Visit of PM to Moscow ( Russia)Transcript of Prime Minister’s Interview with Russian journalists
Question:
You are visiting Moscow right after the Parliamentary elections and on
the eve of the Russian Presidential election, which almost coincide with
an important date – the 65th anniversary of establishing diplomatic
relations between our countries. Are you expecting any new accents in
Russian-Indian relationship and what are their prospects?
Answer: Our relations with Russia have stood the test of time. In the decades gone by our relations have gained enormously in strength. They rest on a firm footing, and I see them expanding and diversifying in new areas in the future. This is because of the rapid progress both our societies have made which has opened opportunities for cooperation that did not exist before. There is also great mutual trust and convergence of views between our two countries. The practice of Annual Summits has played a major role in the evolution of our partnership. The intensity of contacts between us is quite extraordinary.
Today we have a ‘special and privileged’ partnership. It is a partnership which produces concrete results. We have bilateral mechanisms at all levels, governmental as also private. Our cooperation in defence, space, hydrocarbons and nuclear energy has seen steady benefits accruing to both countries. On international issues, there is convergence and commonality of views between India and Russia on major issues like the revival of the global economy, cooperation within BRICS, the situation in West Asia and North Africa and the challenges we face in Afghanistan.
I am looking forward to holding detailed discussions with President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin on all these aspects.
Answer: Our relations with Russia have stood the test of time. In the decades gone by our relations have gained enormously in strength. They rest on a firm footing, and I see them expanding and diversifying in new areas in the future. This is because of the rapid progress both our societies have made which has opened opportunities for cooperation that did not exist before. There is also great mutual trust and convergence of views between our two countries. The practice of Annual Summits has played a major role in the evolution of our partnership. The intensity of contacts between us is quite extraordinary.
Today we have a ‘special and privileged’ partnership. It is a partnership which produces concrete results. We have bilateral mechanisms at all levels, governmental as also private. Our cooperation in defence, space, hydrocarbons and nuclear energy has seen steady benefits accruing to both countries. On international issues, there is convergence and commonality of views between India and Russia on major issues like the revival of the global economy, cooperation within BRICS, the situation in West Asia and North Africa and the challenges we face in Afghanistan.
I am looking forward to holding detailed discussions with President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin on all these aspects.
I
believe the time has come to place a much greater focus on the economic
aspects of our relationship. Our trade and commercial cooperation
needs to be become more contemporary and reflective of our capacities.
We are already making efforts in this direction.
Over the last one year, there has been greater interaction in fields like information technology, pharmaceuticals, steel and diamonds. New ideas have been discussed such as exploring the possibility of creating a joint investment fund, studying a possible Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with the broader Eurasian region, encouraging greater connectivity through the North South Transport Corridor, and linking Indian States with Russian regions. We should build upon these proposals.
[Note : The 65th Anniversary of establishment of India-Soviet Union diplomatic relations falls on April 13, 2012.]
Question: Next year our military and technical collaboration will celebrate the 50th anniversary. How do you assess its importance and what are the main features and major areas of the bilateral interaction in this sphere nowadays?
Answer: Our defence cooperation has always been an important pillar of our strategic partnership with Russia. Russia is India’s largest supplier of defence equipment and a most reliable partner.
Over time the nature of our defence relationship has changed from one of ‘buyer-seller’ to that of being partners in joint development of systems and in research and development. We would like this trend to gather further momentum, and I am confident that we are moving in the right direction. Overall, I see this aspect of our relationship as a mutually beneficial and essential link in our multifaceted relationship.
Over the last one year, there has been greater interaction in fields like information technology, pharmaceuticals, steel and diamonds. New ideas have been discussed such as exploring the possibility of creating a joint investment fund, studying a possible Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with the broader Eurasian region, encouraging greater connectivity through the North South Transport Corridor, and linking Indian States with Russian regions. We should build upon these proposals.
[Note : The 65th Anniversary of establishment of India-Soviet Union diplomatic relations falls on April 13, 2012.]
Question: Next year our military and technical collaboration will celebrate the 50th anniversary. How do you assess its importance and what are the main features and major areas of the bilateral interaction in this sphere nowadays?
Answer: Our defence cooperation has always been an important pillar of our strategic partnership with Russia. Russia is India’s largest supplier of defence equipment and a most reliable partner.
Over time the nature of our defence relationship has changed from one of ‘buyer-seller’ to that of being partners in joint development of systems and in research and development. We would like this trend to gather further momentum, and I am confident that we are moving in the right direction. Overall, I see this aspect of our relationship as a mutually beneficial and essential link in our multifaceted relationship.
