Joint Statement on the outcome of the Official Visit of H.E. Mr. Vladimir V. Putin, President of the Russian Federation to the Republic of India
(New Delhi; 25 January 2007)
The President of the Russian
Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir V. Putin, paid an official visit to the Republic
of India on January 25-26, 2007 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the
Republic of India Dr. Manmohan Singh. President Vladimir Putin is the first
Russian Head of State who is participating as the Chief Guest at the
celebrations on the occasion of the Republic Day. Besides a high level official
delegation, President Putin was accompanied by a group of top Russian
businessmen and industrialists representing diverse areas.
2. During his stay in New Delhi, President Vladimir Putin met the President of
India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan
Singh. The Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi
called on President Vladimir Putin. President Vladimir Putin also participated
in a business meeting attended by high level representatives from the trade and
industrial circles of India and Russia.
3. The Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation recalled with satisfaction their meeting in July 2006 on the sidelines of the G-8 Summit in St. Petersburg where the Russian Presidency had invited India as an outreach country. The two leaders discussed a broad range of issues relating to bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on important regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern. The talks were held in the traditionally warm and cordial atmosphere that is characteristic of the longstanding India-Russia friendship. They noted with particular interest that this visit took place in the year when the two sides were actively preparing to jointly commemorate the 60th anniversary (on April 13, 2007) of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Russian Federation. They expressed satisfaction that, despite many momentous developments affecting global geopolitical situation over the last several decades, India and Russia have consistently remained close and friendly partners, with a continued commitment at the highest political level to further consolidate their ties. The following documents were signed at the conclusion of the talks between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation. - Programme of Cultural Exchanges between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation for the Years 2007-2009;
- Protocol between the Government of
the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation on holding
“Year of Russia in India” in the year 2008 and “Year of India in Russia” in the
Year 2009;
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government
of the Russian Federation on the access of the Indian Party to navigation
signals of the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System GLONASS for peaceful
purposes;
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government
of the Russian Federation on access of the Indian Party to a part of the Russian
Global Navigation Satellite System GLONASS radio frequency spectrum;
- Agreement between the Indian Space Research Organization and the Federal Space
Agency on cooperation in the joint satellite project ‘YOUTHSAT’;
- Memorandum of Intent between the Department of Atomic Energy, the Government
of the Republic of India and Federal Atomic Energy Agency, the Russian
Federation on development of cooperation in the construction of additional
nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam site as well as in the construction of
Russian design nuclear power plants at new sites in the Republic of India;
Also the following were adopted:
- Joint Statement by the Prime Minister of the Republic of India and the
President of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the field of peaceful uses
of atomic energy;
- Plan of major events to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the establishment
of diplomatic relations between the Republic of India and the Russian Federation
(April 13, 2007).
4. The Sides stress that durable, friendly and mutually beneficial relations
between the two countries are based on deep mutual confidence and understanding.
The strategic partnership between India and Russia has served not only the
long-term national interests of both countries but has also effectively
contributed to stability and security in Asia and the world in general. The two
countries hold identical or similar views on most international issues. The
Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation highly value
the successful practice of holding annual summits that have played a key role in
consistently adding greater strategic content to the wide-ranging cooperation
between the two countries. These Summits encourage intensive contacts between
India and Russia at all levels with a view to further intensifying bilateral
cooperation.
5. During the talks, the two Sides
reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during the India-Russia
Summit in December 2005. While expressing satisfaction at the ongoing
multifaceted cooperation, the Sides support its further development,
particularly in priority spheres such as high technologies, telecommunications,
outer space, metallurgy, energy, nuclear power and military and technical
cooperation.
6. The Sides reaffirm their intention to intensify efforts to further develop
and diversify their trade and economic cooperation. Noting that the
Indian-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific,
Technological and Cultural Cooperation provides an important mechanism for the
development of trade and economic ties, the Sides stress the need to pay
particular attention to the further promotion of bilateral trade and investment,
including in energy, technology and knowledge-intensive economic sectors.
7. The Sides express satisfaction over the signing in February 2006 of the
India-Russia Protocol on completion of negotiations on Russia’s accession to the
WTO. Particular importance is attached to the setting up of a Joint Study Group
(JSG) in 2006 to work out practical recommendations aimed at effectively tapping
the opportunities available in both countries to substantially raise their
bilateral trade and economic cooperation. As an immediate step, the Sides
support early finalization of a result-oriented programme of action by the JSG
to increase their bilateral trade to US $ 10 billion by 2010.
