Unicaus NEWS
Expanding its diplomatic footprint in Russia, India opened the brand new Consulates General within the cities of Yekaterinburg and Kazan.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko and India’s Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar had been additionally current on the perform held to mark the opening.
“This is a very important day in the diplomatic history of India in the Russian Federation,” Mr. Jaishankar mentioned.
The prime Indian diplomat alluded to the times when he had served in diplomatic assignments on the Indian Embassy in Moscow.
“This is an important day for us, when we are adding two more Consulates General in this country… Over the last few months, consistent work has been underway to establish these consulates,” he mentioned and asserted that India recognises the assist acquired from the Russian authorities.
Mr. Jaishankar mentioned Yekaterinburg is commonly referred to as the “third capital of Russia” as a result of its industrial significance, and is a “gateway to Siberia”.
It is understood for its heavy engineering, gem reducing, defence manufacturing, metallurgy, nuclear gasoline, chemical compounds and medical gear, he mentioned.
“The opening of the consulate will give impetus to enable and to strengthen technological, scientific, economic and trade collaborations between Indian and Russian industries,” the External Affairs Minister mentioned.
Kazan, probably the most visited cities of Russia, hosted the 2024 BRICS summit, which was additionally attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I had the pleasure of going there myself, after Moscow and St Petersburg, and with good reasons,” Mr. Jaishankar mentioned.
The area is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic hub and acts as a “bridge between Russia and the rest of Asia”.
The consulate will assist strengthen people-to-people ties by encouraging cross-cultural exchanges and ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) participation, he mentioned.
Kazan is well-known for its oil manufacturing and refining, for fertilisers, vehicles, defence manufacturing, prescription drugs and electrical gear, the Minister mentioned.
“I am confident that with the opening of the two new consulates, there will be a further strengthening of India-Russia ties and this will surely mark a new phase in our relationship,” the EAM asserted.
He additional mentioned the opening of those consulates will “not only enhance our diplomatic presence” in Russia, however will act as a “catalyst” to additional enhance commerce, encourage tourism, and bolster financial, scientific, know-how, and even tutorial and cultural ties between the 2 nations.
“The consulates will contribute to our joint efforts in increasing our bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030 as envisaged by the leaders,” Mr. Jaishankar mentioned.
In July 2024, India and Russia set a goal of $100 billion in annual commerce quantity by 2030 and vowed to develop a sturdy bilateral cost settlement mechanism utilizing nationwide currencies.
The two sides had additionally inked a complete of 9 agreements to additional broadbase cooperation in a variety of areas, together with within the financial area, following summit talks between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr. Modi had paid a two-day go to to Russia final 12 months, his first to the nation for the reason that begin of the conflict in Ukraine.
Mr. Jaishankar mentioned that there’s a sizeable and various Indian diaspora in Russia, which incorporates greater than 30,000 Indian college students at present.
“Out of these approximately 7,000 reside in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Kazan and 3,000 in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Yekaterinburg. And, I am confident that the Indian diaspora, business community, but most of all, our youngsters, students.. they will benefit from the consular services and the diplomatic presence of India in these two regions,” he added.
He additionally interacted with members of the Indian group and buddies of India in Moscow.
Earlier within the day, Mr. Jaishankar paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Moscow. “His ideals and teachings are more relevant than ever,” he mentioned.
