Envoy Alipov addressed the highlights of diplomatic relationship between the two countries referring to 75 years of the India-Russia ties. He also talked about future prospects benefiting both countries.
- Envoy Alipov said that Russia cherishes the mutual and equal friendship between the two nations.
- As a result of their attack on Ukraine, Russia is facing several economic sanctions from the western superpowers.
- In the backdrop of the western countries’ leaving, there is an increased scope of opportunities for Indian businesses.
Envoy Alipov announced that there are plenty of new opportunities for Indian businesses in the Russian market. This is in addition to the ongoing projects in connectivity, diamond processing, healthcare, tourism, railways, metallurgy, civil aviation, shipbuilding, oil refinery, and petrochemicals. This is especially the case against the backdrop of the withdrawal of many western companies from the country.
These comments from Alipov came in the midst of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a “special military operation” against its eastern European neighbour, Ukraine. This happened on February 24th, and it has now been over a hundred days of being in war. Since then, millions of residents have fled the country, and many others continue to fight the battle against Russian troops.
Consequently, Russia is facing economic sanctions imposed against it by Western superpowers, including the United States and Europe. As a result, a significant number of western business entities are leaving Russia over its attack on Ukraine.
While difficult to quantify, the economic toll on Russia is far-reaching, spreading widely from its largest companies to workers and small shops. The central bank has slashed interest rates as a measure to support the country’s economy. However, it has also warned both companies and citizens of the difficulties to be faced in the coming months.
Russia has become isolated from Western suppliers. With the inflation rate rising to 17.8 percent, prices of consumer goods have blown sky-high. As European customers begin to pivot away from Russian oil, sales in the lucrative energy sector, which are still high, are projected to plunge. Being cut off from Western manufacturers, airlines are searching for spare parts.
India has not condemned the Russian action yet, choosing to maintain a diplomatic stand with Russia at all global forums. It pressed for the resolution of this crisis through dialogue.
75 years of diplomatic ties between India and Russia
In the foreword of the Russia Digest magazine, Alipov addressed the relationship between the two strategic nations. This happened on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia. Alipov highlighted that both the nation’s positions on core issues remain similar or coincide. Stressing the need to uphold the central role of the UN towards just and equal multipolarity and opposing unilateral and confrontational approaches.
According to him, the successful implementation of flagship initiatives makes the cooperation between the two countries unparalleled. These initiatives include the Kudankulam nuclear power plant project in Tamil Nadu; the AK-203 rifle manufacturing program; and the production of the main battle tanks along with frigates, submarines, and Brahmos missiles. He announced that the delivery of S-400 air defence missile systems to India is proceeding well in accordance with the schedule as well. Priority is being given to the implementation of the North-South transport corridor project. Efforts are being put into effect for the early conclusion of the free trade pact between the Eurasian Economic Union and India.
“Russia deeply cherishes equal and respectful relations with India. Our cooperation plays the role of a defining factor for global peace, stability and sustainable development,” Alipov said.
Alipov expressed confidence in the future of bilateral ties shared between the nations. They are prepared to move forward to utilise this potential and explore new horizons for the benefit of the people of both nations. He talked about the positive trend of 2021, with increased volumes of bilateral trade by more than 45 percent. In 2022, this will be supplemented by intensified cooperation in energy and fertilisers.
Alipov said both countries have succeeded in building a true friendship and mutual trust over the years. The current multidimensional cooperation between the two is among the world’s most elaborate ones, with regular meetings of the two intergovernmental commissions and sector-wise ministerial and security advisors. Furthermore, the two also engage in senior officials’ dialogue, foreign office consultations, and coordination in the global arena.
The envoy pointed out that Russia and India were among the first in the world to establish the practice of annual bilateral summits. He highlighted how both continue close coordination on the agenda of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), along with the G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
He announced Russia’s intention to strengthen international peace. To ensure global security and stability with a view to establishing a fair and democratic international system. One that addresses global issues on the basis of collective decision-making, the rule of international law, indivisible security and the generally accepted principles of equal rights. One with mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs.
The United States and Europe have imposed numerous economic sanctions on Russia as a result of the war. This is leading to a big economic crisis affecting all sections of the country. India has maintained a diplomatic stand with Russia on all global platforms. On the occasion of India and Russia completing 75 years of diplomatic ties, Alipov praised the mutual respect and friendship between the countries. He said that in addition to on-going projects, there are many new opportunities for Indian businesses in Russia.
