New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be touring Russia for two days, called the country India's "unwavering friend" while adding that the considerable interest shown by Russian citizens in Indian traditions and culture makes the relationship between the two countries stronger. Elaborating on the deep ties between the two countries which withstood the upheavals of USSR's breakup and end of Cold War, Modi said he was committed to developing the relationship to its fullest potential.
In an interview to Russian news agency TASS, Modi drew parallels between his and President Vladimir Putin's political journey. "He took over in 2000, I took over in 2001. And in 2001, I visited as a member of the prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's delegation, in capacity of a chief minister. So that was my first meeting. When I go to Russia, there is a thought in my mind that I have delayed the visit a bit. Secondly, I am hesitating a bit. But I am filled with enthusiasm that I'm going to a friend's house. And visit a friend, the feeling of oneness, the emotions, I am feeling it. The relations between India and Russia are linked together through the water, land and sky."
Thanking Russia for its unstinted support to India during times of crisis, Modi said, "We never had to wait to know what Russia will do with us in this regard. We remain confident that we are doing this, Russia will do it with us. So this in itself, an atmosphere of trust continues between the two countries. And in this sense, our relationship, in one way is a new level of strategic partnership, which is taking us in that direction."
"Between me and President Putin, trust is a very big strength, confidence is a very big strength. Secondly it is openness. There are those who think something, but say something else. This I have not experienced with President Putin. What he thinks, he says in clear words. You might like it or not like it, he is not tense about it. He explains with a feeling of oneness and in a friendly manner," said Modi about Putin.
Pointing out that India-Russia ties go back several hundred years, Modi said that Russia was probably one of the first European countries to have introduced Indology studies. He thanked Russia for "a genuinely close strategic partnership, characterised by unmatched mutual trust and confidence, and solidarity with each other".
"Russian assistance has helped India’s industrialisation and progress in many areas, including space. Russia provided defence equipment to India and international support when a few were willing to hold our hands," said the Indian Prime Minister.
Despite the breakup of USSR and the end of Cold War, the India-Russia relationship has thrived for which Modi credited Putin and Indian leaders over the past two decades.
Russia was the also first country with which India concluded a formal agreement on strategic partnership, which has since been elevated to the level of ‘special and privileged’ strategic partnership in recognition of the multifaceted bilateral engagement.
"The strengths of Russia in science and technology, military technology and nuclear energy to name a few, complement the large market of India, expanding economy and demand of its young population. This provides us with the confidence that we can take forward our existing dynamic partnership," said Modi.
Even as the United States of America, Israel and France are making inroads into the lucrative Indian defence market, Modi pointed out India and Russia enjoyed robust partnership in the field of defence, nuclear energy, science and technology and other areas. "Russia has been the largest supplier of military equipment to India and would remain so," he added.
Modi also explained the growing nuclear partnership between the two countries by pointing out that Russia is currently India leading international partner. "Our cooperation with Russia in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a cornerstone of our strategic partnership. I am glad that the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project has become operational, and is set to expand. I believe our cooperation in the area of nuclear energy will continue to grow. After Kudankulam, we are finalising a second site for Russian-designed reactors in India. We have outlined an ambitious vision for nuclear energy and construction of at least 12 reactors, which will have the highest safety standards in the world."
He also hoped that India-Russia bilateral trade, though growing, will increase to $30 billion by 2025 and the investments to $15 billion each by 2025.
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