India, Russia take forward 'Druzhba-Dosti' vision

India and Russia took forward their time-tested friendship and their "Druzhba-Dosti" vision as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday co-chaired a crucial inter-governmental commission meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

Sushma Swaraj, who is here on a three-day visit, also held talks with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

She co-chaired the 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with Rogozin,

"Carrying forward Druzhba-Dosti. EAM @SushmaSwaraj & DPM Rogozin sign the protocol for the 21st session of IRIGC-TEC," tweeted external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj at IGC:#MakeInIndia has created tremendously positive atmosphere to facilitate investment in India," he posted.

During her talks with both Russian leaders, she conveyed that the word 'Russia' immediately invokes a feeling of warmth among Indians.

"I want to tell you that Russia is India's tried and tested partner and a real friend. Our foreign policy towards Russia has always been the same," she said.

Lavrov, during the interaction, pointed to the privileged nature of cooperation between Russia and India.

"The privileged partnership between our countries is a unique achievement of our peoples," he said.

Lavrov voiced confidence that Sushma Swaraj's visit to Moscow would provide added impetus to taking forward the agreements arrived at during Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi last December.

She noted that India's policy towards Russia had always been the same irrespective of who was in the government.

Earlier, addressing a meeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) industries ministers, she urged the BRICS partners to invest in India's flagship programmes including 'Make in India' and 'Skill India'.

Sushma Swaraj said the government has laid down a clear roadmap for lowering corporate taxes.

She also held talks with her Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov on key issues, including TAPI gas pipeline and Ashgabat Agreement on trade and transit.

Sushma Swaraj, who had a stopover in Ashgabat on her way to Moscow, met Meredov who said that they will be sending the Ashgabat Agreement copy to India for further discussion.