December 06, 2021
INDIA-RUSSIA: Partnership for Peace, Progress and Prosperity
At the invitation of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi,
President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin paid a
working visit to New Delhi on 6 December 2021 for the 21st India–Russia
Annual Summit.
2. The completion of 5 decades of the 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship
and Cooperation and 2 decades of Declaration on Strategic Partnership
is symbolic of the long standing and time-tested India-Russia relations
characterized by mutual trust, respect for each other’s core national
interests and similarity of positions on various international and
regional issues.
3. The Sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Special and Privileged
Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. They underscored that
as major powers with common responsibilities, this important
relationship continues to be an anchor of global peace and stability.
4. The Sides positively assessed the multi-faceted India-Russia
relations that span various areas of cooperation including political
and strategic, economy, energy, military and security, science and
technology, culture and humanitarian cooperation. They noted that while
the traditional areas of cooperation are being further strengthened,
new drivers of growth have led to diversification and expansion of
bilateral cooperation.
5. The Leaders highly appreciated the sustained momentum in bilateral
ties despite the negative impacts of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
They acknowledged that the Annual Summit could not be held in 2020 due
to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Sides noted with satisfaction the
continued intensification of contacts at all levels including 6
telephonic conversations between the two leaders since the last Summit;
visits of Foreign Minister, Raksha Mantri, Minister of Petroleum and
Natural Gas and Minister of Steel from Indian Side; visit of Russian
Foreign Minister and Secretary of Security Council to India; holding of
Foreign Office Consultations, India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue,
consultations on UN issues, Arctic, policy planning etc.
6. The Leaders welcomed the holding of back-to-back meetings of the
India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and
Military-Technical Cooperation and the first 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign
and Defence Ministers of India and Russia in New Delhi on 6 December
2021. They underscored the importance of regular annual 2+2 meetings
for exchanging views on global and regional political-security
developments.
7. The Leaders noted the ongoing interaction between the Parliaments of
two countries and underlined the importance of regular meetings of
Inter-Parliamentary Commission as a valuable component of India- Russia
relations.
8. The Leaders reiterated the importance of the security dialogue at
the level of NSA and NSCS on bilateral and regional issues and welcomed
regular interactions between them. This has served to enhance strategic
understanding and coordination between the two countries.
Cooperation in Covid-19 pandemic
9. The Sides exchanged views on the Covid-19 pandemic situation and
highly appreciated the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the fight
against Covid-19, especially with respect to "Sputnik-V” vaccine.
10. The Leaders expressed gratitude to each other’s countries for
timely assistance during the pandemic. India’s assistance in supplying
critical medicines, including paracetamol, hydroxychloroquine, and
certain antibiotics during the first phase in Russia and Russia’s
assistance in providing ventilators, oxygen concentrators and other
critical equipment during India’s second phase, was a humanitarian
gesture well-received by both Sides.
11. The Sides expressed confidence that early mutual recognition of
Covid vaccination certificates will further facilitate movement of
persons between the two countries and agreed to fast track the
formalities in this regard.
12. The Sides expressed appreciation for the efforts of relevant
agencies involved in evacuation efforts as well as transport of life
saving equipment and medicines. They noted that the Air-bubble
arrangement has served the interim travel needs of citizens of both
countries. Both Sides agreed to consider resumption of direct passenger
and cargo flights to their pre-pandemic capacity.
Economy
13. The Sides appreciated the resumption of the positive trajectory of
bilateral trade, with trade registering an increase of about 38% in the
first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 despite the
pandemic-related restrictions. They positively assessed the overall
increase of bilateral trade in 2019-20 compared to the previous year.
14. The Sides noted that the bilateral trade does not reflect the
potential of strength and depth of India-Russia strategic partnership.
The leaders stressed on the need for greater efforts to achieve the
trade target of USD 30 billion by 2025. In this regard, they placed
strong emphasis on new drivers of growth for long-term cooperation.
15. The Sides underscored the need for commencement of negotiations on
Trade Agreement between India and The Eurasian Economic Union.
