ARE WESTERN ATTEMPTS TO ISOLATE RUSSIA PROVING EFFECTIVE?
What have the western powers achieved in their multi-decade attack on Russia for its purported deviance from the demands the West has put upon it?
Have we seen Russia bend under the ever-increasing sanctions regime applied to it by western nations led by the United States?
Has Russia declined as an economic power, as a military power, has its influence in the world been reduced and has it become isolated as was expected and hoped for?
Perhaps today’s announcement resulting from the latest summit between Russia and India can help in part to provide an answer to these questions.
JOINT STATEMENT ON THE RESULTS OF THE XXI RUSSIAN-INDIAN SUMMIT "RUSSIA - INDIA: PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE, PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY"
1. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of India N. Modi on December 6, 2021. visited New Delhi on a working visit and took part in the XXI annual Russian-Indian summit.
2. The past five decades of the 1971 Treaty on Peace, Friendship and Cooperation and two decades of the Declaration of Strategic Partnership symbolize the long-standing, time-tested Russian-Indian relations, which are characterized by mutual trust, respect for basic national interests and similarity of positions on various international and regional issues.
3. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to a particularly privileged strategic partnership and stressed that this important relationship between Russia and India as major powers with shared responsibility continues to be the backbone of global peace and stability.
4. The parties commended the multifaceted Russian-Indian relations, which cover various areas of cooperation, including politics and strategic planning, economy, energy, military and security, science and technology, culture and humanitarian interaction. They noted that while traditional areas of cooperation continue to strengthen, new drivers of growth have led to diversification and expansion of bilateral cooperation.
5. The leaders of the two countries praised the steady dynamics of strengthening bilateral relations, despite the negative consequences of the ongoing pandemic of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). They acknowledged that the annual summit could not be held in 2020 due to the pandemic. The parties noted with satisfaction the intensification of contacts at all levels: after the previous summit, six telephone conversations of the two leaders took place, visits to Russia of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Oil and Natural Gas and the Minister of Steel, visits to India of the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of the Council Security, inter-MFA consultations, the Russian-Indian Strategic Economic Dialogue (RISED), negotiations on the UN, the Arctic, political planning and other important events.
6. The parties welcomed the holding of the meetings of the Russian-Indian Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation and the first dialogue of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers of the Russian Federation and the Republic of India in the "two plus two" format, held in New Delhi on December 6, 2021 of the year. The leaders of the two states stressed the importance of annual meetings in this format for the exchange of views on political and security issues at the global and regional levels.
7. Both leaders noted the ongoing interaction between the parliaments of the two countries and stressed the importance of regular meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission as an important part of the mechanism of Russian-Indian relations.
8. The leaders of the two states reaffirmed the great importance of the dialogue on bilateral and regional security issues at the level of the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security of the Republic of India, and welcomed regular interaction between them. This format has helped to improve strategic understanding and coordination between the two countries.
Cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic
9. The parties exchanged views on the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and highly appreciated the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the fight against this infection, paying special attention to the Russian Sputnik V vaccine.
10. Both leaders, on behalf of the peoples of the two countries, expressed gratitude to Russia and India for timely mutual assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Deliveries from India to Russia of critical drugs, including paracetamol, hydroxychloroquine and some antibiotics, during the first wave of disease in Russia and the provision by Russia of India of ventilators, oxygen concentrators and other critical equipment during the second wave of disease in India, were an important humanitarian step. which was greeted by both sides.
11. The parties expressed confidence that the early mutual recognition of certificates of vaccination against the new coronavirus infection will contribute to the growth of mutual travel of citizens of the two countries, and agreed to speed up the implementation of formalities in this regard.
12. The parties commended the measures taken by the competent authorities to evacuate citizens and transport critical equipment and medicines. They noted that the agreement on the resumption of mutual air traffic at that stage satisfied the travel needs of the citizens of the two countries. The parties agreed to consider restoring direct passenger and cargo flights to pre-pandemic levels.
