Dec. 25, 2012 (TSR) – The President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Vladimir V. Putin paid an official visit to New Delhi on Dec 24, 2012 for the 13th India-Russia Annual Summit.
Since the signing of the “Declaration of Strategic Partnership between India and the Russian Federation” in October 2000 in New Delhi, bilateral relations have been characterized by steadily growing bilateral cooperation in the political, strategic and economic spheres. The two countries today share a comprehensive dialogue architecture based on the six main pillars of close political coordination and cooperation in the fields of defence, civil nuclear energy, space, hydrocarbons and S&T. On the global stage, there has been greater convergence and commonality of views between India and Russia on major regional and international issues. This year is being celebrated as the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Under the Declaration of October 2000, India instituted a mechanism of Annual Summits between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation. The Summits are held annually on a rotational basis. H.E. President V. Putin’s visit in October 2000 to New Delhi, in his previous tenure as President of the Russian Federation, was the first such Summit. He also visited India subsequently in Dec 2002, Dec 2004 and Jan 2007 (when he was also the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations) under the Annual Summit mechanism. His last visit to India in March 2010 as Prime Minister of the Russian Federation was a working visit. Former Russian President H.E. Dmitry Medvedev’s visit in December, 2010 for the 11th Annual Summit marked the first decade of the relationship, when bilateral relations were elevated to a “special and privileged strategic partnership”. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Moscow in December 2011 for the last (12th) Summit.
The 13th Annual Summit mark the culmination of a series of high level exchanges between the two countries during the year. Former President of the Russian Federation H.E. Dmitry Medvedev visited New Delhi in March 2012 for the 4th BRICS Summit. External Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna visited Moscow in April 2012 on the eve of the 65th anniversary celebrations (April 13) and also attended the 11th Russia-India-China Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, H.E. Dmitry Rogozin visited New Delhi in July 2012 and in October 2012, the latter for the 18th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting. The 12th Defence Minister-level Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Technical Cooperation also met in New Delhi in October 2012.
India and Russia share a multi-dimensional strategic partnership which spans the traditional strategic sectors like defence, nuclear and energy and is increasingly being augmented by cooperation in the areas of trade & investment, science & technology, culture & tourism and people-to-people contacts. The countries also share close political coordination on various regional and international issues at major global forums. At this 13th Summit, the leaders reviewed the entire gamut of India-Russia bilateral relations and laid down a broad agenda to be followed for the coming year.
After H.E. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh held talks, they and pertinent parties signed a package of bilateral cooperation agreements in the economy, science, technologies and humanitarian sphere. Their respective Foreign Ministries also signed a protocol of consultations for 2013 and 2014.
The documents focus on promoting trade and investments, deepening energy partnership, advancing scientific, technical and military cooperation, as well as cooperating in space and particularly Moon exploration, education, culture and broadening humanitarian contacts.
In the international section of the document, the two parties stated their views on the most pressing problems. They specifically manifested their concern over the continued violence in Syria and their preoccupation with the situation around Iran and its nuclear programme.
The parties reaffirmed the need for a more representative and legitimate international financial architecture and stressed the necessity to reinforce international currency system.
Vladimir Putin and Manmohan Singh’s full transcripts of their statements made for the media as well as their official Joint Statement are included below.
The Russian leader also met with President of India Pranab Mukherjee.
Later in the day, Vladimir Putin met with President of the Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi and opposition leader Sushma Swaraj.
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Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin’s statements to the media at the 13th India-Russia Annual Summit:
PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA MANMOHAN SINGH:
President Vladimir Putin,
Media representatives, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to welcome His Excellency President Vladimir Putin to India for the 2012 India – Russia Annual Summit.
President Putin is a valued friend of India and the original architect of the India-Russia strategic partnership. I conveyed to President Putin our deep appreciation for his long-standing and personal commitment to this partnership.
This morning, we undertook an extensive review of our multi-faceted bilateral cooperation, especially in energy, defence, space, trade and investment, science and technology, education, culture and tourism. The documents signed during this visit will further strengthen the framework for our cooperation.