16. The leaders noted the relevance of continued engagement under the
India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic,
Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) for
bilateral economic cooperation in various priority areas. They
acknowledged the holding of 12 Working Group and Sub-group meetings
under the IRIGC-TEC and instructed the concerned officials to
expeditiously conclude meetings of pending Working Groups. The Sides
also welcomed the setting up of the new Working Groups and Sub Groups
on Transport, Urban Development and Railways and looked forward to the
early holding of their inaugural meetings.
17. The Sides welcomed the holding of the 3rd edition of the
India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue (IRSED) on April 15, 2021 in
virtual format. They noted the productive discussions under this format
in the areas of transport, agriculture, digital transformation,
tourism, industry and banking and small and medium enterprises. The
Sides considered the need to look at the way forward for the
collaboration under this mechanism.
18. The Sides appreciated the outcomes of the visit of Minister of
Steel of India to Moscow to attend the Russian Energy Week in October,
2021 and welcomed the progress made in a short span in reviving
collaboration in coking coal and steel sectors. A mutually beneficial
MoU for reliable long-term supplies of coal to India for steel
production was signed. Discussions were held on production of specialty
steel under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme in India, and
utilization of technologies from Russian state steel institutes for
steel production in India by private and public sector companies. The
Indian Side welcomed the interest of Russian Side in learning from
India’s experience of gainful utilization of coal residues. The Sides
also welcomed the meeting of the 1st Working Group on Coking Coal in
virtual format in October, 2020.
19. The Leaders welcomed the signing of Agreement of Intent between
Indian PSUs and Russian company PhosAgro for supply of fertilizers in
the period of 2021/2022 calendar years. They instructed their officials
to continue discussions for agreement on long term supply and pricing
arrangements.
20. Trade in pharmaceuticals continues to be one of the main items of
India’s exports to Russia. Both Sides noted with satisfaction the
continued strength of this commodity as well as Indian companies’
participation in Russia’s localization programme under Pharma 2020 and
Pharma 2030 schemes. They recognized the growing collaboration in
medical devices as a new promising area of economic engagement in the
context of the pandemic.
21. The Sides appreciated the rapid recovery of collaboration in
diamond sector between the two countries, following the initial
downturn witnessed during the pandemic.
22. The Sides welcomed the progress on discussions on elimination of
trade barriers in respect of critical commodities under the aegis of
the Sub-Group on Elimination of the Trade Barriers of IRIGC-TEC. Both
Sides agreed to consider fast-tracking elimination of barriers by way
of closing critical gaps in phytosanitary and veterinary requirements
of both countries in agricultural and agro-processed products.
23. The Sides recognised the need to further streamline and fast-track
the process of Customs clearances of cargoes. In this regard, the Sides
agreed to replace the discussions on the 'Green Corridor Project' with
an Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Authorized Economic Operators
(AEO) and a MoU on Exchange of pre-arrival Customs data. The Sides,
also, agreed to commence discussions on this Agreement and MoU at the
earliest.
24. The Indian Side encouraged participation of Russian companies in
the 13 key sectors of Production Linked Incentive scheme of Government
of India under the ‘Atmanirbhar’ and ‘Make in India’ programme. The
Indian Side also invited the Russian Side to continue consideration of
setting up manufacturing facilities in Greenfield industrial cities
under Industrial Corridor Programme of Government of India.
25. The Sides recognized that the pandemic slowed down progress on
certain investment decisions by companies on both Sides. However, both
Sides noted with satisfaction that several investment ideas continue to
progress, particularly those in inland waterways, railways,
shipbuilding and repair, steel and coking coal, medical devices,
petrochemicals, ports, banking and re-insurance services,
pharmaceuticals, agriculture and agro processing, healthcare, IT and
oil & gas.
26. The Sides urged the corresponding Ministries to finalize
negotiations of the Bilateral Investment Treaty in a spirit of mutual
understanding in order to protect mutual investments. They welcomed the
signing of the MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property
between Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade,
Ministry of Commerce, India and Federal Service for Intellectual
Property, Russian Federation.
27. The Sides reiterated their commitment to strengthen inter-bank and
insurance cooperation. Commercial Indo Bank, Moscow, the only Indian
Bank operating in Russia, has upgraded its rating significantly over
the last year. Indian Side expressed hope that this will allow the Bank
to enter into retail segment after obtaining necessary approvals.