Economic cooperation
13. The parties noted the positive dynamics of bilateral trade, which, despite the restrictions associated with the pandemic, in the first half of 2021 showed an increase of about 38 percent compared to the same period in 2020. They praised the overall growth in bilateral trade in 2019-2020 over the previous year.
14. The parties noted that the significant volume of bilateral trade does not correspond to the potential of the strategic partnership between Russia and India. The leaders of the two countries emphasized the need to intensify efforts to increase mutual trade in order to reach the target of US $ 30 billion by 2025. In this regard, they paid special attention to new factors for the growth of long-term cooperation.
15. The parties stressed the need to start negotiations on an agreement on free trade in goods between the Eurasian Economic Union and the Republic of India.
16. The leaders of the two states stressed the importance of continuing interaction within the framework of the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation (IGC) for bilateral economic cooperation in priority areas. They noted the 12 meetings of the working groups and subgroups under the IASC and instructed the responsible officials to promptly hold the meetings of the remaining working groups. The parties also welcomed the creation of new working groups and subgroups on transport, urban development and railways, and expressed the hope that their first meetings will be held as soon as possible.
17. The parties noted the holding of the third meeting of RISED, which took place on April 15, 2021 in the format of a video conference, as well as productive discussions in such areas as transport, agriculture, digital transformation, tourism, industry and banking, small and medium-sized businesses. The parties considered it necessary to study ways to further develop cooperation within the framework of this mechanism.
18. The parties highly appreciated the results of the visit of the Minister of Industry and Steel of the Republic of India to Moscow in October 2021 to participate in the Russian Energy Week forum and welcomed the progress achieved in a short period of time in enhancing cooperation on coking coal and steel. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed regarding uninterrupted long-term supplies of coal from Russia to India for steel production. Talks were held on the prospects for the production of special steel within the framework of the Indian government program to stimulate production and the use of technologies of Russian state steel institutions for the production of steel in India by private and state-owned companies. The Indian Party welcomed the interest of the Russian Party in studying Indian experience in the cost-effective use of coal processing residues. The parties also welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the Working Group on Coking Coal, which took place in October 2020 via videoconference.
19. The parties welcomed the signing of an Agreement of Intent between Indian public sector enterprises and the Russian PhosAgro PJSC regarding the supply of fertilizers to India in 2021 and 2022. Both leaders instructed the responsible officials to continue discussions on the long-term fertilizer supply agreement and pricing terms, as well as to seek to conclude one.
20. Pharmaceutical trade remains one of the main components of Indian exports to Russia. Both sides noted with satisfaction the constant demand for the goods of this group, as well as the participation of Indian companies in the Russian localization program under the Pharma-2020 and Pharma-2030 schemes. The leaders of the two countries expressed their approval for the strengthening of cooperation regarding the supply of medical devices as a promising new area of economic interaction in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
21. The parties commended the rapid recovery of cooperation in the diamond sector achieved by the two countries after the initial recession seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
22. The parties welcomed the progress made by the IGC Subgroup on Removing Trade Barriers in negotiations to remove trade barriers for essential commodities. The parties agreed to consider the possibility of speeding up the elimination of barriers by closing critical gaps in phytosanitary and veterinary requirements imposed by the two countries for agricultural products of various degrees of processing.
23. The parties recognized the need to further optimize and accelerate the process of customs clearance of goods. In this regard, they agreed to abandon the Green Corridor project in favor of an agreement on mutual recognition of authorized economic operators and a memorandum of understanding on the exchange and preliminary forwarding of customs data. The parties also agreed to start discussing the said agreement and memorandum as soon as possible.
24. The Indian Side has invited Russian companies to participate in 13 key sectors of the Indian government's initiative to stimulate production under the Self-Sufficient India and Make in India programs. The Indian side also suggested that the Russian side continue to consider the possibility of joint construction of production facilities in industrial cities under construction in India "from scratch" within the framework of the Indian government's Industrial Corridor Program.
