The just-concluded 12th Indo-Russian summit in Moscow has every reason to be called one of the most successful and productive bilateral meetings in recent years. Its outcome must be judged not by the number of documents signed but by the depth and range of understandings that emerged in the course of an unprecedented six hours of interaction Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had, first with President Dmitry Medvedev and then with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The agreements covered all the key areas that underpin the “special and privileged” strategic partnership between the two countries — energy, defence, space, trade and investment, and working together on the international scene. While a formal agreement on Units 3 and 4 at Kudankulam nuclear power project was not signed, pending the resolution of the safety issue controversy in India, the sides moved forward with the project. They agreed on exceptional soft loan terms for the new reactors that will ease the financial burden for India at the time of a global economic slowdown. The talks in Moscow also firmed up prospects for India to expand its presence in Russian oil and gas through joint ventures with Gazprom and Novatek. Steel, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, and hydrocarbons have been identified as new thrust areas of bilateral cooperation. The establishment of a Science and Technology Centre with offices in Moscow and New Delhi opens the way to commercialising hundreds of successful research projects undertaken by the two countries over the past two decades.
Following Russia's entry into the World Trade Organisation, India is looking forward to signing a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with the Belarus-Kazakhstan-Russia Customs Union, which will facilitate India's access to the vast market of the three former Soviet states. Bilateral defence cooperation, in the words of President Medvedev, has reached a “record high level.” The agreement on the military uses of the Russian GLONASS navigation system, the ongoing Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft project, the upcoming lease of a nuclear submarine, and the refitted Gorshkov aircraft carrier have reinforced Russia as an irreplaceable source of high-end technologies for India. The talks have produced a meeting of minds on burning international issues, including Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, terrorism, and security in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia has strongly supported India's bid to join the U.N. Security Council as a permanent member and to upgrade its membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The summit reasserted the special character of the Indo-Russian relationship, which Prime Minister Singh has aptly described as an “anchor of peace and stability” in a world of shifting global power equations.
Keywords: 12th Indo-Russian summit, India, Russia, bilateral ties, Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, WTO, Manmohan Singh, Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev
we cant exactly opine about who is the best or historical friend to
india in this radically changing foreign policy world. but we can
believe the fact that russia had never shown its back to india when it
comes to ratification of indian interests either in the bilateral or
international forums. with the growing hegemony of china in the
borders there is very much requirement to have a Kautilya's strong
mitra in our back drop to counterfeit the strong Ari. With many ties
in the defence and energy sectors its assertive for india to increase
its potential in the right time. At the same time its the time to
learn lessons to have a steady and comprehensive decisions, other wise
which resulted in many dollar loss to exchecker in the kundankulam
case. Although india has the history of foreign policy dealing in the
hands of prime minister, with the increase in the public awareness,
media, party politics, colation... its better to deal with the things
in parliament with lagitimate discussions.
MMS is the most knowledgeable, honest and able PM India ever had. But just because of his inability to curb corruption and inaction when dealing with internal politics, beauraucracy and non-cooperation from Left/Coalition made his tenure full of expectations and less of achievement.
once again Russia displayed that its relationship with India is beyond commercial gains.Russia being the powerhouse of Europe has also open the path for investment in companies like Gazprom and Novatek for energy thirsty india.India is also looking forward to signing a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with the Belarus-Kazakhstan-Russia Customs Union. This will facilitate India's access to the vast market of the three former Soviet states.India has observer status in SCO(Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) along with USA,Russia has strongly supported India to get upgraded its status in SCO .
It's time India need to broaden its ties with Russia.Defence has always been at the top of priority list between the two nations.India should realise by now that Russia has been a trusted friend and therefore it should seek to promote economic growth through exchange of resources viz.steel,diamonds,hydrocarbons as well.India could benefit by exporting its recent reserves of thorium in the process of nuclear cooperation between the two nations.This particular summit in the midst of the recent global economic turmoil has obviously be seen by many economic experts as a key step towards bringing economic stability in the country.
PM Manmohan Singh may be a puppet when he is in India.But outside India, he is a true leader. He is signing all the deals that are benefit for our country, which will make us a super power in the future.Russia has always been a good friend of India. All the defence, economic,nuclear deals will further strengthen the friendship.
India should now enter the big league in International Relations by pushing for the fructification of the dormant Russia-China-India triad that could become a rostrum for the formation of another global power centre (multipolar world if you please.) The SCO members and other Asian nations can also join up and expand this organisation into a truly influential entity in global matters. Brazil, South Africa and similar like minded countries should be encouraged to join to give it more clout.
It will be more beneficial to a developing country-India to move towards Russia.It not only benefits the nuclear policy but the other various fields also such as diamonds, pharmaceuticals etc.It will surely strengthen the economic and nuclear growth of India.though it is little late but surely last for a long time.
The relationship between India and Russia(formerly the USSR), was called strategic and it almost entirely focused on Defence deals. Now,India has started to focus on economic growth and this explains why the current round of talks dealt with a such a varied list of issues. In the years to come, as Russia moves to greater democracy and free Institutions, India can be a huge help. At a time when the World is truly becoming multipolar, India is correctly strengthening its core relationship with its oldest friend
It is well-established fact that Russia is gem friend of India.U.S always uses India only for it's concealed purposes, whether it's a nuclear deal or FDI .Notwithstanding,India's policy always try to focus on U.S on a priority basis.Time has come, when India ought to focus more on Russia .Recent three day visit of PM Dr Manmohan Singh to Russia and it's successful completion in all fields including Defence,Space and Nuclear self narrate the story .
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