Similarly, GIC Perestrakhovanie LLC, a 100% subsidiary of General
Insurance Corporation of India, commenced its operations in September
2020 and is now offering reinsurance support to all major general
insurers in the Russian Federation.
28. The Sides agreed to continue joint work on promoting mutual
settlement of payments in national currencies, which will help reduce
cost and time as well as risks involved in payments.
29. The Sides also expressed interest in continuing dialogue on
accepting RuPay and MIR Cards within national payment infrastructures,
as well as on interaction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the
Faster Payments System of the Bank of Russia (FPS). The Russian Side
invited Indian credit institutions to connect to the financial
messaging system of the Bank of Russia to facilitate faultless
interbank transactions.
30. The Indian Side invited Russian Side’s participation in civilian
shipbuilding and inland waterways as promising new areas of
collaboration. The two leaders welcomed the preparation of bilateral
document in the area of civilian shipbuilding, which will facilitate
enhancement of interaction and specialist training, investments in ship
building and repair, scientific research, development of intelligent
transport and navigation systems, international transport corridors.
They welcomed the signing of the Agreement of Intent between Mazagaon
Dock Ltd. and Zvezda Shipyard for commercial shipping signed in
September this year.
Cooperation in the Russian Far-East
31. President Putin welcomed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s
commitment to an Act Far-East Policy under which India could be a
reliable partner in the development of the Russian Far-East. He
supported Prime Minister Modi’s concept of Sangam as a development tool
for the region. The Russian Side warmly welcomed the successful visit
of Prime Minister Modi to Vladivostok to attend the 5th Eastern
Economic Forum (EEF) in 2019 and his virtual participation in the 6th
EEF this year.
32. The Sides noted the greater intensity of Inter-regional dialogue on
economic cooperation between the States of India and the regions of
Russia including the virtual meeting between the Chief Minister of
Gujarat and Governor of Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in September, 2021.
They appreciated holding of several B2B, G2G and B2G meetings recently
between Indian companies and Russian regions. They welcomed the signing
of 9 twinning agreements between the cities/states of India and the
regions of Russia so far for mutual cooperation in diverse areas.
33. The Sides welcomed the interest of Indian companies in cooperating
in the Russian Far East. Energy, transport and logistics, maritime
connectivity, diamond processing, forestry, pharmaceuticals &
healthcare, tourism and humanitarian fields have been identified as
areas of further cooperation in the Russian Far-East.
34. The Indian Side reiterated its commitment to enhanced trade and
investment in the Russian Far-East. The Sides agreed to continue
discussion on the operationalization of the US$ 1 billion Line of
Credit announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2019 for
projects for development of the Russian Far East.
Energy
35. The Leaders reaffirmed that bilateral energy cooperation is a key
pillar of the bilateral ties and an energy bridge between the two
countries. Both Sides reiterated their joint efforts under the Roadmap
for Cooperation in Hydrocarbons for 2019-24 to further deepen bilateral
cooperation in the energy sector and welcomed the opening of Bharat
Energy Center in Moscow, representing five Indian oil and gas public
sector companies to enhance engagement with Russian stakeholders in
energy sector.
36. The Sides noted with satisfaction, the fruitful, wide-ranging
collaboration between the oil and gas companies of the two countries,
including between JSC Rosneft Oil Company and Oil and Gas Public Sector
Undertakings of India in implementing the Vankorneft, Sakhalin-1 and
Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha projects in Russia, and Nayara Energy
Limited’s oil refinery in India. They also welcomed prospective two way
investment initiatives of both countries, which are currently under
discussion.
37. The Sides reaffirmed their commitment for increasing sourcing of
Russian crude oil on long term contracts through preferential pricing,
strengthening LNG imports to India, and the possible utilization of the
Northern Sea Route for energy supplies. The two Sides further agreed
for the expansion of cooperation in gas sector and welcomed the
creation of Gas Task Force to identify mutually beneficial areas
including the development of investment in gas infrastructure and
distribution projects, use of natural gas in transport and emerging
fuels including hydrogen.
