Tharoor Stresses on ‘Old, Serious, Strong’ India-Russia Relationship Before Putin’s Visit

India-Russia Relationship is Vital, Says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor

“Russia is an old relationship, its a serious relationship, its a strong relationship,” Tharoor said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India on Thursday. Ahead of his arrival, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised the two nations’ ties. He called the bilateral connection an “old, serious, and strong relationship.”

A Crucial Summit is Set

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament on Wednesday, Tharoor called the upcoming trip “very important.” He strongly emphasized the significance of the India-Russia relationship. ANI news agency quoted the Thiruvananthapuram MP. He said, “It is a very important visit. It’s an extremely important relationship.” He further added, “Russia is an old relationship, its a serious relationship, its a strong relationship.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited President Putin. Putin will visit India for the 23rd annual India-Russia Summit. The high-level meeting is scheduled for December 4-5.

Maintaining Strategic Autonomy

Tharoor spoke about balancing ties with various nations. He underlined the need to keep India’s “negotiating space.” This space must be preserved with America, China, and Russia. He stated, “We talked for a long time about strategic autonomy. We have to preserve our negotiating space with America, China and Russia.”

The Congress MP also stressed that India’s economy cannot be “mortgaged.” He added that this cannot happen based on “any other country’s interests.” Tharoor concluded, “We have to have independent relationships with all these countries.”

Moscow’s View Before the Meeting

Putin addressed an investment forum in Moscow on Tuesday. He spoke about “elevating” cooperation between India and China. This involves various joint projects. These sectors include energy, industry, space, and agriculture.

ANI quoted Putin’s remarks. He said, “We aim to elevate cooperation with the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India to a qualitatively new level by strengthening its technological component. This is the objective of numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other sectors.”

Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesperson Dimitry Peskov praised the bilateral bond. He said the relationship rests on “a deep historic background of mutual understanding.” Peskov said Russia was “proud” to stand “next to our Indian friends during their historic growth.”

The spokesperson also showed gratitude for India’s “very friendly stand” towards Russia. This stand is visible in “bilateral and global affairs.”