Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Russia, addressed the Indian community in Moscow on Tuesday.
He highlighted the strong bilateral relations between India and Russia, emphasizing the role of the Indian diaspora in deepening the ties between the two countries.
PM Modi also highlighted India’s achievements in various fields, including space exploration, digital transactions, startup ecosystem, and infrastructure development. He pointed out the doubling of airports in India over the past decade and the country’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit as examples of India’s rapid progress.
“I am happy that India and Russia are working shoulder to shoulder for greater global prosperity. All of you present here have helped in deepening the relations between India and Russia. You have contributed to Russian society with your hard work and honesty,” PM Modi said.
He announced the opening of two new consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg, saying that it will help enhance travel and trade.
Underlining the expanding trade between the two countries, PM Modi said that India and Russia are working on the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.
“Two years ago, the first commercial consignment reached here via the North-South Transport Corridor… Now we are also working on the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor,” he said.
“Both countries are discovering each other through Ganga-Volga dialogue,” he added, as members of the Indian community, carrying the tricolor, applauded and cheered with chants of “Modi Modi.”
Praising Russia as a trusted friend of India, PM Modi emphasized the warmth of the bilateral ties.
“On hearing the word Russia, the first thing that comes to every Indian’s mind is ‘India’s partner in happiness and sorrow’, ‘India’s trusted friend.’ Our Russian friends call it ‘druzhba’, and we call it ‘dosti’,” he said. “This relationship is built on the strong foundation of mutual trust and mutual respect.”
PM Modi also lauded the contribution of actors like Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty in cementing the bond between India and Russia. “This song was once sung in every household here, ‘Sir pe lal topi Russi, phir bhi dil hai Hindustani.’ It may have become old, but the sentiments are evergreen. Artists like Raj Kapoor, Mithun Da have strengthened the friendship between India and Russia.”
Praising Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role in strengthening India-Russia ties, PM Modi said, “The strength of our relations has been tested many times and every time our friendship has emerged stronger. I would especially like to appreciate the leadership of my dear friend, President Putin. He has done a wonderful job to strengthen this partnership for more than two decades.”
“This is the sixth time I have come to Russia in the last 10 years and in these years we have met each other 17 times. All these meetings have increased trust and respect. When our students were stuck in the conflict, President Putin helped us in getting them back to India. I once again thank the people of Russia and my friend, President Putin, for it,” PM Modi added.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, and India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, accompanied PM Modi to the event.
Earlier on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an informal meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence of the Russian president near Moscow.
After concluding his visit to Russia, PM Modi will depart for Austria, marking the first visit to the nation by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
(With ANI input)
