Indo-Russia relations- milestones in bilateral ties

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Russian merchant Afanasy Nikitin's visit in the 15th century, interaction between Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy in the 20th century, setting up of ''Friends of Soviet Union'' and Russia recognising India's independence even before August 15, 1947 served as ''milestones'' in diplomatic relations between the two countries that have scaled new heights since then.

'Two glorious jubilees in the history of Indo-Russian Friendship and Cooperation', organised by Russian Centre of Science&Culture and Indian Friendship Societies, Clubs and associations yesterday evening, were dedicated to the 60th year of country's independence and Indo-Russian diplomatic relations.

Experts hailed it a 'landmark event' in the strategic partnership between the nations.

Highlighting the mutual understanding that marked bilateral relations over the decades, Gadzni M Akhmedov, Deputy Director, Russian Science and Culture said both the countries were tied up with common understanding and cooperation and working to maintain peace and security in Asia.

While talking about the affinity between the two 'friends', Alexander N Paltchev, Counsellor at the Russian Embassy, noted that the special relations cut across party lines and were not subject to the political needs of any country.

''They maintained a basic continuity from their accumulated inheritance stretching back to times before India's independence,'' he said, adding that the recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin revived the centrality of India and gave a new dimension to the bilateral ties, specially in the area of nuclear energy.

Chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Buta Singh observed that India and Russia have been allies and solved all the issues with mutual consent. ''Their friendship has been deep rooted and now ready to bear fruit.'' He stressed that both the sides should organise exchange programmes in fields of education, defence and technology while working towards mutual development. Only then would India's dream of ''Sar Pe Laal Topi Rusi, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani'' would come true, he quipped.

UNI