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Excellency, President Vladimir Putin,
Distinguished Members of the Russian Delegation,
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press.
President Putin is visiting India as part of our well-established practice of Annual Summits between our two countries. His current visit is of special significance, as he is the Chief Guest at our Republic Day Celebrations. We hold President Putin in high esteem, as a world leader and as a special friend of India. It therefore gives me great pleasure in extending him a very warm welcome.
Our discussions today were extremely useful and productive, and confirmed, once again, that our strategic partnership is based on a deep convergence of our vital national interests.
Though there has been a sea-change in the international situation during the last decade, Russia remains indispensable to the core of India’s foreign policy interests. Building on the long tradition of warm and friendly relations with Russia, we seek a comprehensive re-engagement that would impart new momentum and carry our strategic partnership to new heights.
Energy security is the most important of the emerging dimensions of our strategic partnership. Russia’s position as a global leader on energy issues is widely recognized. We look forward to long-term partnership with Russia in this vital field.
We appreciate Russia's support in lifting international restrictions on nuclear cooperation with India and in assisting us in the expansion of our nuclear energy sector. We have today signed a Joint Declaration on cooperation in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy. Our growing cooperation is manifest in the Protocol of Intent we have signed on construction of additional units at Kudankulam.
Both of us agreed that our economic relationship is far below what is consistent with the demands of our strong strategic partnership and the growth profiles of both India and Russia. The Joint Study Group is exploring possibilities for charting out a path for comprehensive economic cooperation and we have agreed to expedite its work.
We have had comprehensive discussions on our expanding defence relationship. Our defence ties have steadily progressed to include new areas such as joint research and development, manufacturing and marketing, regular service to service interaction and joint exercises. Our cooperation in the joint development of the Multi-Role Transport Aircraft and our interest in such cooperation in the development of the Fifth Generation Fighter are significant developments.
We decided to give a boost to our cooperation in high technology sectors including space, science and technology and information and communication. This is manifest in the signing of additional bilateral agreements to jointly implement wide ranging cooperation in the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS)
Mr. President, we see your visit, as a landmark and as one laying the foundation for renewed engagement between our two countries and charting the course of our relations in the years to come. Let me extend to you, once again a very warm welcome and request you to address the media.
Thank you.
New Delhi, 25 January 2007
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