The President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladmir V.Putin, paid an official visit to India on December 24, 2012 at the invitation of Prime Minister of the Republic of India H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh for the Annual Summit between two countries. During the visit, President V. Putin met the President of India H.E.Mr.Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister of India, H.E.Dr.Manmohan Singh. The Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance Ms. Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of Opposition Ms. Sushma Swaraj called on President H.E. Mr. V. Putin.
The Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation stressed the importance of further progressing the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction that the year 2012 was marked by an intense bilateral dialogue, regular top and high-level meetings and multifarious cultural activities to mark the 65thanniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Russian Federation. The two leaders reviewed the progress made in all important areas of cooperation, including in sectors such as energy, trade, high technology and military-technical cooperation. The sides noted that they shared common views on all the important issues of regional and international cooperation.
The sides welcomed the conclusion of bilateral documents on Foreign Office consultations; cultural exchanges; science, technology and innovation; telecommunications; financing of projects and promoting investments. Significant contracts were also concluded in the sphere of military-technical cooperation.
The sides welcomed the reinvigoration of parliamentary exchanges and noted the visit by a delegation of the Russian State Duma Group of Deputies on December 4-8, 2012 to India as also the scheduled visit by a delegation led by the Chairperson of the Russian Federation Council to India in February 2013.
Promoting Trade and Investment
The sides expressed satisfaction at the substantial increase during 2011 and 2012 in bilateral trade and agreed to enhance efforts to achieve the target of US$ 20 billion bilateral trade by 2015. India welcomed Russia's recent accession to the World Trade Organization and the both sides agreed that it provided further opportunities to augment bilateral trade and investment and business-to-business linkages. In this context, they called upon Russia-India Chief Executive Officers Council’s meeting at the earliest.
The sides agreed to work out a list of priority investment projects and a road map for their implementation. They favour discussions between India and the Eurasian Economic Commission on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between India and the Customs Union of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.
The sides noted the outcomes of the successful meeting of the 18thsession of the India - Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation on October 15, 2012 in New Delhi. They welcomed the outcome of the first session of Joint Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation held in New Delhi on August 27-29, 2012, aimed at greater mutual participation in modernization, infrastructure development and industrial projects in the two countries. They also welcomed recommendations of the Joint Working Group on trade and economic cooperation. They stressed on further opportunities in the fields of pharmaceuticals, power, steel, food products, automobiles, engineering goods, fertilizers and directed the respective authorities to promote and facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
Deepening Energy Partnership
The sides reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and reiterated their commitment to implementing the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the construction of additional nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam site as well as in the construction of Russian designed Nuclear Power plants at new sites in the Republic of India, concluded on December 5, 2008; the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Use of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes and the Road Map for the Serial Construction of the Russian designed Nuclear Power Plants in the Republic of India, concluded on March 12, 2010.
The sides noted with satisfaction the progress in regard to the commissioning of the first unit of the Nuclear Power Plant at Kudankulam and agreed to take the necessary steps to expedite the completion and commissioning of the second unit. Expressing satisfaction over the signing of the Protocol for the grant of State Credit from the Russian Federation to the Republic of India for works, supplies and services for construction of Units 3 & 4 at Kudankulam and related fuel supplies, the sides agreed to conclude expeditiously the negotiations on the techno-commercial offer for the construction of Units 3 & 4. The sides also reiterated their commitment to incorporating the best technology in construction of nuclear power plants with a view to ensuring and maintaining the highest safety standards. The sides welcomed the outcome of the first meeting of the Joint Working Group between Department of Atomic Energy and State Corporation Rosatom in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy held in Moscow in July 2012.
Both sides noted the complementarities between India and the Russian Federation in the energy sector as a major buyer and supplier of hydrocarbons and reviewed the ongoing efforts to establish joint cooperation ventures between Indian and Russian companies. They confirmed their intention to continue the implementation of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector signed on December 21, 2010. The Indian side reiterated its interest in equity participation through ONGC-OVL in existing and new projects in Siberia, Russia's Far East and the Arctic Shelf.
Indian Oil PSUs expressed interest in acquiring equity stake in discovered / producing assets and in proposed LNG liquefaction projects in Russia along with Russian oil and gas companies as well as in procuring Russian crude oil and off-take of LNG for India. The sides agreed to intensify efforts to enhance mutual investments in exploration and production of oil and gas in both the countries and joint ventures in upstream and downstream activities in India, Russia and third countries.