38. Both Sides, appreciating the strength of the Indian petrochemical
market, agreed to expand collaboration through Russian participation by
way of investment, technological and other ways of collaboration in
Indian petrochemical sector. The Sides welcomed the interest of Nayara
Energy in production of products like polypropylene in India.
39. Both Sides also agreed to consider prospects for expanding
cooperation in hydro and thermal power, energy efficiency and the
sector of renewable energy. They also noted the need for cooperation in
hydrogen economy, low-emission development, including exchange of best
practices. The Indian Side emphasized the need for responsible and
reasonable pricing of global energy supplies determined by market
forces. Both Sides noted the importance of dialogue between consumers
and producers for stabilizing energy prices.
Transport and Connectivity
40. The Indian Side welcomed the growing participation of Russian
companies in modernization of the railway sector in India. This
includes Russian Side’s interest in implementing projects using Russian
technology, equipment and capital in India, particularly in signalling
and telematic systems, high-speed rail projects, electrification of
railways while abiding by India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
programmes.
41. The Indian Side appreciated Russia’s participation in electronic
toll collection technology based on satellite navigation technologies
on Indian highways, implemented by the joint Russian-Indian company
Bharat Telematic Systems Pvt Ltd.
42. The Sides emphasized on greater and effective usage of the
International North-South Transport Corridor for cargo transport at
lesser cost and time to enhance connectivity in the Eurasian Space. In
this context, they welcomed the signing of agreement between Russian
Railways (RZD) and CONCOR last year to jointly develop multi-modal
logistics services along INSTC route. The Russian Side expressed
support for India’s proposal to include Chabahar port within the
framework of INSTC. They stressed that connectivity initiatives should
be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local
priorities, financial sustainability and respect for sovereignty and
territorial integrity of all nations.
43. The Indian Side informed that the feasibility study of the
Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor is in advance stage, and
the study so far done indicates an array of opportunities for increased
traffic upon the successful implementation of its recommendations. The
Sides expressed optimism that the implementation of the recommendations
of the study will provide a fillip to the bilateral trade.
Civil Nuclear Energy and Space
44. The Sides noted the significant progress achieved in the
construction of the remaining nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam.
Both Sides noted the importance of continued further discussion on the
second site in India; the Indian Side will strive to finalize formal
allotment of the second site in accordance with earlier signed
agreements. They welcomed continuation of technical discussions on the
VVER 1200 of the Russian design, joint manufacturing of equipment and
localization of components.
45. Both Sides noted successful cooperation in the setting up of the
Rooppur NPP in Bangladesh and expressed their readiness to explore
similar cooperation in third countries as well.
46. The Sides welcomed the enhanced cooperation between the State Space
Corporation "Roscosmos” and the Indian Space Research Organization,
including in the human spaceflight programs and satellite navigation
and agreed to study the prospects of the development of mutually
beneficial cooperation in the development of launch vehicles and use of
outer space for peaceful purposes, including planetary exploration.
47. The Sides welcomed the active work carried out within the framework
of the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Space Corporation
"Roscosmos” and the Indian Space Research Organization on joint
activities in human spaceflight program and noted with satisfaction the
training of 4 Indian astronaut candidates from the «Yu.A.Gagarin
Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center» FSBO.
48. To facilitate further cooperation in Space, the Sides welcomed the
signing of Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India
and the Government of the Russian Federation on technology protection
due to cooperation in field of research and use of outer space for
peaceful purposes and building and operation of launch vehicles and
ground-based space infrastructure.
49. Both Sides intend to strengthen cooperation within the UN Committee
on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), including the issues
of the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
Military and Military-Technical Cooperation
50. Russian Side appreciated the participation of Indian Defence
Minister Shri Rajnath Singh along with a Tri-Service contingent of the
Indian armed forces in the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow
to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Victory of the Soviet People in
the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
51. Military and military-technical cooperation has traditionally been
the pillar of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between
India and Russia. Responding to India’s quest for self-sufficiency, the
partnership is reorienting presently to joint research and development,
co-development and joint production of advanced defence technology and
systems.