Question: The
recent protest movement in Tamil Nadu has been hampering the timely
start-up of Kudankulam NPP. Do you believe that it will not hinder the
large scale Indian atomic energy programme, including implementation of
Russian-Indian plans in this sphere?
Answer: The protests in Kudankulam reflect the concern among people about the safety of nuclear energy. People are also worried that such plants should not affect their livelihood and environment.
The Government takes these concerns seriously. We have set up an independent group of experts to respond to all the legitimate and genuine concerns and fears of the local people.
If we have to develop nuclear energy in the country it is essential that it is done with the support of the people. In India we are giving the highest priority to nuclear safety. I know that the Russian leadership also has the same priority and has taken several initiatives, including in the international arena, which we welcome.
As far as India-Russia cooperation in the nuclear field is concerned, this will continue and we will fulfil our commitments. India has always regarded Russia as partner who was with us in times of difficulty and even when there were restrictions on nuclear commerce with India. I wish to thank all the Russian experts who are working with us in the Kudankulam project.
Question: Russia is heading for modernization and innovative economic development. India has accumulated great positive experience in this area, including bio-nano-and information technologies. Is India ready to bring them to Russia? Whether Indian leading public and private companies are interested in joining such projects as Skolkovo or establishing joint ventures in advanced areas?
Answer: The protests in Kudankulam reflect the concern among people about the safety of nuclear energy. People are also worried that such plants should not affect their livelihood and environment.
The Government takes these concerns seriously. We have set up an independent group of experts to respond to all the legitimate and genuine concerns and fears of the local people.
If we have to develop nuclear energy in the country it is essential that it is done with the support of the people. In India we are giving the highest priority to nuclear safety. I know that the Russian leadership also has the same priority and has taken several initiatives, including in the international arena, which we welcome.
As far as India-Russia cooperation in the nuclear field is concerned, this will continue and we will fulfil our commitments. India has always regarded Russia as partner who was with us in times of difficulty and even when there were restrictions on nuclear commerce with India. I wish to thank all the Russian experts who are working with us in the Kudankulam project.
Question: Russia is heading for modernization and innovative economic development. India has accumulated great positive experience in this area, including bio-nano-and information technologies. Is India ready to bring them to Russia? Whether Indian leading public and private companies are interested in joining such projects as Skolkovo or establishing joint ventures in advanced areas?
Answer: The
Integrated Long Term Programme for Cooperation in the field of Science
and Technology is India's biggest scientific collaboration programme
with any country. This covers the full range of activities from basic
research to developing industrial scale technologies in frontline areas
such as nano-technology and biotechnology. Together with Russian
scientists and R&D institutions, 500 projects have been implemented
so far in a large number of areas.
At the last Summit in New Delhi in 2010, a new Agreement was signed that remains valid for the next 10 years and gives a fresh mandate for creating new innovation-based technology partnerships. A significant new feature of this programme is that it will implement joint mega projects in fields such as sustainable energy, affordable healthcare and informatics.
Both sides are also working to put in place a system to ensure rapid commercialization of R&D that is being done in laboratories. This includes the establishment of India-Russia Centres of Science and Technology in each other countries.
Indian participation in the Skolkovo Innovation Center and the Skolkovo Fund has been discussed between the two sides.
At the last Summit in New Delhi in 2010, a new Agreement was signed that remains valid for the next 10 years and gives a fresh mandate for creating new innovation-based technology partnerships. A significant new feature of this programme is that it will implement joint mega projects in fields such as sustainable energy, affordable healthcare and informatics.
Both sides are also working to put in place a system to ensure rapid commercialization of R&D that is being done in laboratories. This includes the establishment of India-Russia Centres of Science and Technology in each other countries.
Indian participation in the Skolkovo Innovation Center and the Skolkovo Fund has been discussed between the two sides.
These
are important areas and we would like to encourage much greater
cooperation in these sectors among our industry associations.
Question: After South Africa’s accession to the BRICS, the forum has not only become more representative but also activated concerted actions in the international arena on burning global and regional issues. What do you think about the role of this dialogue mechanism in the changing world order and in tackling major present-day challenges?
Answer: It was Russia which took the initiative to host the first standalone Summit of BRIC countries in Yekaterinburg in 2009 which I had the privilege to attend. Since then the BRIC forum has been expanded to include South Africa. We have high regard for Russia’s role in BRICS.
The relevance of BRICS to the international order has increased over time. BRICS countries share similar positions on issues such as the reforms of the Bretton Woods Institutions, trade protectionism and the Doha Development Round, achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and support for a multi-polar, equitable and democratic world order.
At a time of economic uncertainty, especially in the Eurozone, growth and prosperity in the BRICS economies can play a significant role in ensuring economic and financial stability at a global level.