The development of our nuclear energy programme has been a key pillar of our strategic partnership. Construction of Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project is now complete, and power generation will commence shortly. India appreciates deeply the support extended by Russian engineers and scientists in this project. We look forward to the completion of Unit 2 next year.
Negotiations for the construction of Units 3 and 4 at Kudankulam have made good progress. We intend to continue implementing the Roadmap for cooperation in the nuclear energy sector that was signed during President Putin’s visit in 2010 as the then Prime Minister of Russia.
Our energy cooperation also extends to the oil and natural gas sectors. I conveyed to President Putin India’s interest in deepening cooperation in this area, including through mutual investments and joint projects in third countries.
Russia is a key partner in our efforts to modernise our armed forces and enhance our defence preparedness. A number of joint design, development and production projects are underway in high technology areas. We expressed satisfaction that these projects are progressing well.
I congratulated President Putin on Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation. Russia’s deeper integration into the global economy will present more opportunities for the business communities in both countries. Our bilateral trade has grown by over 30% this year. There is still untapped potential in areas such as pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, mining, steel, information technology, civil aviation, telecommunications, infrastructure, food processing, innovation and services, which we will work to exploit. We have asked our intergovernmental and business level groups to recommend specific steps for enhancing bilateral trade and investment flows.
Our science and technology cooperation remains robust. President Putin and I welcomed the operationalisation of the India-Russia Joint Science and Technology Centres in India and Russia, which can assist the development and commercialisation of promising technologies, including in nanotechnology, biomedicine and super-computing. I particularly welcome the agreement on cooperation in using the GLONASS satellite navigation system that has just been signed.
We also discussed regional and global issues, on many of which there is a marked congruence in our approach. Our consultations in international fora, such as the UN Security Council and BRICS, have deepened during the year. I congratulated President Putin on Russia’s assumption of the Chair of G20. We look forward to working closely with Russia in promoting reform of global economic and international structures of governance.
India and Russia share the objective of a stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan, free from extremism, terrorism and external interference. We reviewed the ongoing developments in Afghanistan, and agreed to work together against threats posed by extremist ideologies and drug trafficking. We also discussed the situation in West Asia, and agreed to continue consultations.
This year marks the sixty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia. We deeply value Russia’s steadfast friendship and support for India, unaffected by global developments. This relationship has a special place in the hearts and minds of Indians and India remains committed to further deepening it.
I once again extend a very warm welcome to President Putin and his delegation, and wish him and the people of Russia the very best for the New Year.
Thank you for your attention.
PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN:
Mr Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen,
Russia and India are bound by ties of strategic partnership. But I would note that this is a particular, trust-based partnership. I am very pleased that our strategic partner is achieving such outstanding results in its development.
The Indian economy’s rate of development is one of the highest and this is largely due to the efforts taken by Mr Singh’s government. This also gives us the opportunity to reach visible results in promoting our bilateral relations.
Today, we had a very constructive and substantive dialogue covering nearly every aspect of our cooperation. But even more important was the preliminary work done by our experts, who prepared this meeting. As a result of their joint efforts we could sign various documents and you witnessed the final phase of this work.
Such results confirm our mutual aspiration to promote all aspects of our political dialogue, trade, investment, scientific and technical cooperation and contacts in the humanitarian sector.
Over 65 years of diplomatic relations since signing the agreement on diplomatic ties, these relations have turned into a particularly privileged partnership. In 2011, our mutual trade was nearly 9 billion dollars. This year, we will likely reach 10 billion dollars and in the coming years we will double our turnover, setting the bar twice as high.
It is particularly important that the structure of Russian-Indian exports and imports is dominated by high-tech products – about 50 percent on each side. It is notable that this year, Russian supplies of machines, equipment, and chemical products to the Indian market grew by 40 percent.
We agreed to promote broadening investment cooperation. I am confident that the memorandum signed today between the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Bank of India will provide additional incentives for building mutually beneficial cooperation, including between small and medium-sized businesses. It is a matter of creating a good, truly functional mechanism for co-financing promising investment projects, which would dispose of approximately one billion dollars.
Russia and India are implementing major energy projects. Indian companies are participating in the extraction of Russian oil and gas, including on Sakhalin island and in the Far East.
