News and Events /60TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS: RUSSIAN-INDIAN SOLIDARITY REITERATED

New Delhi: April 12, 2007: The imperative of Russian-Indian solidarity was reiterated by speakers at a gala function "Six Decades of Friendship and Cooperation", organized by the Russian Centre of Science & Culture (RCSC) jointly with the Indian friendship societies, clubs and associations, dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of Russian-Indian Diplomatic Relations, at RCSC, 24, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi, on April 11, 2007. A Documentary Photo Exhibition on the History of Russian-Indian Diplomatic Relations was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Jai Prakash Agarwal, M.P., Chairman, Housing Committee, Rajya Sabha.

Addressing a distinguished gathering, Mr. Jai Prakash Agarwal said that the past six decades was a decisive period in the history of both India and Russia with landmark achievements to their credit. He expressed the hope that the future will be promising in their pursuit for the development and consolidation of bilateral relations in different spheres such as art and culture, science and technology, economy and defence, etc. Describing the salient features of Indo-Russian relations, Mr. Agarwal noted that it is unique that the time-tested tie-ups have culminated into strategic partnership which has great significance in the contemporary world.

Earlier, welcoming the audience, Dr. Sergey V. Cherkas, Deputy Director, RCSC, dwelt upon the background of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the erstwhile Soviet Union and pre-Independent India on April 13, 1947. He referred to the organisation of "Days of India in Russia" in 2008 and "Days of Russia in India" in 2009.

Dr. R. B. Singh, General Secretary, India-Russia Friendship Society (Delhi State), hailed the efforts of the RCSC in promoting people-to-people relations through regular activities. He said there could be more and more joint efforts in the future for the promotion of bilateral friendship and cooperation.

Mrs. Purnima Anand, General Secretary, Indo-Russian Youth Club, acknowledged the huge response from the youth of the country in strengthening the cultural ties between our two countries. She called upon the young generation to contribute more on improving multifarious cultural activities.

Mr. Rakesh Dutta, Veteran Congress Leader and President of Nehru Brigade, made an optimistic note on fulfilling the aspirations of our great leaders for an ever-lasting Indo-Russian bond.

The function was followed by a Cultural Programme with the participation of Russian and Indian artists-students from the Russian Embassy School, School of Russian Classical Ballet, Nrityam Dance and Cultural Society School, artistic group from Delhi Association of Russian Compatriots and artists from the Song and Drama Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.