Chidambaram, Russian Dy PM discuss hi-tech sector coop

Moscow, Jun 30: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov and discussed ways to strengthen Indo-Russian cooperation in hi-tech sector, besides sharing views on situation in Afghanistan.

"During the talks with Ivanov, who under President Vladimir Putin has held the posts of the Secretary of the Security Council and Defence Minister shared Russia vision of the situation after US withdrawal from Afghanistan," Chidambaram, who is on a three-day visit, said in an informal interaction with the media on the sidelines of a reception hosted by Indian Ambassador Ajai Malhotra last night.

The Home Minister reminded that Russia has treaty obligations with the central Asian states bordering Afghanistan and is assessing the impact of possible spill over of instability across the border.

Chidambaram and Ivanov, who in the Russian government looks after multifaceted cooperation with India as the co-chairman of the Indo-Russian joint commission, also discussed to enhance the bilateral cooperation in hi-tech sector.

"Mr Ivanov said Russia was anxious to launch hi-tech cooperation with India in the fields of civil aircraft and submarine productions," Chidambaram said, adding, "these issues are being looked after by my cabinet colleagues - Defence Minister and Commerce Minister, who is also co-chairman of the joint commission, albeit I am aware of the issues as the member of the Cabinet Committee on Security."

Chidambaram, who is the first Indian Home Minister to visit Russia in fifteen years, arrived here on Tuesday night on a three day visit at the invitation of Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu, who like the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India looks after disaster management and civil defence.

PTI