Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spelt out a new vision for the India-Russia ties, which he said were not restricted to the bilateral sphere, but were for the betterment of the whole world.
In his acceptance speech at the Kremlin after being presented with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, the highest civilian honour in Russia, the PM said:
“Today we have taken new and important decisions.”
“Our ties are not just for the bilateral sphere but for the whole world.
“In the current geopolitical situation, our partnership is even more important.
“Both of us are determined to continue making efforts for global peace and security, and both will work towards it continuously,” the PM said.
The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude for being bestowed the special honour.
He said: “This honour is for the 140 crore people of India; it is an emblem of the long-standing India-Russia friendship and trust; it is a sign of honour for the bilateral Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
The PM said that under President Putin’s leadership over the last two and a half decades, the bilateral ties have been strengthened and reached newer heights.
“The foundation of deep strategic ties have become stronger and evolved; the people-to-people ties have become deeper, as also our guarantee of shared prosperity to our people.”
He thanked President Putin again for the award, the Russian government and the Russian people.
