Modi, Putin vow to take forward India-Russia ties

India and Russia on Friday discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the civil nuclear energy and hydrocarbon sector as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to take forward the special and privileged bilateral partnership.

Modi and Putin, during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here, discussed a range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern. “The two leaders discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sector. They also discussed furthering cooperation in the space sector. Matters relating to trade and investment also came up,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

He added that President Putin welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO that has kick-started the process of India’s accession as into the powerful grouping as a “full member”. 

Putin said Russia was looking forward to India’s chairmanship of BRICS, adding it has grown in influence. “President Putin said India is a special and privileged partner. There is long standing friendship between Russia and India. He welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO and looked forward to India’s Chairmanship of BRICS, which has grown in influence,” said Swarup.

He said the Prime Minister thanked Russia for its support to India in SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia. India has assumed chairmanship of the influential bloc BRICS, comprising five countries having 42 per cent of the world population and combined GDP of over $16 trillion. India will host the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-China-South Africa) summit later this year.