Groundbreaking Indian-Russian Conference Explores Turbulent Global Challenges

The Panel discussion on “International Turbulence: Challenges and Opportunities for India-Russia Relations” was chaired by Arvind Gupta, Director Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), Russian Ambassador to India H.E. Denis Alipov, Dr Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club, and Fyodor Lukyanov, Research Director of the Valdai Discussion Club.

The conference, focused on mutual ties, spotlights their significant collaboration in various sectors such as trade, energy, and defence. It underscores India's strategic autonomy in foreign policy, particularly regarding its ties with Russia.

Moscow's Envoy to New Delhi Weighs in on Russia-India Ties

Referring to the current turbulent geopolitical scenario, Ambassador Alipov emphasised that “Russia and India stand like-minded in preserving and best character of multilateral institutions focusing on genuine democracy in international affairs and global governance based on the central role of the United Nations and international law, as opposed to the never formulated rule states”.

“Russia is fully supportive of India, India's right to become a permanent UN Security Council member,” said the envoy to New Delhi.

The Ambassador hoped that India and China, two powerful civilisations with distinct political acumen, would work together to resolve the border dispute through mutual respect and consideration of the possibilities for a secure and peaceful Eurasian region built on the ideas of inclusive dialogue, mutual accommodation, and undivided security rather than conflict as compared to the West.

“Russia is the world's unparalleled leader in civil nuclear energy and is ready to share its cutting-edge technologies, including the small modular reactors. In the floating closing of the small nuclear power station, our country has become the largest oil supplier to India, significantly contributing to its energy security," said Alipov.

India, Russia to Get North-South Corridor Up & Running Soon, Vows Ambassador

Likewise, the diplomat emphasised that "we are hopeful to launch very soon," concerning the operationalisation of the International North-South Transportation Corridor and the ongoing negotiation process between the Eurasian Economic Union and India.

“Both Russia and India can advance environmental non-governmental organisations and carry out climate change initiatives with greater success. India has made significant strides in recent years to enhance living conditions, diversify energy sources, and improve environmental standards. In a similar vein, Russia has a great deal of legal capacity to lower climate-related dangers. Consequently, Russia initiated active collaboration in Arctic research and expressed gratitude to Indian experts for their interest in the region,” said Bystritsky.

When talking about Russian public sentiment towards India, Bystritsky stressed that ‘If there is any country like home, that is India, and India is a home for Spirituality’.

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