India, Russia for resolution of Ukraine conflict through dialogue, diplomacy

10/07/2024

MOSCOW/NEW DELHI, Jul 9: India and Russia highlighted the imperative of peaceful resolution of the conflict around Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy including engagement between both parties, a joint statement issued after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
The joint statement, titled 'India-Russia: Enduring and Expanding Partnership', also strongly condemned the recent dastardly terrorist attack on an Army convoy in Kathua area of Jammu & Kashmir on 8th July 2024, in Dagestan on 23rd June and on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow on 22nd March and stressed that these terrorist attacks are a grim reminder for further strengthening cooperation to combat terrorism.
The joint statement "highly appreciated the special nature of this time-tested relationship which is based on trust, mutual understanding and strategic convergence".
In the sphere of trade, the two Sides noted with satisfaction the significant growth of bilateral trade in 2023 which is around double of the bilateral trade target of USD 30 billion set by the Leaders for 2025.
The Leaders agreed to set the bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.
The Leaders instructed the concerned agencies to prepare a Programme for the development of promising areas of Russian-Indian economic cooperation till 2030 (Programme-2030).
The Sides agreed to continue working together to promote bilateral settlement system using national currencies. The Sides agreed to continue consultations for interoperability of their financial messaging systems.
The Leaders appreciated the initial meeting in March 2024 to commence full negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. The Leaders also directed their relevant officials to explore the possibility of commencing negotiations for signing a bilateral free-trade agreement in services and investments.
The Sides agreed to continue discussion on the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
The Sides expressed readiness to actively work to expand logistics links with an emphasis on increasing the capacity of infrastructure, including for implementation of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor, as well as using the potential of the Northern Sea Route.
The Sides appreciated the ongoing cooperation in the coal sector and agreed to explore the possibility for further increasing supply of coking coal to India, and the opportunities of exporting anthracite coal from Russia to India.
The Sides expressed their readiness to intensify trade and investment cooperation in the Far East and the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.
The Sides welcomed the progress achieved in the construction of the remaining nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam and agreed on adhering to the schedule, including to the timelines for delivery of supplies.
Both Sides noted the importance of further discussion on the second site in India in accordance with earlier signed agreements. The Sides agreed to continue technical discussions on the VVER 1200 of the Russian design, localization of equipment and joint manufacturing of NPP components as well as on cooperation in third countries. The Sides confirmed their intention to broaden cooperation in Nuclear Power including fuel cycle, life cycle support for operating KKNPPs and non-power applications.
The Sides welcomed the enhanced partnership between the Indian Space Research Organization and the Russian State Space Corporation "Roscosmos" in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes, including in the human spaceflight programs, satellite navigation and planetary exploration.
Military and Military Technical Cooperation
Responding to India's quest for self-sufficiency, the partnership is reorienting presently to joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defence technology and systems. The Sides confirmed commitment to maintain the momentum of joint military cooperation activities and expand military delegation exchanges.
Both Sides agreed to encourage joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, aggregates and other products for maintenance of Russian origin arms and defence equipment under Make-in-India program through transfer of technology and setting up of joint ventures for meeting the needs of the Indian Armed Forces as well as subsequent export to mutually friendly third countries by the Sides' approval.
The Sides agreed to continue their consultations on mutual recognition of education and academic degrees.
Both Sides called for comprehensive reform of the UNSC to reflect contemporary global realities and to make it more representative, effective and efficient in dealing with issues of international peace and security. Russia reiterated its steadfast support for India's permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.
The Leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens.
The Sides called for an uncompromising fight against international terrorism and extremism in all their forms and manifestations, noting the importance of increasing cooperation in this area, without hidden agendas and double standards on the solid basis of international law and the UN Charter.
The Leaders reiterated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their supporters must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with international law.
Russia expressed its strong support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
The Sides noted with appreciation the close coordination between India and Russia on Afghanistan including through the dialogue mechanism between the Security Councils of both countries. Both Sides discussed the situation in Afghanistan, including the security situation and its implications in the region, the current political situation, issues related to terrorism, radicalization and drug trafficking.
They noted with appreciation relevant proposals of mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict in accordance with international law and on the basis of the UN Charter in its entirety and totality.
The Sides expressed deep concern on the situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Gaza.
The Sides agreed to strengthen joint efforts to build an architecture of equal and indivisible regional security and to intensify consultations on complementarities between integration and development initiatives in Greater Eurasian space and in the regions of Indian and Pacific oceans.
The Sides noted with satisfaction the resilience of India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and the convergent and complementary approaches of their foreign policy priorities, and reaffirmed their commitment for its further strengthening.
They stressed that India and Russia as major powers will continue to strive for global peace and stability in multipolar world.

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