Mr Prime Minister already mentioned the successful cooperation of our nuclear energy specialists in building the Kudankulam nuclear power plant. Russian companies constructing thermal and hydroelectric power plans to meet the needs of the Indian economy. In August, Gazprom signed an agreement on supplying 2.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year for twenty years.
We are deepening our cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector. The Russian company PharmEco signed a memorandum today with Indian partners on jointly building a modern biotechnological plant to produce medicines. This involves about 100 million dollars in investments.
In 2014, SIBUR Holding intends to launch production of petrochemical products in the city of Jamnagar. The expected investment is 450 million dollars.
There are also good prospects in the heavy industries. Severstal is working on implementing an iron and steel works project in the state of Karnataka with an output capacity of 2 million tonnes. Capital investments are valued at 1.8 billion dollars.
We agreed to continue strengthening the traditions of close military technical cooperation between Russia and India, setting forward new projects, including creating joint production facilities and transferring technologies. The contracts to be signed today on supplying helicopter equipment and components for the licensed assembly of our Su-30 warcraft are an important step in this direction.
We have been developing our inter-regional ties intensively. Moscow, St Petersburg, Volgograd, Kazan, Astrakhan Region, Samara Region and Altai Territory are all cooperating with India most actively.
This year included an abundance of major humanitarian events. Among them were the Russian Culture Festival in India, the Days of Moscow in New Delhi, and the first Russian national festival of modern Indian film and culture.
It is in our common interests to see contacts develop more actively between the peoples of our countries. India is becoming an increasingly popular destination for our tourists, with 160,000 Russian visitors to your nation in 2012.
We had a detailed discussion of international affairs. I want to thank our Indian friends for supporting Russia in its accession to the World Trade Organisation. We traditionally give particular attention to our cooperation within the UN, BRICS, and the G20.
In conclusion, I want to thank Mr Prime Minister for the open and highly constructive dialogue that we had today. I am confident that the dialogue between India and Russia and the excellent quality of our relations will be maintained in the coming years – and not only maintained, but also developed for the good of the peoples of our countries.
Thank you very much.
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Joint Statement on the 13th India-Russia Annual Summit: “Partnership for mutual benefit and a better world”
December 24, 2012
- The President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladmir V.Putin, paid an official visit to India on December 24, 2012 at the invitation of Prime Minister of the Republic of India H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh for the Annual Summit between two countries. During the visit, President V. Putin met the President of India H.E.Mr.Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister of India, H.E.Dr.Manmohan Singh. The Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance Ms. Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of Opposition Ms. Sushma Swaraj called on President H.E. Mr. V. Putin.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation stressed the importance of further progressing the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction that the year 2012 was marked by an intense bilateral dialogue, regular top and high-level meetings and multifarious cultural activities to mark the 65thanniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Russian Federation. The two leaders reviewed the progress made in all important areas of cooperation, including in sectors such as energy, trade, high technology and military-technical cooperation. The sides noted that they shared common views on all the important issues of regional and international cooperation.
- The sides welcomed the conclusion of bilateral documents on Foreign Office consultations; cultural exchanges; science, technology and innovation; telecommunications; financing of projects and promoting investments. Significant contracts were also concluded in the sphere of military-technical cooperation.
- The sides welcomed the reinvigoration of parliamentary exchanges and noted the visit by a delegation of the Russian State Duma Group of Deputies on December 4-8, 2012 to India as also the scheduled visit by a delegation led by the Chairperson of the Russian Federation Council to India in February 2013.Promoting Trade and Investment
- The sides expressed satisfaction at the substantial increase during 2011 and 2012 in bilateral trade and agreed to enhance efforts to achieve the target of US$ 20 billion bilateral trade by 2015. India welcomed Russia’s recent accession to the World Trade Organization and the both sides agreed that it provided further opportunities to augment bilateral trade and investment and business-to-business linkages. In this context, they called upon Russia-India Chief Executive Officers Council’s meeting at the earliest.
- The sides agreed to work out a list of priority investment projects and a road map for their implementation. They favour discussions between India and the Eurasian Economic Commission on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between India and the Customs Union of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.