8. The Sides advocate every possible
effort to expand mutually beneficial contacts between the business communities
of the two countries. They welcome the initiatives taken in this direction by
the industrial and business associations of India and Russia, aimed at
strengthening the important role played by the Joint Business Council. The Sides
also agree to take steps to remove the existing barriers impeding the promotion
of bilateral trade.
9. The Sides appreciate the establishment of the Indo-Russian Forum for Trade
and Investment, co-chaired by the Minister of Commerce and Industry of India and
the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation. They
are optimistic that its first meeting in India in February 2007 at which a large
number of top businessmen from both sides are preparing to participate will
yield positive results.
10. Noting the vital role played by
energy in economic growth, the Sides attach particular importance to energy
security issues. They endorse the concept of ‘energy security’ envisaging an
acceptable balance between security of demand and security of supply. In view of
their corresponding resources, needs, capabilities and potential, the Sides
agree to further enhance direct dialogue between their oil and gas companies
aimed at concluding concrete and mutually beneficial commercial agreements for
joint work in all segments of oil and gas cooperation in India, Russia and third
countries. The arrival of the first shipment of oil to India from Sakhalin-I in
early December 2006 as well as the signing on January 25, 2007 of an MoU between
ONGC and Rosneft oil company setting up two joint Working Groups - one each for
upstream and downstream activities - demonstrate the viability of future
India-Russia cooperation in the entire hydrocarbon value chain. The Sides also
expressed satisfaction at the progress in the ongoing construction of two
nuclear power plants in Kudankulam (India) with Russian participation.
11. The Sides note with satisfaction that the progressive expansion of their
traditionally important cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of outer space
is based on deep mutual trust and high capabilities of the two countries in this
sphere. In this context, they particularly welcome the signing of additional
bilateral agreements during the present visit to jointly implement wide-ranging
cooperation in the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System GLONASS. They also
express satisfaction at the signing of a bilateral document to jointly develop
and launch a Youth Satellite for educational purposes.
12. Military-technical cooperation
between India and Russia has traditionally remained a major pillar of the
bilateral strategic partnership. The Sides note with satisfaction that mutually
beneficial interaction in the field of defence has steadily progressed from a
buyer-seller format to also include joint research and development,
manufacturing and marketing, regular service to service interaction and joint
exercises. As a leading example of their shared potential in high technological
collaboration, the India-Russia joint venture to manufacture Brahmos missile,
which is expanding in scope, has led the way to further such joint projects. The
Sides note with satisfaction the in-principle decision to jointly develop a new
Multi-Role Transport Aircraft.
13. India and Russia, while recognizing vast possibilities offered by rapid
development and mass use of information and communication technologies, systems
and utilities, including internet, express their concern that along with the
gains, new threats of use of information technologies have emerged, which are
incompatible with the goals of ensuring international stability and security
both in civil and military spheres. The Sides express their readiness to
continue bilateral India-Russia dialogue and intensify joint efforts directed at
strengthening national and international information security, including
combating criminal and terrorist activities.
14. The Sides recall with
satisfaction their wide-ranging bilateral cooperation in the field of science
and technology that has been successfully and jointly steered and conducted in
the framework of the Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP). They affirm to
jointly commemorate the 20th anniversary (on July 3, 2007) of the establishment
of the ILTP. As a major initiative, the Sides welcome the decision to set up an
India-Russia Technology Centre in Moscow to facilitate and channelize commercial
/industrial applications of new jointly developed technologies. The Sides
recognize that this new facet to S&T cooperation would also provide a stimulant
effect to the overall scope of joint work. The Signing of the relevant Joint
Work Document would enable the Centre to begin concrete work.
15. The Sides have agreed to continue work on the North-South international
transport corridor project, in the interests of further development of trade and
economic cooperation between India and Russia.
16. Cultural cooperation and people to people contacts have traditionally played an important role in promoting greater understanding and closer friendship between India and Russia. In this context, the Sides welcome the signing of the bilateral Cultural Exchange Programme and the Protocol to celebrate 2008 as the “Year of Russia in India” and 2009 as the “Year of India in Russia”. The Sides appreciate ongoing joint efforts aimed at development of partnership relations between institutions of the two countries in the fields of culture, Indian and Russian studies and languages. They agree to consider new mechanisms, including financial, to accelerate this trend through greater interaction between Indian and Russian scholars.
17. The Sides will work towards the
establishment of a multipolar world order based on the principles of the rule of
law, sovereign equality, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal
affairs of States. Activities aimed at strengthening a central coordinating role
of the United Nations in maintaining peace and security, and at increasing the
efficiency and authority of the UN, form important elements of India-Russia
cooperation at the international level. India and Russia stress the need to
implement the process of UN reform, so as to reflect contemporary realities. In
this context, the Russian Federation reiterates once again that it regards India
as an influential and major member of the international community. The Russian
Federation reaffirms its support to India as a deserving and strong candidate
for the permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.
