India and Russia affirmed their stand against the role of “outside influences” in the internal matters of any nation, a statement seen in the context of the changes in Jammu & Kashmir and the developing scenario in Afghanistan. “We both are against outside influence in the internal matters of any nation,” PM Narendra Modi said after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok. A joint statement said the two sides “underlined the primacy of international law and emphasised their commitment to the purposes and principles stated in the UN Charter, including the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of member states”.
As India engages in a major diplomatic outreach after the decision to do away with J&K’s special status and create two UTs of J&K and Ladakh, Modi invoked his “personal bond” with Putin, recalling he had first met the leader in 2003 when he visited Russia as part of then PM Atal Bihar Vajpayee’s entourage. “He (Putin) did not treat me as an insignificant member,” Modi, who was Gujarat chief minister then, said.
The two countries signed 25 agreements and MoUs in areas such as defence, air and maritime connectivity, energy, natural gas, petroleum and trade. Modi also participated in the Eastern Economic Forum. He also had bilateral meetings with prime ministers of Japan, Malaysia and Mongolia.
Maritime route between Chennai and Vladivostok
Prime Minister Modi said a proposal had been made to have a full-fledged maritime route between Chennai and Vladivostok. A Memorandum of Intent was signed in this regard. “Due to the increasing localisation of nuclear plants being formed with the cooperation of Russia in India, we are also developing a true partnership in this field,” he said.
“The India-Russia friendship is not restricted to their respective capital cities. We have put people at the core of this relationship,” he added.
Russia to train Indian astronauts
Russia, he said, would help train Indian astronauts for the manned space mission - the Gaganyaan project. The two sides signed 15 agreements/MoUs in areas such as defence, air, and maritime connectivity, energy, natural gas, petroleum and trade.
Modi said: “The friendship and support between both the countries is growing with full speed...Our special and privileged strategic partnership has not only benefited our countries but also it has been used for the development of the people.
