India, Russia To Establish “2+2” Dialogue In Boost To Partnership
New Delhi: India, Russia To Establish “2+2” Dialogue In Boost To Partnership Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked President Vladimir Putin for Russia’s help and support in India’s fight against COVID-19 as the two leaders agreed to establish a “2+2 ministerial dialogue” between foreign and defence ministers to add further momentum to the bilateral strategic partnership.
In a series of tweets after a telephonic conversation with Putin, PM Modi said they reviewed diverse bilateral cooperation, especially in the area of space exploration and renewable energy sector, including in the hydrogen economy. The cooperation on the Sputnik-V vaccine will assist humanity in battling the pandemic, PM Modi said.
“Had an excellent conversation with my friend President Putin today. We discussed the evolving COVID-19 situation, and I thanked President Putin for Russia’s help and support in India’s fight against the pandemic,” PM Modi tweeted. Sputnik-V, a coronavirus vaccine, has been approved by the government for use in India.
INDIA-RUSSIA RELATIONS
Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. This is a strategic partnership that has withstood the test of time, and which enjoys the support of the people of both countries.
Diplomatic relations between India and Russia began even before India achieved independence, on 13 April 1947. In the period immediately following independence the goal for India was attaining economic self-sufficiency through investment in heavy industry. The Soviet Union invested in several new enterprises in the areas of heavy machine-building, mining, energy production and steel plants. During India’s second Five Year Plan, of the sixteen heavy industry projects set up, eight were initiated with the help of the Soviet Union. This included the establishment of the world famous IIT Bombay.