25. The parties acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the advancement of certain investment decisions by economic operators on both sides. At the same time, the Parties noted with satisfaction that some investment ideas continue to develop, especially in the areas of inland waterways, railways, shipbuilding and ship repair, steel and coking coal, medical devices, petrochemicals, ports, banking and reinsurance services, pharmaceuticals, agriculture. and processing of agricultural products, health care, information technology, as well as oil and gas.
26. The parties called on the responsible ministries to complete negotiations on a bilateral intergovernmental agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments in a spirit of mutual understanding in order to protect mutual investments. They welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of intellectual property between the Federal Service for Intellectual Property of the Russian Federation and the Department of Industry Development and Internal Trade of the Ministry of Trade of India.
27. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening interbank and insurance cooperation. Indo Commercial Bank LLC, the only Indian bank operating in the Russian Federation, has significantly increased its rating over the past year. The Indian side expressed the hope that this would allow the bank to enter the retail segment after obtaining the necessary permits. Thus, JIC Reinsurance LLC, which is a 100 percent subsidiary of General Insurance Corporation of India, began operations in September 2020 and now offers reinsurance services to all major participants in the general insurance market in the Russian Federation.
28. The parties agreed to continue to work together to promote mutual settlements in national currencies, which will help reduce costs and time, as well as the risks associated with payments.
29. The parties also expressed interest in continuing the dialogue on the use of Mir and RuPei cards in national payment infrastructures, as well as in organizing interaction between the Unified Payment Interface system and the Bank of Russia Fast Payment System. The Russian side invited Indian credit institutions to connect to the Bank of Russia Financial Messaging System to ensure uninterrupted interbank transactions.
30. The Indian side invited the Russian side to take part in shipbuilding and inland waterway development projects as promising new areas of cooperation. The leaders welcomed the preparation of a bilateral document in the field of civil shipbuilding, which will contribute to building up interaction and training specialists, investing in shipbuilding and ship repair, scientific research, the development of intelligent transport and navigation systems, and international transport corridors. They welcomed the signing in September of this year of an agreement of intent between the Zvezda shipbuilding complex and Mazagaon Dock Limited for commercial shipbuilding.
Cooperation in the Russian Far East
31. Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the commitment of Prime Minister N. Modi to the “Act in the Far East” policy, according to which India can become a reliable partner in the development of the Russian Far East. He supported the concept of N. Modi "Sangam" as a tool for the development of the region. The Russian side warmly welcomed the successful visit of Prime Minister N. Modi to Vladivostok to participate in the fifth Eastern Economic Forum in 2019 and his participation in the sixth EEF this year in the format of a video message to the forum participants.
32. The parties noted a significant intensification of the interregional dialogue on economic cooperation between the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and the states of the Republic of India, including an online meeting of the Governor of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Chief Minister of Gujarat in September 2021. The leaders approved the recent contacts between Russian regions and Indian companies at the level of business circles, state-owned companies, private businesses and government agencies. They welcomed the signing of nine twinning agreements between cities / states of India and regions of Russia for mutual cooperation in various fields.
33. The parties welcomed the interest of Indian companies in cooperation in the Russian Far East. Energy, transport and logistics, maritime traffic, diamond processing, forestry, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, tourism and humanitarian spheres are identified as areas for further interaction in the Russian Far East.
34. The Indian side reaffirmed its commitment to increasing trade and investment in the Russian Far East. The parties agree to continue discussing the implementation of the USD 1 billion credit line for development projects in the Russian Far East, announced by Prime Minister N. Modi in 2019.
Energy
35. The Leaders affirmed that energy cooperation is one of the key elements of bilateral ties and an “energy bridge” between the two countries. The parties resumed joint efforts to implement the Roadmap for the Development of Cooperation in the Hydrocarbon Industry for 2019-2024 in order to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and welcomed the opening in Moscow of the Indian Energy Center, which represents five oil and gas state-owned companies of India, to strengthen ties with interested Russian energy companies.
