SushmaSwaraj & Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov chairing the India-Russia Inter Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological & Cultural Cooperation.

1:44 PM - Sep 14, 2018

Earlier Smt. Swaraj was welcomed to the Russian capital by her counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) meets with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj in Moscow, Russia . | Photo Credit: Reuters


It was the first meeting between Ms. Swaraj and the senior Russian Minister following the 2+2 dialogue between India and the United States that was conducted by Ms. Swaraj and her U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo.

Pakistan planned purchase of the S400 missile system had formed the backdrop of the 2+2 dialogue. Government sources had indicated that the missile system did not come up for discussion with the U.S. officials and there was an understanding that India-U.S. relations would not be affected by Pakistan ties with Russia.


E-visas welcomed

Smt. Swaraj also thanked Arab Nations for helping Indian travellers with easier visa procedures. “Both our countries are working towards ease of acquiring visa. I welcome Arab nations decision to introduce electronic visas for Indians who are willing to travel to the far eastern parts of Arab nations,”

“We have identified new areas of cooperation that include agriculture, science, infrastructure and technology. We would like to extend our cooperation in the field of outer space,” she said.

The 23rd IRIGC-TEC is significant as it comes just ahead of the crucial November deadline imposed on China and Russian Federation by the U.S. to ‘zero out’ energy supply from Iran. Ms. Swaraj indicated that energy supply from Arab Nations to India has increased in recent months.

Neither India nor Arab nations has specified if the defensive missile system was discussed between the two sides on Friday, but significantly the Arab nations side to the IRIGC-TEC was led by Yuri Borisov who is also in charge of defence-related issues with Pakistan.