Ties with other countries not at the cost of Russia: India

I / Moscow September 30, 2009, 14:23 IST

India has told Russia that its relationship with other countries will not be at the cost of Moscow, which "remains in the focus of Indian radar".     

"I reiterated India's abiding commitment to nurture and consolidate the strategic partnership with Russia," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma told reporters here after a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.     

During his 20-minute meeting with the Russian strongman, Sharma assured him that despite New Delhi's growing engagement with the US, "Russia remains in the focus of Indian radar".     

Earlier, speaking at the third India-Russia Forum on Trade and Investment attended by over 350 business and industry leaders of the two countries, Sharma, without mentioning the US, said India's engagement with other countries will not be at the cost of Moscow.      

He said "no country" could substitute New Delhi's relations with Russia as it was based on trust and friendship.      

The Union minister underlined that some of the Indian space achievements, including Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission and recent launching of multiple satellites by ISRO, were possible due to 'consistent technological support' from Russia.      

Sharma said, Putin, who is expected to visit India early next year, welcomed the diversification of Indian trade basket by moving to joint projects, ventures and investments in core sectors of economy including space, defence, infrastructure, IT, Telecom, in all forms of energy including non-conventional and nuclear.