03 november / 2020
Russia is not just a friend – but a soulmate of India
It was noted with regret the article with defiant title “Russia is not a friend of India” by Mr Subramanian Swamy in the Sunday Guardian on October 31, 2020.
Unfortunately, it appears to be misleading in terms of true understanding of the entire course of development, current state and prospects of the Russian-Indian strategic partnership, which is crossing the 20th anniversary this year. It also should be admitted that it demonstrates lack of knowledge of the modern Russian realities that equates relevant assessments in the article with geopolitically motivated groundless and biased approach by some Western news agencies. Especially surprising is that it is diminishing dedicated contribution of the people of the two great and friendly nations who made the proud bilateral achievements possible.
Russia enjoys productive and trusted relations with all political forces of the country. While major early bilateral steps were made when the Indian National Congress was in power (establishing diplomatic ties even before the Indian independence was officially announced; large contribution in the accelerated industrialization; mutual support in crucial events of the Cold war, including in 1971), the Declaration of the Strategic Partnership was signed during the tenure of the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which took our cooperation forward.
Now we can speak about indeed special partnership, which becomes a source of support of national development strategies of both countries, including “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Be it unparalleled joint endeavors in nuclear power sector or trusted defence cooperation with real technology transfer, advanced localization of production and even cooperation with third countries.
Professional experts on the Russian foreign policy may wish to agree that Russia doesn’t develop any relations at the expense of other countries. Russia doesn’t practice a hidden agenda, interference in domestic affairs and regime change efforts as well as illegal unilateral sanctions.
Having special but independent relations with both India and China, we would encourage our largest Asian partners to resolve differences by constructive dialogue. Disagreements between India and China doesn’t benefit both sides, but provide some dishonest elements with an opportunity to interfere in their bilateral dialogue. We are confident that both countries, well-known with their ancient history and wisdom, are capable of dealing with the problem on their own.
Coinciding global priorities make Russia and India truly likemided. Our multilateral partnership in the framework of G20, BRICS, SCO, etc. is based on the solid ground of our common priority to proceed towards just and equal multipolar world with the central role of the United Nations and international law as well as undivided security.
It is true that Indians think that Russians are India’s permanent friends. It is the same for the Russians. Especially today, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are witnessing how much our mutual support means when it comes to helping repatriation of national of both countries, supplies of vital medicines as well as deep cooperation on vaccines.
So, the Russian-Indian ties are unique, and they cannot be harmed by a single misleading article, which by no means have any link to the reality and, of course, doesn’t reflect any official position.
Unfortunately, it appears to be misleading in terms of true understanding of the entire course of development, current state and prospects of the Russian-Indian strategic partnership, which is crossing the 20th anniversary this year. It also should be admitted that it demonstrates lack of knowledge of the modern Russian realities that equates relevant assessments in the article with geopolitically motivated groundless and biased approach by some Western news agencies. Especially surprising is that it is diminishing dedicated contribution of the people of the two great and friendly nations who made the proud bilateral achievements possible.
Russia enjoys productive and trusted relations with all political forces of the country. While major early bilateral steps were made when the Indian National Congress was in power (establishing diplomatic ties even before the Indian independence was officially announced; large contribution in the accelerated industrialization; mutual support in crucial events of the Cold war, including in 1971), the Declaration of the Strategic Partnership was signed during the tenure of the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which took our cooperation forward.
Now we can speak about indeed special partnership, which becomes a source of support of national development strategies of both countries, including “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Be it unparalleled joint endeavors in nuclear power sector or trusted defence cooperation with real technology transfer, advanced localization of production and even cooperation with third countries.
Professional experts on the Russian foreign policy may wish to agree that Russia doesn’t develop any relations at the expense of other countries. Russia doesn’t practice a hidden agenda, interference in domestic affairs and regime change efforts as well as illegal unilateral sanctions.
Having special but independent relations with both India and China, we would encourage our largest Asian partners to resolve differences by constructive dialogue. Disagreements between India and China doesn’t benefit both sides, but provide some dishonest elements with an opportunity to interfere in their bilateral dialogue. We are confident that both countries, well-known with their ancient history and wisdom, are capable of dealing with the problem on their own.
Coinciding global priorities make Russia and India truly likemided. Our multilateral partnership in the framework of G20, BRICS, SCO, etc. is based on the solid ground of our common priority to proceed towards just and equal multipolar world with the central role of the United Nations and international law as well as undivided security.
It is true that Indians think that Russians are India’s permanent friends. It is the same for the Russians. Especially today, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are witnessing how much our mutual support means when it comes to helping repatriation of national of both countries, supplies of vital medicines as well as deep cooperation on vaccines.
So, the Russian-Indian ties are unique, and they cannot be harmed by a single misleading article, which by no means have any link to the reality and, of course, doesn’t reflect any official position.
