India, Russia stand shoulder to shoulder against terrorism, says PM Modi

Vladimir Putin and PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India and Russia have for long been standing "shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism".

"Whether it is the terrorist attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly attack on the Crocus City Hall, the root of all these incidents is the same. India's unwavering belief is that terrorism is a direct assault on the values of humanity and that global unity against it is our greatest strength," said Modi.

According to PM Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership, under all circumstances, has elevated India and Russian ties to new heights.

While delivering a joint statement, the PM said increasing economic cooperation between India and Russia is a priority. "For this we have agreed on an economic cooperation programme till 2030."

PM Modi said India and Russia's friendship has remained steadfast like a "pole star over the past eight decades". According to him Putin's visit to India comes at a time when India and Russia's bilateral relations are passing through several historic milestones.

“Fifteen years ago, in 2010, our partnership was granted the status of a Special Privileged Strategic Partnership. For the past two and a half decades, he (President Putin) has nurtured this relationship with his leadership and vision. His leadership, under all circumstances, has elevated our ties to new heights. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Putin, my friend, for this deep friendship and unwavering commitment to India," said PM Modi.

India and Russia inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)for cooperation in the port and shipping sector following talks between PM Modi and President Putin.

The countries also inked agreements on cooperation in health and food safety sectors.

Putin, who is currently on a two-day state visit to New Delhi, thanked PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and the people of India for a warm and hospitable welcome to the Russian delegation.

"My talks with PM Modi over dinner were very helpful for our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi and I have established a close working dialogue. We met during the SCO Summit, and we are personally overseeing the Russia–India dialogue," he said.

"Last year, our bilateral trade turnover grew by 12 per cent, setting a new record. We are currently forecasting that this year’s trade agreement will remain at the same impressive level," Putin stated during the joint briefing with PM Modi.