New Delhi: India and Russia on Friday marked 25 years of their strategic partnership, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighting the “special and privileged” ties between the two nations. Addressing the weekly MEA briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Today is a special day, 3rd of October. On 3rd October 2000, we established the India-Russia Strategic Partnership. Today, we are celebrating 25 years of this special partnership.”
Jaiswal emphasized that both countries are committed to enhancing cooperation across multiple areas, including trade, investment, defence, and science and technology. “India and Russia enjoy a special and privileged strategic partnership. We look forward to strengthening these ties and want to enhance each and every segment we are working on together,” he added.
The comments come as India and Russia are finalizing dates for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, expected in early December. Ahead of the visit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also scheduled to meet Indian officials to prepare for the summit and discuss bilateral issues.
Earlier on Friday, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov commemorated the 25th anniversary on social media, recalling the historic 2000 declaration signed by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Vladimir Putin that opened a “new chapter” in India-Russia relations.
President Putin, speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, describing him as a “wise leader” who prioritizes his country. He also reiterated the importance of the India-Russia relationship, calling it a “privileged strategic partnership” that continues to thrive.
The milestone underscores the enduring cooperation and shared strategic vision between India and Russia, with both nations looking to deepen ties further in the coming years.
