2017 is a special year for India and Russia. This year we celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. It was on 13 April 1947 - four months before India's independence - that diplomatic relations were established between us. Over the last seven decades, our relationship has blossomed into a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
During the visit of President Putin to India in October 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin agreed to commemorate this important occasion and adopted a Roadmap for its celebrations. Based on this Roadmap, a series of events has been planned in Russia and in India during 2017. These include seminars, discussions, exhibitions, exchanges and many other activities.
We have brought out a special logo to mark this anniversary.
This year, India will also be the Guest Country at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2017.
Namaste Russia ! During the course of the year we will bring to different cities of Russia glimpses of India's rich cultural heritage in the form of world famous musicians, artists and classical music and dance.
The performances under Namaste Russia will include:
Sitar maestro Ustad Shujaat Hussain Khan;
The Shillong Chamber Choir;
The Sufi dance and music of the Nizami Brothers;
Shubhra Bhardwaj Bollywood Group;
Indian Fusion group 'Indian Ocean';
And much more!
We will host an 'India Week' in St. Petersburg in late May to bring the best of Indian culture, dance, yoga and cuisine. 2017 will be a joint celebration of a long and successful journey together, in which India and Russia have stood side by side with each other as true partners and friends. The Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre will be separately announcing details of individual events. I convey my best wishes on this anniversary year and invite you to celebrate this historic milestone with us !
Pankaj Saran
Ambassador of India to the
Russian Federation