- The sides noted the outcomes of the successful meeting of the 18thsession of the India – Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation on October 15, 2012 in New Delhi. They welcomed the outcome of the first session of Joint Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation held in New Delhi on August 27-29, 2012, aimed at greater mutual participation in modernization, infrastructure development and industrial projects in the two countries. They also welcomed recommendations of the Joint Working Group on trade and economic cooperation. They stressed on further opportunities in the fields of pharmaceuticals, power, steel, food products, automobiles, engineering goods, fertilizers and directed the respective authorities to promote and facilitate bilateral trade and investment.Deepening Energy Partnership
- The sides reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and reiterated their commitment to implementing the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the construction of additional nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam site as well as in the construction of Russian designed Nuclear Power plants at new sites in the Republic of India, concluded on December 5, 2008; the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Use of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes and the Road Map for the Serial Construction of the Russian designed Nuclear Power Plants in the Republic of India, concluded on March 12, 2010.
- The sides noted with satisfaction the progress in regard to the commissioning of the first unit of the Nuclear Power Plant at Kudankulam and agreed to take the necessary steps to expedite the completion and commissioning of the second unit. Expressing satisfaction over the signing of the Protocol for the grant of State Credit from the Russian Federation to the Republic of India for works, supplies and services for construction of Units 3 & 4 at Kudankulam and related fuel supplies, the sides agreed to conclude expeditiously the negotiations on the techno-commercial offer for the construction of Units 3 & 4. The sides also reiterated their commitment to incorporating the best technology in construction of nuclear power plants with a view to ensuring and maintaining the highest safety standards. The sides welcomed the outcome of the first meeting of the Joint Working Group between Department of Atomic Energy and State Corporation Rosatom in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy held in Moscow in July 2012.
- Both sides noted the complementarities between India and the Russian Federation in the energy sector as a major buyer and supplier of hydrocarbons and reviewed the ongoing efforts to establish joint cooperation ventures between Indian and Russian companies. They confirmed their intention to continue the implementation of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector signed on December 21, 2010. The Indian side reiterated its interest in equity participation through ONGC-OVL in existing and new projects in Siberia, Russia’s Far East and the Arctic Shelf.
- Indian Oil PSUs expressed interest in acquiring equity stake in discovered / producing assets and in proposed LNG liquefaction projects in Russia along with Russian oil and gas companies as well as in procuring Russian crude oil and off-take of LNG for India. The sides agreed to intensify efforts to enhance mutual investments in exploration and production of oil and gas in both the countries and joint ventures in upstream and downstream activities in India, Russia and third countries.
- The Indian side noted the difficulties being faced by Imperial Energy and hoped that the ensuing tax reforms would help the Company to turn around.
- The sides noted that to promote exploration and production cooperation between the two countries, it was essential to source oil and gas from Russia and leverage the market and downstream business in India with involvement of respective oil and gas companies of both the countries, ONGC Videsh in Russia for upstream business and Rosneft in India for downstream business.
- Both sides noted that the gas supply to India by Gazprom Group will be a stable and reliable source of resources for the development of Indian gas market. Both sides welcomed the conclusion of long term LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement for the supply of 2.5 MMTPA of LNG between “Gazprom Marketing and Trading Singapore” and GAIL and expressed hope for continuation of cooperation in the sphere of LNG supply.Science and Technology Cooperation
- The sides noted with satisfaction that both Moscow and Delhi-NCR branches of the India-Russia Science & Technology Centre (IRSTC) had been set up and were working in close coordination to intensify interactions between Indian and Russian scientific/industrial institutions and shared the view that the IRSTC could play a prominent role in successful commercialization of Indian and Russian technologies in the two countries. The sides encouraged the ongoing dialogue on identified technology platforms which are of mutual benefit.