The Indian side noted the difficulties being faced by Imperial Energy and hoped that the ensuing tax reforms would help the Company to turn around.
The sides noted that to promote exploration and production cooperation between the two countries, it was essential to source oil and gas from Russia and leverage the market and downstream business in India with involvement of respective oil and gas companies of both the countries, ONGC Videsh in Russia for upstream business and Rosneft in India for downstream business.
Both sides noted that the gas supply to India by Gazprom Group will be a stable and reliable source of resources for the development of Indian gas market. Both sides welcomed the conclusion of long term LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement for the supply of 2.5 MMTPA of LNG between "Gazprom Marketing and Trading Singapore” and GAIL and expressed hope for continuation of cooperation in the sphere of LNG supply.
Science and Technology Cooperation
The sides noted with satisfaction that both Moscow and Delhi-NCR branches of the India-Russia Science & Technology Centre (IRSTC) had been set up and were working in close coordination to intensify interactions between Indian and Russian scientific/industrial institutions and shared the view that the IRSTC could play a prominent role in successful commercialization of Indian and Russian technologies in the two countries. The sides encouraged the ongoing dialogue on identified technology platforms which are of mutual benefit.
Both sides noted with satisfaction that the Memorandum of Cooperation between Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation in Science, Technology and Innovation had been concluded, to support bilateral projects. In addition to the flagship Integrated Long-Term Programme (ILTP) for cooperation in the areas of science, technology and innovations, the sides agreed that this MOU would provide an effective mechanism, particularly for universities and academic, research and industrial institutions, to collaborate. The sides expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the project in the area of technology solutions for fly ash management and utilization.
Education
The sides reviewed the status on recognition of diplomas of Indian students studying in Russian educational institutions. Expressing satisfaction at the ongoing educational exchanges between the two countries, the sides agreed to accelerate the conclusion of Inter-Governmental Agreement on mutual recognition and equivalence of educational documents and degrees.
Cultural and humanitarian exchanges
In the context of the rich cultural heritage and their mutual appreciation and interest for each other's culture, arts and the centuries-old bonds of friendship between India and Russia, the sides appreciated the joint celebrations of the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Russian Federation and supported continued holding of annual reciprocal cultural festivals alternately in India and Russia. The sides welcomed the signing of Cultural Exchange Program for 2013-2015. They also encouraged enhanced cooperation between the think-tanks and academia of the two countries.
Both sides welcomed the increase in the exchange of tourists. The Indian side informed the Russian side that the number of tourist visas issued to Russian citizens travelling to India increased by 24% in 2011 and were expected to increase by further 20% in 2012. The Russian side also noted that the number of tourists from India to Russia more than doubled in 2012 as compared to 2011.
Promoting Ties in Space
The sides agreed to continue their mutually beneficial cooperation in the space sector, including lunar exploration and establishment of ranging station for satellite navigation.
Stepping Up Military-Technical Cooperation
Both sides emphasised that the traditionally close cooperation between the two countries in the defence and military-technical field was a major pillar of the India-Russia strategic partnership and a reflection of the trust and confidence that has built up between the two countries. The sides welcomed the outcomes of the Twelfth Meeting of the India - Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation held on October 10, 2012 in New Delhi. They expressed satisfaction at the regular bilateral interactions, ongoing military-technical cooperation and 'INDRA' exercise between the defence forces of the two countries held in August 2012 and in December 2012. The sides also noted that the frigates INS «Teg» and INS «Tarkash» were commissioned and delivered by Russia to India in 2012. The sides also took note of the progress made in the joint development and production of high technology military equipment and projects such as Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, Multi-Role Transport Aircraft and BrahMos Supersonic Missile. Both sides discussed measures required to ensure expeditious delivery of the aircraft carrier «Vikramaditya»to India. The Russian side assured that requisite measures would be taken in this regard.
Coordination on International and Regional Issues
The sides reaffirmed their will to work closely with the aim to consolidate central role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security and promoting economic and social advancement of all peoples. They stressed that international efforts to address global threats and challenges should be based on the rule of the law anchored in the UN Charter to ensure their legitimacy, impartiality, transparency and accountability. The two sides agreed to continue consultation and coordination on international and regional issues so as to support efforts for strengthening global peace, security and stability. They also expressed satisfaction at their cooperation in the UN including in the Security Council during India's presence as a non-permanent member since January 1, 2011. Both sides reaffirmed the need for UN Security Council reform in order to make it more representative and effective in dealing with emerging challenges and agreed that any expansion of the Security Council should reflect contemporary realities. In this regard, the Russian Federation reiterated its strong support to India for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council.