36. The parties noted with satisfaction the fruitful multifaceted cooperation between the oil and gas companies of the two countries, including PJSC NK Rosneft with a consortium of Indian oil and gas enterprises of the public sector, in the implementation of the Vankorneft, Sakhalin-1 and Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha projects in Russia and the operation of the oil refining complex "Naira Energy Limited" in India. They also welcomed the pending bilateral investment initiative under discussion in both countries.
37. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to increasing Russian crude oil production under long-term contracts at preferential prices, increasing LNG imports to India with the possible use of the Northern Sea Route for energy supplies. The parties agreed to further expand cooperation in the gas sector and welcomed the formation of a Gas Task Force to identify areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, including the development of investment in gas infrastructure and distribution projects, the use of natural gas in transport and emerging new fuels, including hydrogen.
38. Welcoming the strengthening of the Indian petrochemicals market, the Parties agreed to expand cooperation through Russian participation in investment, technological and other spheres of interaction in the petrochemical field. The parties welcomed the interest of Naira Energy Limited in manufacturing products such as polypropylene in India.
39. The parties also agreed to consider the prospects for expanding cooperation in hydro and heat energy, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. They also noted the need for cooperation in the hydrogen economy, low emission development, including the exchange of best practices. The Indian Side highlighted the need for responsible and informed market pricing in the area of global energy supplies. Both sides noted the importance of dialogue between consumers and producers to stabilize energy prices.
Transport and communication
40. The Indian side welcomes the growing participation of Russian companies in the modernization of the railway sector in India. This includes the Russian side's interest in implementing projects using Russian technologies, equipment and capital in India, especially in signaling and telematic systems, high-speed rail projects, railway electrification, taking into account the principles of the Indian programs "Do in India" and "Self-Sufficient India".
41. The Indian side welcomes Russian participation in the development of an electronic toll collection system on Indian highways using satellite navigation technologies, which is being implemented by the Russian-Indian joint company Bharat Telematic Systems Private Limited.
42. The parties focused on more active and efficient use of the North-South international transport corridor in order to reduce the time and cost of cargo transportation and to promote communications in the Eurasian space. In this context, they welcomed the conclusion last year of a service agreement between Russian Railways Logistics and the Container Corporation of India Concor on the joint development of multimodal cargo transportation services along the North-South ITC. The Russian side supported India's proposal to include the port of Chabahar in the North-South ITC. The leaders emphasized that communication initiatives should be based on the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, respect for local priorities, financial sustainability and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
43. The Indian side advised that the study of the viability of the Vladivostok-Chennai Eastern Maritime Corridor is almost complete, and studies to date indicate a number of opportunities to increase traffic in line with the recommendations of the study. The sides noted with optimism that the implementation of the recommendations would give an additional impetus to the development of bilateral trade.
Cooperation in the fields of peaceful atom and space
44. The parties noted the significant progress in the construction of the remaining power units of the Kudankulam NPP and the importance of further discussion of the issue of the allocation of a second site in India for the construction of a Russian-designed NPP. The Indian side will make efforts to formally allocate the second site in accordance with the previously concluded agreements. The parties also welcomed the continuation of technical consultations on the implementation of the VVER-1200 project, the localization of components and the joint production of equipment.
45. The parties noted the successful cooperation within the framework of the Rooppur NPP construction project in Bangladesh, and also expressed their readiness to explore the possibility of implementing similar projects in other countries.
46. The parties welcomed the expansion of cooperation between the State Corporation Roscosmos and the Indian Space Research Organization, including in the field of manned space programs and satellite navigation, and agreed to explore the prospects for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the development of launch vehicles and the use of outer space for peaceful purposes including planetary exploration.
47. The parties welcomed the active work carried out within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Corporation Roscosmos and the Indian Space Research Organization on joint activities in the framework of a manned space program, and noted with satisfaction the training of four Indian candidates for astronauts on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Institution NII CTC named after YA Gagarin ".
