NEW DELHI, Dec 27 (UNI): Sharing India's concern on cross-border terrorism, Russian Ambassador to India Vyacheslav Trubnikov has called for strengthening "global counter-terrorism strategy" to eliminate terror in all its forms and manifestations.
Speaking at a seminar on 'Indo-Russian Relations' yesterday, organised by the Unity International Foundation and Russian Centre of Science and Culture, Turbnikov said, "there can be no justification for any 'act of terror' and assured full cooperation to India in launching international campaign for eliminating terrorist infrastructure." The Ambassador also said India and Russia had formed strategic partnership to firmly deal with the terrorism.
Russia has extended all possible help to India to bring perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks to justice.
The seminar was also attended by Haryana Governor A R Kidwai, former ministers Bhisma Narain Singh and Hari Kishore Singh.
Meanwhile, R N Anil, Secretary General of the Unity International Foundation, Fyodor Rozovsky, Director Russian Centre for Science and Jagjoyti Jain also spoke on the occasion.
Referring to the strong ties between the two countries, Kidwai said, "Russia had always supported India on all important issues, including Kashmir." "The two sides agreed to collaborate in setting up additional nuclear power units at the Kudamkulam Nuclear Power Project.
The agreement to this effect was signed during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to India in the first week of this month," the Haryana Governor added.
Secretary General of Unity International Foundation R N Anil described the Russian President's visit as a "new milestone in the bilateral relations", stating that it has opened new vistas of cooperation in defence, energy and oil exploration.
He said "Russia had agreed to provide fifth generation combat aircraft, medium fighters, multi-role transport aircraft, aircraft carrier and air defence missile system.
The two countries had also signed an agreement to supply India 80 Mi-17 helicopters to boost operation in high altitude areas like Saichen.
Anil said, "India and Russia have agreed to work together to stabilise situation in Afghanistan and help solve Iran's nuclear issue." Bishma Narain Singh said, "Economic ties, which remained stagnant for several years, is expected to reach 10 billion dollar by 2010.
The current bilateral trade turnover is around seven billion dollar.
He said the visit is important in more than one sense as it took place at a time when the two countries are confronted with a common threat of cross-border terrorism.
Hari Kishore Singh said, "The two countries are working together in many other fields like nano-technology, bio-technology and oil exploration, besides defence and energy sectors.
He said the Indo-Russian friendship is eternal.
"Ours is a multi-facted friendship, not confined to few areas, but extends to a wide range of sectors".
"The friendship is based on a close spiritual affinity between our people, deep rooted civilisation and common approach towards the global issues," Singh added.