- Both sides noted with satisfaction that the Memorandum of Cooperation between Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation in Science, Technology and Innovation had been concluded, to support bilateral projects. In addition to the flagship Integrated Long-Term Programme (ILTP) for cooperation in the areas of science, technology and innovations, the sides agreed that this MOU would provide an effective mechanism, particularly for universities and academic, research and industrial institutions, to collaborate. The sides expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the project in the area of technology solutions for fly ash management and utilization.Education
- The sides reviewed the status on recognition of diplomas of Indian students studying in Russian educational institutions. Expressing satisfaction at the ongoing educational exchanges between the two countries, the sides agreed to accelerate the conclusion of Inter-Governmental Agreement on mutual recognition and equivalence of educational documents and degrees.Cultural and humanitarian exchanges
- In the context of the rich cultural heritage and their mutual appreciation and interest for each other’s culture, arts and the centuries-old bonds of friendship between India and Russia, the sides appreciated the joint celebrations of the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Russian Federation and supported continued holding of annual reciprocal cultural festivals alternately in India and Russia. The sides welcomed the signing of Cultural Exchange Program for 2013-2015. They also encouraged enhanced cooperation between the think-tanks and academia of the two countries.
- Both sides welcomed the increase in the exchange of tourists. The Indian side informed the Russian side that the number of tourist visas issued to Russian citizens travelling to India increased by 24% in 2011 and were expected to increase by further 20% in 2012. The Russian side also noted that the number of tourists from India to Russia more than doubled in 2012 as compared to 2011.Promoting Ties in Space
- The sides agreed to continue their mutually beneficial cooperation in the space sector, including lunar exploration and establishment of ranging station for satellite navigation.Stepping Up Military-Technical Cooperation
- Both sides emphasised that the traditionally close cooperation between the two countries in the defence and military-technical field was a major pillar of the India-Russia strategic partnership and a reflection of the trust and confidence that has built up between the two countries. The sides welcomed the outcomes of the Twelfth Meeting of the India – Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation held on October 10, 2012 in New Delhi. They expressed satisfaction at the regular bilateral interactions, ongoing military-technical cooperation and ‘INDRA’ exercise between the defence forces of the two countries held in August 2012 and in December 2012. The sides also noted that the frigates INS «Teg» and INS «Tarkash» were commissioned and delivered by Russia to India in 2012. The sides also took note of the progress made in the joint development and production of high technology military equipment and projects such as Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, Multi-Role Transport Aircraft and BrahMos Supersonic Missile. Both sides discussed measures required to ensure expeditious delivery of the aircraft carrier «Vikramaditya»to India. The Russian side assured that requisite measures would be taken in this regard.Coordination on International and Regional Issues
- The sides reaffirmed their will to work closely with the aim to consolidate central role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security and promoting economic and social advancement of all peoples. They stressed that international efforts to address global threats and challenges should be based on the rule of the law anchored in the UN Charter to ensure their legitimacy, impartiality, transparency and accountability. The two sides agreed to continue consultation and coordination on international and regional issues so as to support efforts for strengthening global peace, security and stability. They also expressed satisfaction at their cooperation in the UN including in the Security Council during India’s presence as a non-permanent member since January 1, 2011. Both sides reaffirmed the need for UN Security Council reform in order to make it more representative and effective in dealing with emerging challenges and agreed that any expansion of the Security Council should reflect contemporary realities. In this regard, the Russian Federation reiterated its strong support to India for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council.Combating Terrorism
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation recalled the Moscow Declaration between India and Russia on International Terrorism signed on November 6, 2001 in Moscow, and reaffirmed that international terrorism is a threat to peace and security, a grave violation of human rights, and a crime against humanity. Both sides reaffirmed the need for all States to combine efforts to vanquish terrorism. They agreed that there was no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism, and those multi-ethnic democratic countries like India and Russia were especially vulnerable to acts of terrorism. The sides strongly condemned those who provide safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorism and reiterated that States that aid, abet or shelter terrorists are as guilty of acts of terrorism as their actual perpetrators. India and the Russian Federation reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in the combat against international terrorism and in this context called for an early completion of the negotiations on the UN’s draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.Supporting Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Efforts
- India and Russia, as responsible states, possessing advanced nuclear technologies, share the objective of preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including preventing their possible acquisition by terrorist groups. Both sides agreed on the need for all states possessing nuclear weapons to accelerate concrete progress on the steps leading to global nuclear disarmament in a way that promotes international stability, peace and undiminished and increased security for all.