Combating Terrorism
The Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation recalled the Moscow Declaration between India and Russia on International Terrorism signed on November 6, 2001 in Moscow, and reaffirmed that international terrorism is a threat to peace and security, a grave violation of human rights, and a crime against humanity. Both sides reaffirmed the need for all States to combine efforts to vanquish terrorism. They agreed that there was no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism, and those multi-ethnic democratic countries like India and Russia were especially vulnerable to acts of terrorism. The sides strongly condemned those who provide safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorism and reiterated that States that aid, abet or shelter terrorists are as guilty of acts of terrorism as their actual perpetrators. India and the Russian Federation reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in the combat against international terrorism and in this context called for an early completion of the negotiations on the UN's draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
Supporting Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Efforts
India and Russia, as responsible states, possessing advanced nuclear technologies, share the objective of preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including preventing their possible acquisition by terrorist groups. Both sides agreed on the need for all states possessing nuclear weapons to accelerate concrete progress on the steps leading to global nuclear disarmament in a way that promotes international stability, peace and undiminished and increased security for all.
Both sides welcomed the recent bilateral consultations on disarmament, non-proliferation and export control issues held in Moscow in August 2012, which allowed exchange of views and assessments on a range of current issues. Both sides expressed interest in the strengthening of multilateral export control regimes as an important component of the global non-proliferation regime. Russia also took intopositive consideration India's interest in full membership in MTCR and Wassenar Arrangement. The Russian side reiterated readiness to assist and promote a discussion and positive decision in the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group on India’s full membership in the NSG, and welcomed India’s intention to seek full membership. India underscored its determination to actively contribute to international efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear non-proliferation regime.
While recognizing the inherent right of states to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, India and the Russian Federation stressed the need for all states to comply with their respective obligations on non-proliferation. The sides support the central role of the IAEA and its safeguards system in promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in accordance with its statute. The sides intend to support international efforts aimed at promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy as part of a proliferation-resistant architecture of international cooperation, based on strict implementation of non-proliferation obligations. As supplier states, the sides support multilateral approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle at the IAEA.
Both sides support international efforts for ensuring the peaceful uses of outer space through appropriate confidence building measures and legally binding measures. Strengthening Security Cooperation in Asia and the Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions
The sides noted that the economies in the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions were increasingly becoming the main drivers of global economic growth and prosperity and that it was important for India and Russia to work towards the creation of a transparent, open and inclusive regional architecture and equitable cooperation in the Asia Pacific region based upon the universally agreed principles of international law and giving due consideration to the legitimate interests of all States.
The sides underlined that they view the mechanism of the East Asia Summits as a leaders-led key forum for dialogue on broad strategic political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity in Asia-Pacific. They underscored the importance of enhancing mutual understanding and ensuring peace, stability and security in the region in addressing trans-national and non-traditional security issues, including terrorism, extremism, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, illicit drug trafficking, organized crime as well as the need for strengthening maritime security in accordance with the universally accepted principles of international law.
The sides stated that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) had emerged as an important factor for regional security, stability and cooperation in the Eurasian region. The Russian side reiterated its support to India’s intention to join the SCO as a full-fledged member and stood for joint efforts with other SCO members to accelerate the process of India's entry into the Organization.
The sides stated that there are multifaceted formats of regional cooperation successfully functioning in the Asia-Pacific Region such as the mechanism of interaction between Russia, India and China, which promotes strengthening positions of our countries in global and regional affairs and assists to shape common approach to urgent world problems.
The sides noted the successful holding of the 11th Russia-India-China trilateral Ministerial meeting on April 13, 2012 in Moscow and agreed to advance practical cooperation in trilateral format in areas such as emergency response, health care, energy, agriculture, business, innovation and high technology. The Indian side conveyed it would host the next Ministerial meeting in 2013.
The sides noted the successful conduct by Russia of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Vladivostok in 2012. Russia reaffirmed that India's potential joining of APEC would further promote and intensify trade and investment cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia reiterated its support for India's membership in APEC after consensus within APEC on expanding the Forum’s membership is reached.
The sides underlined the importance of the ASEAN regional forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ meetings – Plus (ADMM-Plus) as key components of a robust, effective, open and inclusive regional security architecture.
