Full text of an article by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Hindu newspaper on the eve of a state visit to India
I am glad to have the opportunity to address the readers of one of the most influential Indian newspapers, Hindu. On the eve of my visit to New Delhi, I would like to outline the approaches to the further development of the strategic partnership between Russia and India.This year marks the 65 years of establishing diplomatic relations between our countries. Over the past decades we have gained tremendous experience working together, have achieved success in various areas. Political epochs varied, but the principles of bilateral relations remained unchanged - mutual trust and equality. I stress: the deepening of friendship and cooperation with India is one of the priorities of our foreign policy. And we are justifiably saying that they are truly unique, privileged.
Truly historical a step was the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Russia and India, signed in October 2000. The particular importance and timeliness of this step was confirmed by the development of events in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Indeed, today we, before all civilization, face serious challenges. These are uneven global development, economic and social instability, and a lack of trust and security.
Under these conditions, Russia and India demonstrate an example of responsible leadership and collective action in the international arena.
We have a common goal - to make the world in which we live more equitable, democratic, safe, to contribute to the resolution of global and regional problems, including the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, in Afghanistan.
I note that our common work within the framework of BRICS is becoming increasingly active. Year by year, the authority of this association is strengthened. And it is natural. The initiatives we are putting forward are aimed at building a new architecture of a multipolar world pattern. The same constructive approach is also manifested in our cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other multilateral formats. We are tuned in to a meaningful dialogue with the Indian side within the framework of the Russian G-20 presidency that has begun.
Joint steps in the international arena, participation in the development of rules for world trade, building up business, scientific, technical and humanitarian ties are the basis for entering into a new quality of partnership.
We attach particular importance to bilateral trade and investment relations. The growing economic potential of Russia and India is in many ways complementary. Our trade has overcome the effects of the global crisis, and in 2012, we expect a record high of over 10 billions of dollars. Our next goal is to reach the 2015 level of billions of dollars by the year of 20.
To do this, you need to use all the reserves, maintain direct contacts of business circles, stimulate the creation of effective investment, technological, industrial alliances in the most dynamic, promising areas. For example, in power engineering, first of all atomic.
The largest and breakthrough project in this area was the construction of the Kudankulam NPP, which is using the most reliable and modern technologies and standards. The commencement of the operation of the first power unit of the station will significantly reduce the energy deficit in the southern states of India, and after the launch of the second and subsequent ones - to completely close this problem. We expect that in the near future the implementation of our agreements on the construction of new nuclear power plants in India will begin.
We expect tangible returns from long-term projects in ferrous metallurgy, hydrocarbon production, automobile and aircraft manufacturing, chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, information and biotechnology. Serious guidelines are set in the Integrated Long-term Program of Cooperation in the Field of Science, Technology and Innovation up to the 2020 Year. Its main task is to conduct fundamental and applied research by scientists in our countries to create new technologies, equipment and materials.
Wide prospects are opened by the joint use of the Russian global navigation satellite system GLONASS. The package of relevant bilateral agreements has already been signed. We intend to conduct business to expand practical interaction in this important area.
Evidence of the strategic nature of the partnership between Russia and India is an unprecedented level of development of military-technical cooperation. The key area is licensed production and the joint development of advanced weapons, and not just the purchase of military products.
Fundamental attention is paid to the creation of a multifunctional fighter and a multi-purpose transport aircraft. All tests have successfully passed the brainchild of our designers - the BraMos anti-ship missile. Now experts are working on her aviation application.
I am sure that such multi-vector cooperation will allow our countries not only to reach leading positions in a number of high-tech projects, but also help successfully promote joint products to the markets of third countries.
Of particular importance to Russia and India - states with tremendous cultural heritage and potential - is humanitarian cooperation. Millennial history and culture of India, majestic architectural monuments and museums of Delhi, Agra, Mumbai have an extraordinary attractive power. In turn, Indian citizens are discovering with interest the riches of Russian music, literature, and art. This was once again convincingly confirmed by the Festival of Russian Culture in India and the All-Russian Festival of Contemporary Cinema and Culture of India, which were successfully held this year.
I am convinced that it is necessary to actively promote educational and educational projects, to develop tourism and youth exchanges. After all, they enrich our citizens, fill with new content the "human dimension" of bilateral relations, which today is becoming increasingly important and in demand.
The Russian-Indian summit in New Delhi was preceded by painstaking and comprehensive preparation. We clearly see the main vectors of future-oriented collaboration. I am confident that the negotiations at the highest level will, as always, be constructive, and their results will give a powerful impetus to strategic partnership for the benefit of the two countries and peoples, in the interests of peace and stability in Eurasia and on our common planet.
Let me formulate a general perspective of the strategic partnership between Russia and India in the 21st century. It is based on strong historical traditions of friendship and mutual trust, deepening cooperation in knowledge-intensive areas, promoting joint products to international markets, further increasing the share of high value-added goods in trade, increasing the role and effectiveness of Russian-Indian cooperation in international affairs, maximizing cultural potential - humanitarian contacts.
I sincerely wish the people of friendly India peace, prosperity and new impressive successes.
The text of the article is published on the website. President.rf
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