52. The Sides expressed satisfaction with regular military contacts and
joint exercises of the Armed Forces of the two countries which reached
unprecedented heights this year with three exercises being held within
a span of 60 days besides simultaneous participation of large Indian
contingents in the International Army Games. The Russian Side deeply
appreciated participation of INS Tabar in the 325th Russian Navy Day
celebrations. The Sides agreed to continue and expand regular defence
dialogue, mutual training and exercises, subject matter expert
exchanges and other activities under the aegis of India-Russia
Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical
Cooperation.
53. Both Sides noted with satisfaction the successful implementation of
the 2011-2020 Long-Term Program for Military and Technical Cooperation
and welcomed the signing of a new long-term program for the period
2021-2031.
54. The Sides reiterated their commitment to upgrade the defence
cooperation, including facilitating joint development and production of
military equipment, components and spare parts, enhancing the
after-sales service system, progress towards mutual recognition of
quality control and regular joint exercises of the Armed Forces of the
two countries. The two leaders agreed that for peace, stability and
mutual economic development, there is a need for the two countries to
work closely together in the advanced and emerging fields of defence
technology and for the Armed Forces of the two countries to work
together in niche domains of military capabilities.
55. Both Sides agreed to take forward ongoing engagements to encourage
joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, aggregates and
other products for maintenance of Russian origin Arms and defence
equipment under Make-in-India program through transfer of technology
and setting up of joint ventures for meeting the needs of the Indian
Armed Forces as well as subsequent export to mutually friendly third
countries.
56. The Sides recognized the requirement of an institutional
arrangement for reciprocal provision of logistic support and services
for the Armed Forces.
Science and Technology
57. Emphasizing the importance of joint research in science, technology
and innovation, the two Sides welcome the signing of Roadmap for
Science, Technology & Innovation Cooperation and, expressed
satisfaction with respect to launching joint calls in priority areas as
states in the Roadmap.
58. The Sides expressed satisfaction on launching of India-Russia
Technology Assessment and Accelerated Commercialization Program by the
Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and Russian
Foundation for Assistance to Small Industrial Enterprises (FASIE),
which provides opportunities to Start-ups and SMES of the two countries
to address societal challenges through innovative technologies.
59. The Sides also agreed to facilitate collaboration between
government and private sector organizations to find ways of joint
development of software products, platforms and services as well as in
the area of electronics manufacturing. The Sides confirmed their
interest in further developing cooperation in the sphere of digital
technologies, including those related to information protection,
security of critical infrastructure and law enforcement.
60. The Sides noted the promotion of youth exchanges by bringing
together co-innovation programs at School level with the Support of
Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and Talent & Success Fund
(SIRIUS Centre, Sochi), Russia. These programs engaged students on both
Sides to generate hands-on technological solutions for societal
problems such as Distance Literacy in remote areas; Rural Health &
Well-being and Digital asset monitoring etc.
61. The Indian Side congratulated the Russian Side for its ongoing
successful chairmanship of the Arctic Council from 2021-23 and
expressed its readiness to play an active role as an Observer in the
Arctic Council. Both Sides recalled the bilateral consultations on the
Arctic held last year. The Indian Side also expressed its interest in
collaborating with Russia on the Northern Sea Route.
Education, Culture and Tourism
62. Recognising the traditionally strong cooperation between India and
Russia in the sphere of education, the Sides appreciated efforts taken
by both countries to ensure well-being of students during the Covid-19
pandemic. They agreed to continue their efforts in promoting
educational linkages between universities and educational institutions.
The Sides also agreed for organizing exchange programs for their
diplomats at the respective training institutes under the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.
63. The Sides appreciated the successful implementation of bilateral
Cultural Exchange Program, which plays a crucial role in enhancing
people to people contact and noted the signing of the India Russia
Cultural Exchange Programme during the summit for continuance of the
bilateral cultural cooperation. It was agreed to continue the mutually
beneficial practice of reciprocally holding cultural and film
festivals. Need for geographical expansion of cultural exchanges and
greater involvement of the youth and folk art groups was highlighted.