18. India and Russia strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations. Both Sides reaffirm that terrorism is one of the gravest threats
to international peace and security, and that there can be no justification for
any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever
committed. They are also convinced that terrorism cannot and should not be
associated with any nationality, religious, cultural or ethnic group. The Sides
affirm that bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism is an important dimension
of their strategic partnership. They agree to consolidate joint efforts in
suppressing financing of international terrorism and fighting illicit drug
trafficking.
19. The Sides reiterate their intention to continue comprehensive long-term international cooperation to combat terrorism and to address other new challenges and threats, acting on the basis of international law under the UN auspices as well as within other relevant international organizations of which India and Russia are members. They oppose double standards in combating this phenomenon. They will cooperate to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and to ensure an early entry into force of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Both Sides affirm their strong interest in promptly reaching an agreement on the draft Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism submitted by India.
20. The Sides note with concern the
risk posed by the spread of terrorist ideologies and express their determination
to counter this threat basing these efforts on UN SC resolution 1624, including
through enhancing, in every possible way, dialogue among civilizations and
cultures.
21. The Sides are interested in strengthening bilateral and multilateral
interaction in Central Asia, which would contribute to enhanced stability and
security in the region, including through closer and mutually beneficial
cooperation with individual countries in the region based on shared interests
and mutual respect. India and Russia advocate the development of practical
cooperation among all partner countries of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization.
22. The Sides are concerned about the continuing deterioration of the situation
in Afghanistan and the growing terrorist threat posed by the Taliban and other
extremist forces. India and Russia will continue to participate in the post-war
recovery in Afghanistan and are interested in strengthening its statehood and in
the reemergence of that country as a peaceful, democratic, independent and
prosperous state.
23. The Sides are convinced that an
effective solution to the Iranian nuclear issue is best found through political
and diplomatic efforts. In this regard the unanimous adoption of the UN Security
Council Resolution 1737 is significant. It underscores the need for more active
and transparent cooperation of Iran with the IAEA in order to resolve
outstanding verification issues. They agreed that implementation of the
Resolution should facilitate resumption of negotiations for a long-term
comprehensive agreement which would allow for the development of relations and
cooperation with Iran based on mutual respect and the establishment of
international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear
programme.
24. The Sides call for ensuring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula,
maintaining it free from nuclear weapons and addressing the nuclear problem
through the six-party talks based on the Joint Statement of September 19, 2005.
25. The Sides reaffirm their
commitment to securing a comprehensive, lasting and just settlement of the
Arab-Israeli conflict on a firm international legal basis, i.e. relevant UNSC
resolutions, the Madrid Principles and the Road Map. They also support the Arab
Peace Initiative, adopted in Beirut in 2002. They condemn violence by all sides
and call for negotiated solutions. They advocate the active support of the
international community, the Quartet and regional players for efforts aimed at
normalizing the situation in West Asia and Middle East, and resuming dialogue on
all tracks; the Palestinian, the Lebanese and the Syrian, for comprehensive and
durable peace in the region.
26. The Sides express concern over the continuing deterioration of the situation
in Iraq. They believe that a return to peace, stability and progress in Iraq can
only be achieved through reconciliation and a broad internal dialogue between
all ethnic and religious groups and political forces of the country. India and
Russia believe that the developments in Iraq indicate the need for collective
international efforts aimed towards an early normalization of the situation in
the country.
27. The Sides call for expansion of
cooperation within the China-Russia-India trilateral format. The first
trilateral summit-level meeting, which took place in July 2006 in the outreach
format of the G8 events in St. Petersburg, gave a fresh impetus to enhancing
multifaceted interaction among the three states. The trilateral interaction
promotes the development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation among
India, Russia and China, enhances international accord in the field of
countering new challenges and threats, especially in the fight against
terrorism, and contributes to strengthening peace and stability in Asia and
throughout the world.
28. The Sides reaffirm their strong commitment to strengthening their relations
in every possible way, and express their conviction that the strategic
partnership contributes to the development of mutually beneficial and
comprehensive bilateral cooperation, and serves the cause of peace, security,
stability and sustainable development at the regional and global levels.
29. The President of the Russian
Federation invited the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to visit Russia
at a mutually convenient time for the next annual Summit. The invitation was
gladly accepted.
New Delhi
25 January 2007