- Both sides welcomed the recent bilateral consultations on disarmament, non-proliferation and export control issues held in Moscow in August 2012, which allowed exchange of views and assessments on a range of current issues. Both sides expressed interest in the strengthening of multilateral export control regimes as an important component of the global non-proliferation regime. Russia also took into positive consideration India’s interest in full membership in MTCR and Wassenar Arrangement. The Russian side reiterated readiness to assist and promote a discussion and positive decision in the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group on India’s full membership in the NSG, and welcomed India’s intention to seek full membership. India underscored its determination to actively contribute to international efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear non-proliferation regime.
- While recognizing the inherent right of states to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, India and the Russian Federation stressed the need for all states to comply with their respective obligations on non-proliferation. The sides support the central role of the IAEA and its safeguards system in promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in accordance with its statute. The sides intend to support international efforts aimed at promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy as part of a proliferation-resistant architecture of international cooperation, based on strict implementation of non-proliferation obligations. As supplier states, the sides support multilateral approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle at the IAEA.
- Both sides support international efforts for ensuring the peaceful uses of outer space through appropriate confidence building measures and legally binding measures. Strengthening Security Cooperation in Asia and the Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions
- The sides noted that the economies in the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions were increasingly becoming the main drivers of global economic growth and prosperity and that it was important for India and Russia to work towards the creation of a transparent, open and inclusive regional architecture and equitable cooperation in the Asia Pacific region based upon the universally agreed principles of international law and giving due consideration to the legitimate interests of all States.
- The sides underlined that they view the mechanism of the East Asia Summits as a leaders-led key forum for dialogue on broad strategic political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity in Asia-Pacific. They underscored the importance of enhancing mutual understanding and ensuring peace, stability and security in the region in addressing trans-national and non-traditional security issues, including terrorism, extremism, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, illicit drug trafficking, organized crime as well as the need for strengthening maritime security in accordance with the universally accepted principles of international law.
- The sides stated that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) had emerged as an important factor for regional security, stability and cooperation in the Eurasian region. The Russian side reiterated its support to India’s intention to join the SCO as a full-fledged member and stood for joint efforts with other SCO members to accelerate the process of India’s entry into the Organization.
- The sides stated that there are multifaceted formats of regional cooperation successfully functioning in the Asia-Pacific Region such as the mechanism of interaction between Russia, India and China, which promotes strengthening positions of our countries in global and regional affairs and assists to shape common approach to urgent world problems.
- The sides noted the successful holding of the 11th Russia-India-China trilateral Ministerial meeting on April 13, 2012 in Moscow and agreed to advance practical cooperation in trilateral format in areas such as emergency response, health care, energy, agriculture, business, innovation and high technology. The Indian side conveyed it would host the next Ministerial meeting in 2013.
- The sides noted the successful conduct by Russia of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Vladivostok in 2012. Russia reaffirmed that India’s potential joining of APEC would further promote and intensify trade and investment cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia reiterated its support for India’s membership in APEC after consensus within APEC on expanding the Forum’s membership is reached.
- The sides underlined the importance of the ASEAN regional forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ meetings – Plus (ADMM-Plus) as key components of a robust, effective, open and inclusive regional security architecture.Promoting Cooperation among Emerging Economies
- The sides welcomed the successful conduct of the fourth BRICS summit in New Delhi on March 29, 2012. They noted that BRICS play an important role in a multi-polar world order and a more harmonious international system based on international law, equality, mutual respect, cooperation, coordinated action and collective decision-making. BRICS countries have also played an important role in promoting international economic and financial stability. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Delhi Action Plan of 2012 BRICS Summit as a solid base for progressive development of BRICS. The sides are convinced that the forthcoming Durban Summit will contribute to strengthening of the role of BRICS in the world arena.Situation in Syria
- The sides expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and continued violence in Syria and called upon all the parties to stop violence and engage in all inclusive national dialogue in order to resolve the conflict through peaceful political means on the internationally approved political and legal basis including the UN Security Council Resolutions 2042 and 2043 and the Joint Communiqué of the Geneva Action Group.Stabilizing the Afghan Situation
- The sides support the efforts made by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to establish a peaceful dialogue with the armed opposition, provided that the process goes on under the Afghan leadership and that the fighters meet the redlines enunciated by the international community: the recognition of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, renunciation of violence and breaking with al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations. They consider it necessary to continue the UN Security Council sanctions regime as an essential anti-terror tool.
