Earlier, welcoming an elite gathering comprising members of diplomatic corps, cultural activists, artists, media persons, educationists, and others, Deputy Director of RCSC, Mr. Sergey P. Vanyukov, noted that it is apt to recount that with every passing year, the relations between our two countries blossom in various spheres of life. He described the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin in January this year as an important milestone in the long annals of relations between Russia and India.
Hailing the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the USSR before Indian won independence as unprecedented, Mr. Jasbir S. Nischal, Secretary, Indian Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries, said that the relationship spanning different spheres of life, culminating into strategic partnership, has global dimensions.
Evaluating the significance of global issues and foreign policy concerns, Dr J. K. Patel, Foreign Policy Research Institute, said that there is convergence of ideas and commonality of interests between India and Russia.
Citing the strong cultural ties between the peoples of India and Russia, Mrs. Purnima Anand, General Secretary, Indo-Russian Youth Club, pointed out that the ideal link-up is virtually a role model of relations for other countries to emulate.
Underlining the emphasis given to friendship and cooperation with the erstwhile Soviet Union by the great visionary Jawaharlal Nehru, Mr. Ramesh Dutta, President, Nehru Brigade and Ex Deputy Mayor of Delhi, expressed his contentment that the noble legacy was followed by Indira Gandi and Rajiv Gandhi. He hailed the remarkable efforts taken by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in carrying forward the ideals visualised by our great leaders.
Dr. R. B. Singh, General Secretary, India-Russia Friendship Society (Delhi Unit), proposed a vote of thanks.
