The Hindu : India, Russia reaffirm special ties

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 17, 2003

National

National

India, Russia reaffirm special ties

By C. Raja Mohan

NEW DELHI June 16. While Russia is expanding its engagement with Pakistan, its time-tested, special relationship with India remains rock solid. That is the message from the Russian Foreign Minister, Igor Ivanov, who met the full spectrum of the Indian leadership today.

Mr. Ivanov, who arrived last night from Pakistan, briefed the Government on his talks in Islamabad and expressed strong public support to New Delhi's position on cross-border terrorism. Russian Foreign Ministers rarely travelled to Pakistan during the Soviet days. Seeking to broad-base its ties in the subcontinent, Moscow has unveiled a cautious engagement with Islamabad in the last few years.

Mr. Ivanov has once again confirmed the Russian position that ties with Pakistan will not be at the expense of the strong strategic partnership with India. Asked about Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism, he said, "we know that the leadership of Pakistan has undertaken some steps against terrorists and organisations. We hope this work will be continued".

At a joint press interaction with the External Affairs Minister, Yashwant Sinha, the visiting Russian Minister said that "all judgments regarding questions of terrorism have to be made not upon mere statements but real actions and deeds".

Russia is not alone in seeking to diversify its relationships around the world. Mr. Ivanov's visit comes amidst a debate in the Government on joining the American effort to bring stability in Iraq. While seeking to expand on the traditional strategic ties with Moscow, New Delhi is also eyeing the prospects of an alliance with Washington.

Questioned on the prospect of the Government sending troops to Iraq, Mr. Ivanov said India had the "sovereign right" to make its own decision, but underlined that Russia was not sending troops to the Persian Gulf. As India and Russia cope with new geopolitical realities, they continue to maintain a high level of political, military and security cooperation.

But in their talks today, the two Foreign Ministers underlined the importance of reviving economic ties which have begun to sag.

Mr. Ivanov today had a breakfast meeting with the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, and later called on the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National