- The sides noted with satisfaction the growing global understanding of the important role played by the neighboring states of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, states and organizations of the region, and urged to focus the efforts in the region on the development and improvement of sound structures of regional cooperation, like the SCO, CSTO and SAARC amongst others. In this regard, they also recalled the holding of the Delhi Investment Summit on Afghanistan in June 2012 to promote investments into Afghanistan. They expect that the international community in their efforts in this regard will respect the decisions taken by the countries of the region in the framework of these organizations.
- The two sides recognised that the main threat to Afghanistan’s security and stability is terrorism, and that this threat also endangers regional and global peace and security. In this regard, they recognised the regional dimensions of terrorism and extremism, emphasizing the need for joint and concerted efforts and cooperation among the regional countries to address the challenge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the dismantling of terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens, as well as disrupting all financial and tactical support for terrorism.
- The sides recognise that drug production and narcotrafficking are the major source of funding for terrorists’ networks that requires collective action against the producers and traffickers of illegal drugs. They agreed to continue to take effective measures against the illegal production and trafficking of opiates and other narcotics. To this end, the two sides pledged to focus on the implementation of the Paris Pact Vienna Declaration.Iran’s Nuclear Programme
- The sides expressed concern over the situation emerging around Iran’s nuclear programme. They reiterated their call for a comprehensive and long-term settlement of the situation through exclusively political and diplomatic means by promoting dialogue. The sides noted in this context that unilateral sanctions are counter-productive. They recognized Iran’s right to develop research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in conformity with its international obligations. They urged Iran to comply with the provisions of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and extend full cooperation to the IAEA.Recovery and Strengthening of Global Economy, Reforming the International Financial Architecture
- The two sides noted that the global economy continued to face multiple challenges and agreed that multilateralism was indispensable to resolve these challenges. They support the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation in playing a greater role in global economic governance. Both sides emphasised the need to better coordinate macroeconomic policies of the G20 members to ensure strong, sustainable and balanced growth in the global economy. India welcomed Russia’s Presidency of the G20 and both sides agreed to intensifyconsultations and coordination on the G20 process during the Russian Presidency.
- Both sides reiterated the need for a more representative and legitimate international financial architecture, with an increase in the voice and representation of emerging market economies and developing countries. The two sides underscored the need to push ahead expeditiously with the reform of the IMF agreed in 2010, so that it becomes the basis for the Fifteenth General Review of quotas to be completed no later than January 2014.
- The sides emphasised the need for strengthening the international monetary system – one that is resilient to future turmoil – that can serve the interests of the world community and support the development of emerging market economies and developing countries.Environment/Sustainable Development
- The two sides welcomed the outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in Rio de Janeiro from June 20-22, 2012 and agreed to work together for the expeditious implementation of the follow-up processes agreed therein. They stressed the importance of enhancing international efforts to combat climate change under the aegis of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The sides expressed satisfaction at the results of the 18th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change/ 8th meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol held in Doha, Qatar, from November 26 to December 8, 2012. Russia expressed its appreciation for India’s hosting of the 11thConference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, India, on October 8-19, 2012.
- The India-Russia Summit was marked by an atmosphere of traditional friendship and mutual understanding. The President of the Russian Federation expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the Republic of India for the hospitality and warm welcome in New Delhi and invited the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to pay an official visit to Russia. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.
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List of documents signed at the 13th India-Russia Annual Summit:
1) Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations 2013-14
The Protocol is an instrument to continue the tradition of close political consultations between the two Foreign Offices. The current Protocol outlines seventeen different broad themes for such exchanges. The bi-annual Protocol mechanism enables frequent contacts and promotes broad-based understanding between the various wings of the two Foreign Offices.
Signatories: Shri Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister (India), Mr. S. Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs (Russia)
2) Memorandum on Cooperation between the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India and the Ministry for Education and Science of the Russian Federation in Science, Technology & Innovation
The Memorandum shall facilitate deepening cooperation in the field of innovation and S&T, through implementation of joint programs or projects involving educational, R&D and industrial institutions. It also stipulates formation of a Working Group to implement the provisions of this MoC.