48. In order to further promote cooperation in the space sector, the Parties welcomed the signing of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of India on measures to protect technologies in connection with cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes and in the creation and operation of launch vehicles and ground-based space infrastructure.
49. The sides intend to enhance cooperation within the framework of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including issues of long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
Military and military-technical cooperation
50. The Russian side highly appreciated the participation of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of India R. Singh and the contingent of three types of troops of the Indian Armed Forces in the Victory Parade on Red Square in Moscow in June 2020 in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 ...
51. Military and military-technical cooperation has traditionally been the cornerstone of the Russian-Indian especially privileged strategic partnership. In view of India's desire for self-sufficiency, the partnership is currently being reoriented towards joint research and development, the joint development and production of advanced defense technologies and systems.
52. The sides expressed satisfaction with the regular military contacts and joint exercises of the armed forces of the two countries, which this year reached an unprecedented scale: within 60 days, three exercises were held, in addition, at the same time, a large number of Indian military personnel took part in the Army International games. The Russian side is deeply grateful for the participation of the Indian Navy ship Tabar in the celebration of the 325th anniversary of the Navy. The parties agreed to continue and expand the regular dialogue on defense issues, mutual training and joint exercises, exchanges of narrow-profile specialists and other activities under the auspices of the Russian-Indian Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation.
53. The parties noted the successful implementation of the Long-term Program of Military-Technical Cooperation for 2011-2020 and welcomed the signing of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of India on the Program of Military-Technical Cooperation from 2021 to 2031.
54. The sides reiterated their intention to strengthen defense cooperation, including promoting the joint development and production of military equipment, components and spare parts, improving the after-sales service system and moving towards mutual recognition of quality control and regular joint exercises of the armed forces of the two countries. The leaders agreed that peace, stability and mutual economic development require close joint work of the two countries in the most modern and developing areas of defense technologies, as well as joint work of the armed forces of both countries in highly specialized areas in the field of military potential.
55. The parties agreed to take further steps to stimulate the joint production in India of spare parts, components and assemblies and other products for servicing Russian-made equipment and weapons in accordance with the Make in India program through the transfer of technology and the organization of joint ventures to meet the needs of the armed forces India, as well as subsequent export to third countries friendly to both states.
56. The parties recognized the need to institutionalize the mutual material and technical support of the armed forces.
Scientific and technical cooperation
57. Stressing the importance of joint research in the field of science, technology and innovation, the Parties welcomed the signing of the Roadmap for cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of the Republic of India and expressed satisfaction with the launch of joint competitions in priority areas in line with the Roadmap.
58. The parties expressed satisfaction with the launch of the Russian-Indian program for the implementation of technology assessment and acceleration of commercialization between the FGBI "Fund for the Development of Small Forms of Enterprises in Science and Technology" and the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of the Republic of India, which aims to provide start-ups, small and medium business of the two countries opportunities to solve social problems with the help of innovative technologies.
59. The parties agreed to promote cooperation between public and private entities in order to jointly develop software, platforms and services, as well as in the field of electronics production. The parties confirmed their interest in further building up cooperation in the field of digital technologies, including in the field of information protection, security of critical infrastructure and maintenance of law and order.
60. The parties noted the importance of promoting youth exchanges by combining innovative programs for schoolchildren with the support of the Talent and Success Foundation (Sirius Education Center) and the Atal Innovation Mission at the National Institute for Transformation of India. Under these programs, students from the Parties develop practical technological solutions to society's problems, such as distance learning in remote areas, rural health and wellbeing, digital asset monitoring, and others.
61. The Indian Side congratulated Russia on its successful chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023 and expressed its readiness to be active as an observer in this structure. The parties highly appreciated the consultations on Arctic issues held last year. The Indian side also expressed interest in cooperation with Russia on the Northern Sea Route.
