In his first regional visit, Ambassador D B Venkatesh Varma visited Astrakhan on October 24-25, 2018 to strengthen relations with Astrakhan, which has historical economic, cultural and humanitarian relations with India, and is an important node in the INSTC project connecting India and Russia.
Ambassador called on Acting Governor, H.E. Sergey Morozov and discussed matters of mutual interest, including opportunities for economic cooperation in the Astrakhan region in the fields of energy, agricultural production, transportation, cooperation with Indian Universities and keeping alive the historic connection of Astrakhan with India. He also invited Mr. Morozov to visit India for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit to be held in January, 2019.
During the visit, in a significant development in bilateral relations between India and Russia, Mr. Askar Nikolaevich Kabikeev was appointed as Honorary Consul General of India in Astrakhan. This is the first time that India is appointing an Honorary Consul General in Russia. He would have jurisdiction over Astrakhan, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Chechnya, Dagestan and Stavropol.
Ambassador visited Astrakhan State University and met with the Acting Rector Mr. KA Markelov, and also interacted with senior faculty. Research projects on India-Astrakhan relations, deepening cooperation between Astrakhan State University and Indian Universities, participation of experts from Astrakhan in conferences in India, as well as collaboration between Indian Embassy in Russia and Astrakhan State University were discussed. Ambassador also held an interactive session on India-Russia relations with the students of the University.
Ambassador visited the Astrakhan State Medical University, met with the Rector Dr. Halil Galimzyanov, held an interactive session with Indian students studying in the University and encouraged them to undertake cultural activities and programs portraying Indian culture to their fellow students in the University.
The visit paved way for intensification of cooperation between Astrakhan and India. Both sides agreed to organize more visits, people to people contacts, cultural events, in addition to strengthening the economic pillar and mutually beneficial cooperation. Ambassador gave an interview to Astrakhan TV on priorities in relations with Astrakhan.
Moscow, October 26, 2018
