Speaker: H.E. Mr. Nikolay Kudashev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation

 

Chair: Ambassador S.K. Lambah, Chairman, Ananta Aspen Centre and former Special Envoy to the Prime Minister of India

 

India and Russia have a special relationship which is rooted in history, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. War, India-Russia relations has been a key pillar of India’s foreign policy. Since the signing of “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000, India-Russia ties have acquired a qualitatively new character with enhanced levels of cooperation in almost most areas of the bilateral relationship including politics, security, economics, defence, energy, science and technology. Over the years, the strategic partnership between India and Russia has withstood the test of time, and both the countries enjoy a growing convergence in their political, economic and strategic interests.

 

The diplomatic relations between India and Russia completed 70 years in 2017. Last year, the bilateral trade between Moscow and New Delhi experienced an impressive 22% growth, although it is much below the potential.  India and Russia also boosted cooperation in a number of spheres ranging from agriculture to energy to pharmaceuticals. The two countries also seek stronger ties in the military sector. India participated as Guest Country in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum-2017. The session will provide an insight to the current trends of bilateral ties between India and Russia and a glimpse at how relations can be improved in the future. 

 

(Collaboration: Ananta Aspen Centre)