PM Modi, President Putin for 'zero tolerance' in dealing with terrorism

Appreciating Russia's stand and support to fight against cross-border terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said President Vladimir Putin and he affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters.

Addressing a joint press conference with President Putin after bilateral talks and signing of agreements, Prime Minister Modi said, "Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region. We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters."

"President Putin and I noted the similarity of our views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia. We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets," said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Modi further said the close collaboration between Russia and India at the United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation makes "our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage".

"The success of this Summit shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of the India-Russia strategic partnership. It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues," he added.

The Prime Minister said, "Since the last two Annual Summits, the journey of our partnership has seen renewed focus and drive."

Noting that President Putin and he have just concluded an extensive and useful conversation on the entire spectrum of engagement between the two nations, Prime Minister Modi said, "The highly productive outcomes of our meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of our strategic partnership. They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead."

"The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities. They also help us achieve the objectives of Make in India," he said.

"We have also agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration. These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in," said the Prime Minister.

Talking about the laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum units 3 and 4, Prime Minister Modi said, "Just minutes ago, with dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4, we saw the tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field of Civil Nuclear Energy. And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localisation and manufacturing in India," he said.

Recalling that last year in Moscow, he had said that Russia and India would be enlarging our presence in Russia's Hydrocarbon sector," the Prime Minister noted, "In last four months alone, in a clear expression of our strong and deep engagement in the Hydrocarbon sector, Indian companies have invested close to US Dollars 5.5 billion in Russia's Oil and Gas sector. And, with President Putin's support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further."

"We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries. A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising 'Energy Bridge' between our two countries," he added.