The agenda of BRICS has gone beyond the purely economic to include issues such as international terrorism, climate change and food and energy security. The world is also witnessing political and security challenges, especially in West Asia.
It is therefore all the more essential for BRICS countries to closely consult with each other at this time.
Question: After South Africa’s accession to the BRICS, the forum has not only become more representative but also activated concerted actions in the international arena on burning global and regional issues. What do you think about the role of this dialogue mechanism in the changing world order and in tackling major present-day challenges?
Answer: It was Russia which took the initiative to host the first standalone Summit of BRIC countries in Yekaterinburg in 2009 which I had the privilege to attend. Since then the BRIC forum has been expanded to include South Africa. We have high regard for Russia’s role in BRICS.
The relevance of BRICS to the international order has increased over time. BRICS countries share similar positions on issues such as the reforms of the Bretton Woods Institutions, trade protectionism and the Doha Development Round, achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and support for a multi-polar, equitable and democratic world order.
At a time of economic uncertainty, especially in the Eurozone, growth and prosperity in the BRICS economies can play a significant role in ensuring economic and financial stability at a global level.
The agenda of BRICS has gone beyond the purely economic to include issues such as international terrorism, climate change and food and energy security. The world is also witnessing political and security challenges, especially in West Asia.
It is therefore all the more essential for BRICS countries to closely consult with each other at this time.
India
will host the next BRICS Summit in New Delhi in March next year and we
look forward to further strengthening our dialogue with all the BRICS
partners.
Question: Combating terrorism is the key problem for both India and Russia, which are actively interacting both globally and regionally in this sphere. Which mechanisms of international cooperation – both established and emerging – do you consider most efficient in terms of establishing peace, security and stability in Afghanistan and eliminating the terror threat in general?
Answer: Large multiethnic and open democracies like India and Russia are especially vulnerable to terrorism. We are both united in our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There can be no justification whatsoever for acts of terrorism.
We closely cooperate in combating the threat of terrorism both at the bilateral and international levels. Our National Security Councils and special services are in touch with each other. At the multilateral level, we are working together for an early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the United Nations.
Afghanistan is going through a crucial stage of transition. As neighbours, both India and Russia have a vital stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan. There should be regular consultation between our sides on the situation in Afghanistan.
Everyone wishes to see an end to terrorism in Afghanistan, most of all the people of Afghanistan themselves. We should support the people of Afghanistan in their process of transition and nation building and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan.
Question: Combating terrorism is the key problem for both India and Russia, which are actively interacting both globally and regionally in this sphere. Which mechanisms of international cooperation – both established and emerging – do you consider most efficient in terms of establishing peace, security and stability in Afghanistan and eliminating the terror threat in general?
Answer: Large multiethnic and open democracies like India and Russia are especially vulnerable to terrorism. We are both united in our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There can be no justification whatsoever for acts of terrorism.
We closely cooperate in combating the threat of terrorism both at the bilateral and international levels. Our National Security Councils and special services are in touch with each other. At the multilateral level, we are working together for an early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the United Nations.
Afghanistan is going through a crucial stage of transition. As neighbours, both India and Russia have a vital stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan. There should be regular consultation between our sides on the situation in Afghanistan.
Everyone wishes to see an end to terrorism in Afghanistan, most of all the people of Afghanistan themselves. We should support the people of Afghanistan in their process of transition and nation building and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan.
Question : One Indian proverb says
that managing 1000 people is as hard as managing 3 persons. You have to
manage the country of a billion population. What is the core of your
approach and what are your main principles in managing this big and
great India?
Answer: India is a large country of great diversity and complexity. We are an ancient civilisation but a young nation characterised by a vibrant economy.
Our task in government is to lift the millions of our countrymen out of poverty and to eradicate the scourge of illiteracy, hunger and disease. Our growth has to be balanced and inclusive, benefiting all sections of our society. At the international level, India cooperates with all countries to create an atmosphere that is conducive to meeting our national goals and realising the aspirations of our people. We strive to build peace, stability and harmony in the world.
I consider it a deep honour and privilege to have the opportunity to serve the people of India as Prime Minister.
New Delhi
December 15, 2011
Answer: India is a large country of great diversity and complexity. We are an ancient civilisation but a young nation characterised by a vibrant economy.
Our task in government is to lift the millions of our countrymen out of poverty and to eradicate the scourge of illiteracy, hunger and disease. Our growth has to be balanced and inclusive, benefiting all sections of our society. At the international level, India cooperates with all countries to create an atmosphere that is conducive to meeting our national goals and realising the aspirations of our people. We strive to build peace, stability and harmony in the world.
I consider it a deep honour and privilege to have the opportunity to serve the people of India as Prime Minister.
New Delhi
December 15, 2011
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