Signatories: Shri Jaipal Reddy, Minister for Science & Technology (India), Mr. Dmitry Livanov, Minister for Education and Science (Russia)
3) Cultural Exchange Programme between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic Of India and The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation for the Years 2013 – 15
The document envisages enhancing bilateral cultural contacts through exchanges in performing arts, films, archives, museums and conservation, literature and language and through organization of reciprocal Festivals. It is in continuation to the previous CEP 2009-12. It also aims to preserve and promote the legacy of the Roerich Estate in Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), an important icon of cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Signatories: Smt. C.K. Katoch, Minister of Culture (India), Mr. Vladimir Medinsky, Minister of Culture (Russia)
The Union Minister for Culture, Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch and the Minister of Culture of Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Medinsky signing the Cultural Exchange Programme between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation for the Years 2013-15, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin, in New Delhi on December 24, 2012. (Photo: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India)
4) Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Direct Investment between Russia and India
MoU envisages investments upto US$ 2 billion in important bilateral projects or companies, privatization and other opportunities. RDIF is a US$ 10 billion sovereign-backed Russian private equity fund established by the Russian Government to co-invest alongside global institutional investors. Since its inception in 2011, it has led investments totaling US$ 1.5 billion in Russian companies together with some of the largest asset managers in the world.
Signatories: Shri Pratip Chaudhuri, Chairman, State Bank of India (India), Mr. Kirill Dmitriev, Director-General,Russia Foundation for Direct Investments (Russia)
5) Memorandum of Understanding between Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., New Delhi, India & Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd., New Delhi, India and NIS-GLONASS, Russia for conducting the proof of concept through pilot project for providing the Satellite based navigation services
The MoU envisages a pilot project to assess the usage of the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS – the Russian equivalent of GPS) using the capabilities of BSNL/MTNL ground infrastructure. Success of the pilot project may provide insights for wider applicability of GLONASS signals in the future in areas such as disaster management, telephony and long-distance communications.
Signatories: Shri R.K. Upadhyay, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., & Shri A.K. Garg,Chairman & Managing Director, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (India), Mr. Alexander Chub, Director-General, OAO “NIS” (Russia)
Military-Technical Contracts
6) Contract for Delivery of 71 Mi-17V-5 helicopters
An order for procurement of 59 Mi-17 v5 MLH was agreed to in Feb 2010, which was subsequently increased to 71. The current contract is in context of the order.
7) Contract for Delivery of 42 technological kits for SU-30MKI aircraft licensed production
The Protocol-II on licensed manufacturing of additional 42 SU-30MKI aircraft units was signed during Annual Summit 2011. The current contract is a follow up to this Protocol.
Business level Contracts
8) Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. and Joint Stock Company “Navigation Information Systems” (NIS) of Russia
The Agreement shall establish and strengthen technology partner relations between the two enterprises in software development, systems integration, product engineering, professional services for and marketing of NIS products and TCS Solution frameworks. The areas of cooperation visualized concern sectors such as information technology enabled services, telecommunication systems, manufacturing etc
9) Joint Venture Agreement between Elcom Systems Private Ltd. and OAO “Vertoleti Rassi” (JSC “Helicopters Russia”)
The joint venture aims to set up in India, a modern industrial facility for manufacturing of Russian models of helicopters (Ka- and Mi- brands). The JV will serve as an industrial base for hi-tech rotorcraft products from Russia to India and shall contribute to the development of the domestic aerospace industry. The enterprise will be eligible for implementing offset projects under various procurement tenders in India. JSC “Russian Helicopters” is a leading player in the global helicopter industry engaged in the business of modern civilian and military helicopters and training of aviation personnel. Elcom Systems is an established entity in the Indian telecommunications, security and navigation sectors.
10) Memorandum of Understanding for Joint Venture arrangement between Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Mumbai and Pharm Eco of Russia
The joint venture company will engage in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of pharmaceuticals in Russia and other countries and envisages an investment of at least US$ 100 million. PharmEco will have 51% stake in the joint venture while Elder Pharmaceuticals will own 49% in the joint venture company.
