25 Years of India-Russia Strategic Partnership: Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Future Cooperation

Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Russia.

New Delhi:

On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commemorated the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, describing the relationship as a "special, privileged strategic partnership."

During the weekly MEA briefing, Mr. Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the date, stating, "Today is a special day, 3rd of October. On 3rd October 2000, we established the India-Russia Strategic Partnership. Today, we are celebrating 25 years of this special partnership."

He elaborated, "India and Russia enjoy a special and privileged strategic partnership. We look forward to strengthening these ties and want to enhance each and every segment we are working on together, including trade issues, economic issues, investment issues, defence relations, and science and technology."

Mr. Jaiswal further emphasized that "both sides are committed," adding that India is eager to strengthen economic ties and further build on its relationship with Russia.

These remarks come as India and Russia are finalizing arrangements for Russian President Vladimir Putin's anticipated visit to India, which sources indicate is likely to occur in early December.

Earlier that day, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov also acknowledged the 25th anniversary milestone of the India-Russia strategic partnership.

In a post on X, Ambassador Alipov stated, "On October 3, 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee signed the declaration on strategic partnership, which opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. Today we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of this historic declaration."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to visit India ahead of President Putin's visit to prepare for the summit and discuss bilateral matters.

On Thursday, speaking at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, calling him a "wise leader" who prioritizes his country, according to Russia Today.

Putin highlighted the "special" relationship between India and Russia, stating, "People in India do not forget about this and our relations, I believe. Some 15 years ago, we made an announcement about a privileged strategic partnership, and that is the best description. Prime Minister Modi is a very wise leader who thinks first about his country."