India-Russia friendship has stood test of time: PM Modi at Eastern Economic Forum

New Delhi, Sep 03: India-Russia friendship has stood the test of time and the "robust" cooperation between the two countries was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), PM Modi said energy is another major pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries and that India and Russia can together help bring stability to the global energy market.

Applauding President Putin's vision for the development of the Russian Far East, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment as part of its "Act East Policy' of being a reliable partner of Russia in this regard. He underlined the natural complementarities of India and Russia in the development of Russian Far East.

PM Modi stressed on the importance of greater economic and commercial engagement between the two sides in line with the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'. He highlighted the importance of health and pharma sectors as important areas of cooperation that have emerged during the pandemic.

He also referred to other potential areas of economic cooperation including diamond, coking coal, steel, timber etc.

Recalling the visit of Chief Ministers of Indian states to EEF-2019, PM extended an invitation to Governors of the 11 regions of Russian Far East to visit India.

Despite the challenges of Covid-19 pandemic, an Indian delegation led by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri comprising leading Indian oil and gas companies are attending the India-Russia Business dialogue within the framework of EEF.

An online meeting between Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani and Governor of Sakha-Yakutia province of Russia was held on 2 September on the sidelines of EEF.

Over 50 representatives from reputed Indian companies from various sectors will also be participating in online format.