President Mukherjee lauds Russia for contributing to India’s growth, vows reciprocation

By NewsGram Staff Writer

Referring to Russia as a pillar of strength, President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said that India's history is filled with many deteriorating compounds and Russia has always acted as a patron of India.

President Mukherjee said, "India-Russia relations, have been shaped because of our historical experiences, cultural affinities, political convergences and economic opportunities. This bond will not be affected by winds of transient global political trends."

The views were expressed during his visit to Russia today, where he was honored as a doctorate from the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Expressing his views on India's national policy he said, "Russia has contributed to India's development, growth and security. India will always reciprocate this support. Across Indian society and the spectrum of its political structures, there is unanimity that friendship with Russia is an important pillar of India's foreign policy."

On his trip to Russia, the President was honored as a Doctorate from the Diplomatic Academy at Moscow, where he expressed his views on India's relationship with Russia.

"Russia is and will remain our most important defense partner. It is also a key partner for our energy security, building on its leading role in the development of nuclear power generation in India," the president said.

The President also said that the dynamic development of India-Russia strategic partnership owed a great deal to the vision and leadership of President Vladimir Putin.

"His personal commitment has led to new heights in relations between the two countries", he said.

Ties between Russia and India have enabled both the countries to extensively cooperate in defense, nuclear energy and security, apart from the development sector.