Indian President Shri Pranab Mukherjee

President of India: We are looking forward to the outcomes of Russia’s BRICS Presidency

Russia-India bilateral relations cover almost all areas of human activity, said Indian President Shri Pranab Mukherjee in an interview with TASS news agency on the eve of his visit to the Russian Federation.

"Russia was the first country with which India concluded a Declaration on Strategic Partnership. Signing the declaration in October 2000, the countries thereby recognised a significant strengthening of our multi-faceted relations. Within the decade that followed, our relationship evolved into a special and privileged strategic partnership," - the Indian President said.

Shri Pranab Mukherjee also said that in recent years Russia and India have made substantial progress in terms of cooperation in the defence industry and nuclear energy. "At the same time, there is still considerable untapped potential for the further strengthening of our partnership. At the most recent summit, we identified initiatives to take our economic relations to a significantly higher level," the President pointed out.

He went on to say that India's relationship with Russia covers a wide range of issues, including cooperation in multilateral forums and consultations on issues of global security and regional development. "We share similar perspectives on all these matters, including the growing threat of terrorism in the region. We work together within the G20 and BRICS to promote our shared interests, and this year, are looking forward to the outcomes of Russia's Presidency in the BRICS," Shri Pranab Mukherjee said.

The President also noted Russia's decisive contribution to the victory over Nazism and fascism. "I visited Moscow for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Victory in 1995, and I remember the solemn fervour of the event. It will be an honour to be part of the commemoration of the 70th Victory anniversary, which will be a recognition of Russia's monumental contribution to the victory over Nazism and fascism. I am very happy that an Indian military contingent will be part of the Victory Day parade for the very first time. The commemoration also reminds us of the need for all countries to actively promote peace for the common good of mankind, and to never forget the lessons of the war," he noted.