Promoting Cooperation among Emerging Economies
The sides welcomed the successful conduct of the fourth BRICS summit in New Delhi on March 29, 2012. They noted that BRICS play an important role in a multi-polar world order and a more harmonious international system based on international law, equality, mutual respect, cooperation, coordinated action and collective decision-making. BRICS countries have also played an important role in promoting international economic and financial stability. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Delhi Action Plan of 2012 BRICS Summit as a solid base for progressive development of BRICS. The sides are convinced that the forthcoming Durban Summit will contribute to strengthening of the role of BRICS in the world arena.
Situation in Syria
The sides expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and continued violence in Syria and called upon all the parties to stop violence and engage in all inclusive national dialogue in order to resolve the conflict through peaceful political means on the internationally approved political and legal basis including the UN Security Council Resolutions 2042 and 2043 and the Joint Communiqué of the Geneva Action Group.
Stabilizing the Afghan Situation
The sides support the efforts made by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to establish a peaceful dialogue with the armed opposition, provided that the process goes on under the Afghan leadership and that the fighters meet the redlines enunciated by the international community: the recognition of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, renunciation of violence and breaking with al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations. They consider it necessary to continue the UN Security Council sanctions regime as an essential anti-terror tool.
The sides noted with satisfaction the growing global understanding of the important role played by the neighboring states of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, states and organizations of the region, and urged to focus the efforts in the region on the development and improvement of sound structures of regional cooperation, like the SCO, CSTO and SAARC amongst others. In this regard, they also recalled the holding of the Delhi Investment Summit on Afghanistan in June 2012 to promote investments into Afghanistan. They expect that the international community in their efforts in this regard will respect the decisions taken by the countries of the region in the framework of these organizations.
The two sides recognised that the main threat to Afghanistan’s security and stability is terrorism, and that this threat also endangers regional and global peace and security. In this regard, they recognised the regional dimensions of terrorism and extremism, emphasizing the need for joint and concerted efforts and cooperation among the regional countries to address the challenge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the dismantling of terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens, as well as disrupting all financial and tactical support for terrorism.
The sides recognise that drug production and narcotrafficking are the major source of funding for terrorists’ networks that requires collective action against the producers and traffickers of illegal drugs. They agreed to continue to take effective measures against the illegal production and trafficking of opiates and other narcotics. To this end, the two sides pledged to focus on the implementation of the Paris Pact Vienna Declaration.
Iran's Nuclear Programme
The sides expressed concern over the situation emerging around Iran’s nuclear programme. They reiterated their call for a comprehensive and long-term settlement of the situation through exclusively political and diplomatic means by promoting dialogue. The sides noted in this context that unilateral sanctions are counter-productive. They recognized Iran's right to develop research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in conformity with its international obligations. They urged Iran to comply with the provisions of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and extend full cooperation to the IAEA.
Recovery and Strengthening of Global Economy, Reforming the International Financial Architecture
The two sides noted that the global economy continued to face multiple challenges and agreed that multilateralism was indispensable to resolve these challenges. They support the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation in playing a greater role in global economic governance. Both sides emphasised the need to better coordinate macroeconomic policies of the G20 members to ensure strong, sustainable and balanced growth in the global economy. India welcomed Russia’s Presidency of the G20 and both sides agreed to intensifyconsultations and coordination on the G20 process during the Russian Presidency.
Both sides reiterated the need for a more representative and legitimate international financial architecture, with an increase in the voice and representation of emerging market economies and developing countries. The two sides underscored the need to push ahead expeditiously with the reform of the IMF agreed in 2010, so that it becomes the basis for the Fifteenth General Review of quotas to be completed no later than January 2014.
The sides emphasised the need for strengthening the international monetary system – one that is resilient to future turmoil – that can serve the interests of the world community and support the development of emerging market economies and developing countries.
Environment/Sustainable Development
The two sides welcomed the outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in Rio de Janeiro from June 20-22, 2012 and agreed to work together for the expeditious implementation of the follow-up processes agreed therein. They stressed the importance of enhancing international efforts to combat climate change under the aegis of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The sides expressed satisfaction at the results of the 18th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change/ 8th meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol held in Doha, Qatar, from November 26 to December 8, 2012. Russia expressed its appreciation for India's hosting of the 11thConference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, India, on October 8-19, 2012.
The India-Russia Summit was marked by an atmosphere of traditional friendship and mutual understanding. The President of the Russian Federation expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the Republic of India for the hospitality and warm welcome in New Delhi and invited the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to pay an official visit to Russia. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.
New Delhi
December 24, 2012