Both Sides agreed to continue their joint efforts in promoting Russian
language in India and Hindi in Russia comprehensively, including by
developing contacts between relevant educational institutions. They
welcomed the signing of MoU between National Sports University, Imphal,
India and the Russian International Olympic University Sochi, Russia.
64. The two Sides appreciated the dynamism in tourist exchanges between
Russia and India. To further deepen the cooperation in tourism, the
Sides expressed intent to discuss ways of cooperation both at
government and private sector level with the aim to enhance tourist
exchanges between the two countries.
65. Both Sides welcomed progressive simplification of visa formalities,
including introduction of eVisa by both countries. India has opened
group tourist visa from October 15, 2021 and normal tourist visa from
November 15, 2021, which would further strengthen people-to-people
contacts. They agreed to continue the work on further simplification of
the visa regime in future.
Cooperation in UN and Multilateral Fora
66. Both Sides noted the high level of political dialogue and
cooperation on issues at the UN and agreed to deepen it further. Both
Sides stressed the importance of reinvigorating multilateralism, with
the central coordinating role played by the United Nations in world
affairs. The Sides underlined the primacy of respect for international
law and emphasized their commitment to the purposes and the principles
stated in the UN Charter including the principle of non-interference in
the internal affairs of Member States.
67. Russia welcomed India’s election as a non-permanent member of the
UN Security Council with an overwhelming majority for a two-year term.
Russian Side appreciated India’s UNSC priorities which includes
commitment to strengthen and reform of the multilateral system, rule of
law, fair and equitable international system and are anchored in the
Indian ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, i.e. the world being one
family. Both Sides highlighted that India’s election to the UNSC has
provided additional opportunities to coordinate efforts on most
pressing issues at the UN based on mutual understanding and a shared
view and approach to the global world order.
68. Both Sides called for comprehensive reform of the UNSC to reflect
contemporary global realities and to make it more representative,
effective and efficient in dealing with issues of international peace
and security. President Putin congratulated India on its successful
Presidency of the UN Security Council in the month of August and
reiterated Russia’s support for India’s permanent membership of a
reformed and expanded UN Security Council. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
thanked President Putin for his participation in the UNSC high-level
debate on Maritime Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
August 9, 2021 as part of India’s Presidency of the UNSC.
69. Both Sides reiterated their commitment to enhanced cooperation
within BRICS. President Putin congratulated India on its successful
BRICS Chairmanship in 2021, including hosting of the XIII BRICS Summit
on 09 September 2021 and adopting the New Delhi Declaration. The Sides
also welcomed deliverables of BRICS cooperation in 2021, in particular
the signing of the Agreement on BRICS Cooperation on Remote Sensing
Satellite Constellation, finalization of the Agreement on BRICS
Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters,
adoption of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, Action Plan
2021-2024 for Agricultural Cooperation, Innovation Cooperation Action
Plan 2021-2024 and establishment of the BRICS Alliance for Green
Tourism. Both Sides reaffirmed their commitment to implement the
Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025.
70. The Leaders recognised the role of the New Development Bank (NDB)
as vital to addressing development challenges, including health and
economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged the NDB to
explore the possibility of financing more social infrastructure
projects, including those that use digital technologies. They commended
the NDB’s substantive progress in membership expansion despite
challenges emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic. They reiterated that
the process of expansion should be gradual and balanced in terms of
geographic representation.
71. India and Russia stressed the achievements of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the last two decades of its operation
and noted the great potential for further interaction among the SCO
Member States. Both Sides will continue to strengthen the SCO as one of
the key pillars of the emerging, more representative, democratic, just
and multipolar world order based on international law, above all the UN
Charter.
72. The Sides intend to focus particularly on increasing the
effectiveness of countering terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking,
cross-border organized crime, and information security threats, in
particular by improving the functionality of the SCO Regional
Anti-Terrorist Structure.
73. The Sides support increased role of SCO in international affairs,
comprehensive development of the Organization’s contacts with the UN
and its specialized agencies, and other multilateral organizations and
associations. In this context, they support the establishment of
official ties between the SCO and Eurasian Economic Union.
74. Both Sides agreed to intensify cooperation within the RIC framework
to promote common approaches to pressing issues on the global and
regional agenda. The Russian Side expressed appreciation for India’s
chairmanship of RIC. Both Sides welcomed the results of the RIC Foreign
Ministers meeting on 26 November 2021.
