Russian Envoy Reiterates Support To India Over Tensions With Pak, Calls Parrikar Daring Visionary

Russian Ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev, has said that Moscow is supportive of India in the recent India-Pak tensions in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack that killed over 40 CRPF personnel.

Speaking exclusively to WION, Kudashev said Moscow is “most supportive of the Indian position upon the issue. On the issue of the recent flare-up. The recent attack of international terror.”

“There is a large understanding of the global issue (between Russia and India). First and foremost on countering terror and terrorism, countering drugs and crime, there is a lot of understandings on other issues like regional development, a regional architecture for security and co-operation,” Nikolay Kudashev added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year. In his conversation with PM Modi on February 27, Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack and conveyed solidarity of the people of Russia with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.

Calling India “a great friend and a privileged strategic partner,” the Russian envoy said ties between both the countries are “extremely close” and “very special”.

He also told WION that the next India-Russia informal summit will take place this year “possibly in India.” Last year, PM Modi and Putin meet in Sochi, Russia for an informal summit.

Later the Ambassador, speaking at an event in Delhi, also observed a minute of silence in the memory of former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar and called him “a great statesman, a daring visionary, and a true friend of Russia”, one who contributed “enormously to enhancing Russia India relationship”.

Prime Minister Modi has been invited to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok later this year. Over 60 per cent of Indian defence equipment is of Russian origin. Last year, New Delhi approved the S-400 missile deal with the country despite Washington’s hopes that India will not go ahead with the deal.

Source:Wion

Image Courtesy: Embassy of the Russian Federation in The Republic of India