Education, culture and tourism
62. Noting the traditionally close cooperation between India and Russia in the field of education, the Parties commended the efforts made by both countries to ensure the well-being of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. They agreed to continue efforts to develop educational links between universities and educational institutions. The parties also agreed to launch exchange programs for diplomatic staff on the basis of the relevant training centers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
63. The parties welcomed the successful implementation of the bilateral Program of Cultural Exchanges between the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Government of the Republic of India for 2021-2024, which plays a key role in strengthening people-to-people contacts, and noted its signing during the summit in order to continue cooperation in the field of culture. It was decided to continue the mutually beneficial practice of holding culture and film festivals on the basis of reciprocity. The need to expand the geography of cultural exchanges and attract youth and folklore groups was emphasized. The parties agreed to make further joint efforts to comprehensively popularize the Russian language in India and Hindi in Russia, including through the development of contacts between specialized educational institutions.
64. The parties appreciated the dynamism of tourist exchanges between Russia and India. To further deepen cooperation in the field of tourism in order to increase tourist flows between the two countries, they expressed their intention to discuss areas of cooperation at the state level and through the private sector.
65. The parties welcomed the progressive simplification of visa formalities, including the introduction by both countries of electronic visas. India has resumed issuing group tourist visas from 15 October 2021 and regular tourist visas from 15 November 2021, which will further strengthen people-to-people contacts. The parties agreed to continue work on simplifying the visa regime.
Cooperation at the UN and multilateral platforms
66. The sides noted the high level of political dialogue and cooperation between our countries at the UN platform and agreed to further build it up. We noted the importance of giving a new impetus to multilateralism with the UN's central coordinating role in world affairs. They emphasized the supremacy of the norms of international law and accentuated their adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the member states.
67. Russia welcomed the election of India as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council by an overwhelming majority for a two-year term. The Russian side highly appreciated India's priorities in the Council, which include a commitment to strengthening and reforming the multilateral system, the rule of law, a fair and equitable international system and are enshrined in the Indian ethos - “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means: “The world is one family”. The parties stressed that the election of India to the UN Security Council provided additional opportunities for coordinating efforts on the most pressing international issues at the UN platform on the basis of mutual understanding, common views and approaches to the global world order.
68. The sides called for a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities and make it more representative, effective and efficient in addressing issues of international peace and security. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated India on the successful presidency of the Council in August 2021 and reaffirmed support for India's candidacy for permanent membership in the reformed and expanded UN Security Council. Prime Minister of the Republic of India N. Modi thanked Vladimir Putin for participating in the high-level debate on maritime security, which was chaired by N. Modi on August 9, 2021, as part of India's chairmanship of the UN Security Council.
69. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and close coordination in the BRICS. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin congratulated India on the successful chairmanship of the BRICS in 2021, including the holding of the XIII BRICS Summit on September 9, 2021 and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration. The parties also welcomed the results of BRICS cooperation in 2021, in particular, the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation in the field of satellite constellation of remote sensing of the Earth of the BRICS countries, the Agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance of the BRICS countries in the field of customs issues, the adoption of the Action Plan for the implementation of the BRICS Anti-Terrorism Strategy, the Action Plan in the field of agriculture for 2021 - 2024, the Action Plan in the field of innovative cooperation for 2021 - 2024, the creation of the BRICS Alliance in the field of "green" tourism.
70. The leaders of the two countries recognized the critical role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in responding to development challenges such as the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and called on the NDB to explore funding more social infrastructure projects, including those that use digital technology. The parties commended the substantive progress of the NDB in expanding its membership, despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The leaders reiterated that this enlargement process must be gradual and balanced in terms of geographical representation.
71. Russia and India focused on the achievements of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) over the past twenty years of its existence and noted the significant potential for further interaction between the member states of the organization. The parties will continue to make efforts to strengthen the SCO as one of the main pillars of a new, more representative, democratic, fair and multipolar world order based on international law, primarily on the UN Charter.