75. The Sides highlighted their cooperation within the G20 format and
agreed to intensify the same on issues of global and mutual interest,
keeping in view India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023.
76. Both Sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations and urged the international community to intensify
cooperation against terrorism including safe havens, terror financing,
arms and drugs trafficking, radicalization and malicious use of ICTs to
spread extremist, terrorist and other illegal content.
77. Both Sides underscored the importance of implementing the UN
General Assembly and the UN Security Council resolutions on countering
terrorism and extremism as well as the UN Global Counter-Terrorism
Strategy, while taking into account national experiences and state
specificities. Both Sides reaffirmed their shared fight against
international terrorism, concerted action against all terrorist groups,
including those proscribed by the UN, condemned cross-border movement
of terrorists and called for the perpetrators of terror attacks to be
brought to justice, without any political or religious Considerations.
They denounced any use of terrorist proxies and emphasized the
importance of denying any logistical, financial, or military support to
terrorist groups to launch or plan terror attacks. Both Sides
reaffirmed the need to support and strengthen the FATF and the UN
Office of Counter Terrorism in their shared fight against terrorism.
They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening the current
international drug control regime based on the three relevant United
Nations conventions.
78. The Sides agreed that safeguarding of global commons including our
oceans, outer space and information space should be based on the
principles of transparency, accessibility and upholding international
law.
79. The Sides appreciated close cooperation in the field of security in
the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) through
inter-agency cooperation under bilateral mechanisms and at multilateral
platforms. They highlighted the leading role of the United Nations in
the decision-making process on security in the use of ICTs. The Sides
also recognized the need for further work on rules, norms and
principles of responsible behavior of State aimed at preventing
conflicts and promoting peaceful use of ICTs. The Sides reaffirmed the
importance of international cooperation against criminal use of ICTs
and in this regard they welcome the establishment of an open- ended Ad
hoc intergovernmental committee of experts to elaborate a comprehensive
international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal
purposes as stipulated in the UN GA resolutions 74/247 and 75/282.
80. Both Sides expressed concern over the possibility of an arms race
in outer space and outer space turning into an arena for military
confrontation. They reaffirmed commitment to take efforts for the
prevention of an arms race in outer space, and its weaponization. They
stressed the paramount importance of strict compliance with existing
international legal agreements providing for the peaceful uses of outer
space and promoting international peace and stability, promotion of
international cooperation and mutual understanding. The Sides supported
negotiation of a multilateral legally binding instrument for prevention
of an arms race in outer space. In this regard they noted the relevance
of draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer
space, the threat or use of force against space objects, submitted to
the Conference of Disarmament for future negotiations. The Sides
reaffirmed that the Conference on Disarmament, is the only forum for
holding multilateral negotiations on an international agreement (or
agreements) on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its
aspects.
81. The Sides reaffirmed support to full and effective adherence to the
Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on
their Destruction (BTWC) by all States Parties. The Sides noted that,
the BTWC functions, including in what concerns the UN Security Council,
should not be duplicated by other mechanisms. The Sides expressed the
support to strengthening of BTWC including by adopting a protocol to
the Convention providing for, inter alia, an effective compliance
verification mechanism.
82. Both Sides reaffirmed support to the Organization for the
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and their determination to
uphold efforts and initiatives aimed at preserving the integrity of the
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). They called upon the States Parties
to the CWC to engage in a constructive dialogue with a view to
restoring the spirit of consensus in the OPWC.
83. To address the threat of chemical and biological terrorism, both
Sides emphasized the need to launch multilateral negotiations on an
international convention for the suppression of acts of chemical and
biological terrorism at the Conference on Disarmament.
84. Both Sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening
global efforts for non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Russia expressed its strong support for India’s membership of the
Nuclear Suppliers Group.
The Sides urged all members of the international community to work
towards enhancing the level of mutual trust, in order to promote global
peace and security.
