India, Russia agree on building multipolar world order

Sochi (Russia), May 22: India and Russia on Monday agreed on building a multipolar world order after an informal summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here. “The two leaders agreed that the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia is an important factor for global peace and stability,” the Indian External Affairs Ministry said in a statement, adding that they agreed both nations “have an important role to play in contributing to an open and equitable world order”.

“Both leaders expressed their concern over terrorism and radicalisation, and their determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the statement said. “In this context, they endorsed the importance of restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan in an atmosphere free from the threat of terrorism, and agreed to work together towards achieving this objective.” “They expressed satisfaction over the deep trust, mutual respect and goodwill that characterizes relations between India and Russia,” it said.

India and Russia also agreed to institute a Strategic Economic Dialogue between India’s NITI Aayog and Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, to identify greater synergy in trade and investment. “Friendship between India and Russia has stood the test of time. Our ties will continue to scale newer heights in the coming years.” On his part, Putin said that there is no need to explain Russian-Indian relations, since these have deep roots. Stating that Russia and India are proactive in their foreign policy cooperation, including within international organisations such as the UN, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and now the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Putin said: “We have established close contacts and collaboration between our defence agencies. All this is indicative of the high level of strategic relations between our countries.” (IANS)