72. The Parties intend to focus particular attention on increasing the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, cross-border organized crime and threats in the field of information security, in particular by improving the functionality of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.
73. The parties support the enhancement of the role of the SCO in the international arena, the comprehensive development of contacts of the organization with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as with other multilateral organizations and associations. In this context, the Parties advocate the establishment of official ties between the SCO and the Eurasian Economic Union.
74. The parties agreed to intensify interaction within the RIC to promote common approaches to addressing topical issues on the global and regional agenda. The Russian side highly appreciated India's chairmanship in the RIC. The parties welcomed the outcome of the meeting of the RIC Foreign Ministers on November 26, 2021.
75. The parties noted the effectiveness of cooperation between the two countries in the G20 and agreed to intensify interaction on global issues of mutual interest, taking into account India's chairmanship in the association in 2023.
76. The sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called on the international community to intensify cooperation in the fight against terrorism, including safe havens, terrorist financing, illegal arms and drug trafficking, radicalization and the malicious use of information and communication technologies to spread extremist, terrorist and other illegal content.
77. The parties stressed the importance of implementing the resolutions of the General Assembly and the UN Security Council on combating terrorism and extremism, as well as the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, taking into account the experience and specifics of states. The sides reaffirmed their commitment to a common fight against international terrorism, concerted action against all terrorist groups, including those banned by the UN, condemned the cross-border movement of terrorists and called for the perpetrators of terrorist attacks to be brought to justice, regardless of any political or religious considerations. They condemned any complicity with the terrorist puppets and stressed the importance of denying any logistical, financial or military support to terrorist groups necessary to carry out or plan terrorist attacks. The parties reaffirmed the need to support and strengthen the role of the FATF and the UN Counter-Terrorism Office in their joint fight against terrorism. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the existing international drug control regime based on the three relevant UN conventions.
78. The parties agreed that the protection of the world heritage, including the oceans, outer space and information space, should be based on the principles of transparency, accessibility and respect for international law.
79. The parties highly appreciated the close cooperation in the field of security in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) through interdepartmental dialogue within the framework of bilateral mechanisms and on multilateral platforms. They emphasized the leading role of the UN in the decision-making process on security issues in the use of ICTs. The parties also recognized the need for further work on rules, norms and principles of responsible behavior of states in order to prevent conflicts and promote the use of ICT for peaceful purposes.
80. The sides expressed concern about the possibility of an arms race in outer space and its transformation into an arena of military confrontation. They reaffirmed their commitment to undertake efforts to prevent and veaponize an arms race in outer space. The sides emphasized the paramount importance of strict adherence to existing international legal agreements providing for the use of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes and contributing to the maintenance of international peace and stability, deepening international cooperation and mutual understanding. The parties support negotiations to develop a multilateral legally binding instrument to prevent an arms race in outer space. In this regard, they noted the relevance of the development of a draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space, the use of force or the threat of force against outer space objects, which was submitted to the Conference on Disarmament for future negotiations. The parties reaffirmed that the Conference on Disarmament is the only platform for multilateral negotiations on an international agreement (or agreements) on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects.
81. The Parties reaffirmed their support for full and effective compliance with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BTWC) by all States Parties. The parties noted the inadmissibility of creating international mechanisms duplicating the functions of the BTWC, including in the part concerning the UN Security Council. The parties expressed support for strengthening the BTWC, including through the adoption of a protocol to it, including, among other things, an effective mechanism for verifying its implementation.
82. The parties reaffirmed their support for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and their determination to support efforts and initiatives aimed at preserving the integrity of the CPCW. They called on the member countries of the CWC to establish constructive dialogue to restore the spirit of consensus in the organization.
83. In order to eliminate the threat of chemical and biological terrorism, the Parties stressed the need for multilateral negotiations on an international convention on the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism at the Conference on Disarmament.
84. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen global efforts to non-proliferate weapons of mass destruction. Russia has expressed strong support for India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The sides called on all members of the international community to increase the level of mutual trust in order to strengthen global peace and security.
85. The parties discussed the state of affairs in Afghanistan, especially the security situation and its impact on the region, the current political situation, issues related to terrorism, population radicalization and drug trafficking, and the like. They highlighted the priorities for building a truly inclusive and representative government, countering terrorism and drug trafficking, providing immediate humanitarian assistance, and protecting the rights of women, children and minorities.
86. The leaders of both countries expressed their strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, while emphasizing the need to respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country and ensure non-interference in its internal affairs. They also discussed the humanitarian situation in the country and decided to immediately provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
87. The Leaders stressed that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to harbor, prepare, plan for operations or finance any terrorist groups, including ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and so on. They declared their firm commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, dismantling terrorist infrastructure and countering radicalization, so that Afghanistan will never become a safe haven for global terrorism. Both Sides recalled the importance of the relevant UN resolutions on Afghanistan, as well as the recent outcome documents of the Moscow format of consultations and other international and regional mechanisms. The leaders emphasized the central role of the UN in Afghanistan.
88. The Leaders welcomed the close interaction between the Russian Federation and the Republic of India on Afghanistan, including through the creation of a permanent consultative mechanism on this issue between the security councils of the two countries. They highly appreciated the completion of work on the Roadmap for India-Russia Interaction on Afghanistan, which indicates the convergence of the positions and interests of the two countries.
89. The Russian side welcomed the convening of the Delhi Dialogue of Security Council Advisers / Secretaries on Afghanistan on November 10, 2021 in New Delhi, as well as the Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan adopted at the end of the meeting.
90. The sides reaffirmed their firm commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. They also reaffirmed that there is no alternative to advance the political process, led and carried out by the Syrians themselves with the assistance of the UN in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015), as well as the need to mobilize comprehensive humanitarian assistance to all Syrians in need without politicization and preconditions, as provided for by the Security Council resolution. UN 2585 (2021).
91. The parties reaffirmed the importance of the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and expressed support for related efforts aimed at the early restoration of the “nuclear deal”.
92. The Leaders called on all parties concerned to work towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula with a view to establishing lasting peace and stability there, and stressed the need for continued dialogue to achieve this goal.
93. The parties agreed to explore mutually acceptable and mutually beneficial areas of cooperation in third countries, especially in Central and South-East Asia, as well as in Africa.
94. Parties reiterated the need to maintain and strengthen the role of the World Trade Organization in maintaining a transparent, non-discriminatory and inclusive multilateral trading system based on fundamental principles. They agreed that the post-pandemic world requires diversified global value chains based on trust, resilience and reliability.
95. Both sides stressed the importance of deepening regional economic cooperation in order to ensure sustainable socio-economic development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including expanding interaction within the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in such key areas as transport, energy and trade.
96. The parties reaffirmed that the emerging architecture of regional security should be free, open, transparent and inclusive, based on universally recognized principles of international law and aimed at maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in the region. They agreed to step up joint efforts to create an architecture of equal and indivisible security. The parties agreed to intensify consultations on pairing the potentials of integration and development initiatives in the Greater Eurasia area, as well as in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They stressed that they recognize the leading role of ASEAN in the regional architecture of security and cooperation,
97. The Indian Party has expressed interest in Russia's joining the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition to Create Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
98. The sides noted with satisfaction the significant coincidence of approaches to foreign policy priorities and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Russian-Indian especially privileged strategic partnership both in the context of existing bilateral relations and in addressing regional and international issues. They expressed a mutual intention to strengthen and develop bilateral relations for the benefit of the peoples of Russia and India.
99. President Vladimir Putin thanked Prime Minister N. Modi for the kind hospitality shown to him and his delegation in New Delhi. He invited Prime Minister N. Modi to visit Russia next year to participate in the XXII Annual Russian-Indian Summit.
New Delhi
December 6, 2021