85. The Sides discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan,
especially the security situation and its implications in the region,
the current political situation, issues related to terrorism,
radicalisation and drug trafficking etc. They outlined the priorities
which include ensuring formation of a truly inclusive and
representative government, combating terrorism and drug trafficking,
providing immediate humanitarian assistance and preserving the rights
of women, children and minorities.
86. The leaders reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and
stable Afghanistan while emphasizing the respect for sovereignty, unity
and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs.
They also discussed the current humanitarian situation and decided to
provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
87. The leaders emphasised that Afghanistan’s territory should not be
used for sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist
groups including ISIS, Al Qaeda, LeT etc. They reaffirmed their firm
commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,
including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure
and countering radicalization, to ensure that Afghanistan would never
become a safe haven for global terrorism. Both Sides recalled the
importance of the relevant UN Resolutions on Afghanistan, as well as
the recent outcome documents of Moscow format consultations and other
international and regional mechanisms. The leaders emphasized the
central role of the United Nations in Afghanistan.
88. The leaders welcomed close coordination between India and Russia on
Afghanistan including through the creation of a permanent consultative
mechanism on the issue between the Security Councils of both countries.
They highly appreciated the finalisation of the Roadmap of interaction
between India and Russia on Afghanistan, which symbolized convergence
of views and interests of the two Sides.
89. The Russian Side welcomed Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on
Afghanistan of National Security Advisors/Secretaries of Security
Council on 10 November 2021 in New Delhi and welcomed the Delhi
Declaration on Afghanistan that emerged from that meeting.
90. The Sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to sovereignty,
independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. The Sides also
reaffirmed their commitment that there is no alternative to advancing a
Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, UN- facilitated political process in line
with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) and the
necessity to mobilize comprehensive humanitarian assistance to all the
Syrians in need without politicization and preconditions as required by
UNSCR 2585(2021).
91. The Sides reiterated the importance of the full implementation of
the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and UNSC Resolution 2231
and expressed their support to the relevant efforts to ensure the
earliest reinvigoration of the JCPOA.
92. Both Sides urged all the concerned parties to work towards
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to promote establishment of
lasting peace and stability and stressed on the need to continue
dialogue to achieve this goal.
93. The Sides agreed to explore mutually acceptable and beneficial
areas of cooperation in third countries especially in the Central Asia,
South East Asia and Africa.
94. The Sides reiterated the need to preserve and strengthen the role
of the World Trade Organization for upholding a transparent,
non-discriminatory, and inclusive multilateral trading system with the
fundamental principles at its core. They agreed that the post-pandemic
world requires diversified global value chains that are based on trust,
resilience and reliability.
95. Both Sides emphasized the importance of deepening regional economic
cooperation to ensure sustainable socio-economic development and the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including the expansion of
cooperation within the framework of the United Nations Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in such key areas as
transport, energy and trade.
96. The Sides reaffirmed that the emerging regional security
architecture should be free, open, transparent and inclusive, based on
universally recognized principles of international law and aimed at
maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly
relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in the region. They
agreed to strengthen joint efforts to build an architecture of equal
and indivisible regional security. The Sides agreed to intensify
consultations on complementarities between integration and development
initiatives in greater Eurasian space and in the regions of Indian and
Pacific oceans. They underscored their recognition of the ASEAN
centrality in the regional architecture of security and cooperation and
reiterated the importance of closer cooperation and consultations in
various regional fora and initiatives such as the East Asia Summit
(EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus
(ADMM-Plus), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), Conference on Interaction and
Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Asia Cooperation
Dialogue (ACD),to jointly contribute to regional peace, security and
stability.
97. The Indian Side looked forward to Russia’s joining of the
International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster
Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
98. The Sides noted with satisfaction the coinciding and similar
approaches to their foreign policy priorities and reaffirmed their
commitment for further strengthening of the India-Russia Special and
Privileged Strategic Partnership, both in the context of the current
bilateral relations and in addressing regional and international
issues. They expressed their mutual intention to strengthen and expand
their bilateral relations for the benefit of the peoples of India and
Russia.
99. President Vladimir Putin thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for
the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation in New
Delhi and invited him to visit Russia next year for the 22nd
India-Russia Annual Summit.
New Delhi
December 06, 2021<.b>
