India-Russia friendship has stood test of time, says PM Narendra Modi

India has talented, dedicated workforce; tremendous scope for Indian talent to contribute to development of Russian Far East, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the India-Russia friendship has stood the test of time and asserted that the two countries together can help bring stability to the global energy market.

In his virtual address at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) being held in the Russian city of Vladivostok, Modi noted the “robust” cooperation between the two countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, including in the vaccination programme.

Lauding President Vladimir Putin’s vision for the development of the Russian Far East, he said India will be a reliable partner for Russia in realising the vision.

Noting that India has a talented and dedicated workforce while the Far East is rich in resources, the prime minister said there is tremendous scope for Indian talent to contribute to the development of the Russian Far East.

He recalled his 2019 visit to Vladivostok to attend the forum and the then announcement of India’s commitment to an “Act Far East policy”.

The policy is an important part of India’s “special and privileged strategic partnership” with Russia, Modi said.

“President Putin, I remember our detailed conversation during the boat ride from Vladivostok to Zvezda during my visit in 2019. You had shown me the modern ship-building facility at Zvezda and had expressed the hope that India would participate in this great enterprise. Today, I am delighted that one of India's biggest shipyards, Mazagon Docks Limited, will partner with Zvezda for the construction of some of the most important commercial ships in the world,” he said.

India and Russia are partners in space exploration through the Gaganyaan programme and the two countries will also be partners in the opening of the Northern Sea Route for international trade and commerce, the prime minister noted.