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International Affairs
SPEECH BY SHRI K.R. NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING CREDENTIALS FROM MR. ALEXANDER M. KADAKIN, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TO INDIA

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 13, 2000

Excellency,

It gives me great pleasure to accept your Credentials as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to India. I warmly welcome you to India and extend my felicitations on your appointment to this position of high responsibility.

India's relations with the Russian Federation have traditionally been close, warm and friendly. Our ties are civilisational and have stood the test of time. These are characterised by continuity, trust and mutual understanding. There is a national consensus in both our countries on the further development and strengthening of our multifaceted, bilateral cooperation. We regard Russia as a close partner and look forward to the further strengthening of our ties for the mutual benefit of our peoples and for the peace and stability of the world.

It is particularly satisfying that our ties are being consolidated towards a strategic partnership and that a Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and the Russian Federation is expected to be signed during the next Indo-Russian Summit. This will give a new dimension and a renewed impetus to our bilateral relations in the 21st century.

Excellency, we have seen the giant strides taken by the Russian Federation towards democracy. Russia has also ushered in an economic process based on market reforms. We rejoice in Russia's successes and are interested in a strong, stable and prosperous Russia.

This year, India celebrates the 50th anniversary of the creation of its Republic and the adoption of its Constitution. The strength of Indian democracy was visible during the 13th general elections held last year. We have moved on to the second stage of our economic reforms. We are according priority to the further development and promotion of the infrastructure of our economy, of science and technology and information technology. There are immense opportunities available to us for further cooperation in these areas.

Both our countries are making conscious efforts to explore each other's emerging economic capabilities and to promote ways and means to raise the level of our bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation has become the prime vehicle for our many sided cooperation. We are satisfied over the wide ranging cooperation in such diverse fields as trade and economic relations, science and technology, atomic energy, outer space, defence culture and other areas. I have no doubt that the considerable opportunities and untapped potential existing on both sides in these areas will be jointly exploited to mutual benefit.

India's foreign policy has been based on continuity with a commitment to securing a peaceful, equitable and pluralistic world order based on the principles of democracy and sovereign equality of States. The views of our two countries converge over a wide range of international issues. On entering the new millennium, we are confronted with new challenges of international terrorism, narco-terrorism, arms trade, religious extremism and separatism. These threaten international peace, security and stability and the integrity of nations. The international community needs to address these challenges through coordinated joint efforts. Both our countries are committed to ensure that the new millennium will be safer and more secure for mankind.

Excellency, we regard you as a good friend of India and highly appreciate your valuable contribution to the cause of Indo-Russian friendship. I am confident that your friendly association with India in the past and your rich experience in Indo-Russian interaction will greatly help in your efforts towards further enhancement of our bilateral cooperation. I would like to assure you of the full cooperation and support of the Government of India on all issues pertaining to our bilateral ties. I wish you a very fruitful and rewarding stay in India and success in your endeavours to further promote Indo-Russian friendship. I also take this opportunity to convey through you my best wishes for the continued good health and success of His Excellency Mr. Vladmir Putin, Acting President of the Russian Federation and for the progress, prosperity and well being of the friendly people of the Russian Federation.

Thank you

Jai Hind
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