New Delhi, Oct 3 (NationPress) Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership Declaration between Russia and India on Friday, Denis Alipov, the Russian Ambassador to India, remarked that the two nations have achieved remarkable progress in enhancing their collaboration over the past quarter-century, in tune with the evolving global dynamics.

The Strategic Partnership Declaration, which was signed by the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 3, 2000, elevated the bilateral relations of India and Russia, characterized by synchronized strategies aimed at maintaining international peace and security, tackling significant global and regional challenges, along with robust cooperation in economic, cultural, educational, and other domains.

“On this day, October 3, 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated the declaration on strategic partnership, marking the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations. Today, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of this pivotal declaration,” Alipov expressed in a post on X.

He further emphasized that this milestone signifies a crucial moment in the revitalization of the historically amicable, comprehensive, and mutually rewarding relationship in a time of globalization and shifting multipolarity.

“2025 has already witnessed numerous bilateral exchanges and a notably warm and substantial engagement between our leaders at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. We are eagerly anticipating the forthcoming bilateral summit in New Delhi later this year, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of elevating our strategic partnership to the status of a ‘special and privileged’ relationship,” Alipov added.

Reflecting on the notable accomplishments between India and Russia, the Russian Ambassador mentioned that bilateral cooperation has thrived in essential sectors, including nuclear power, energy security, defense, space exploration, science and technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that new avenues for collaboration are emerging to fulfill the evolving aspirations and requirements of both countries.

Alipov highlighted that innovation is central to the India-Russia partnership, citing initiatives under the auspices of the Sirius Educational Foundation and Atal Innovation Mission, among others. He pointed out that both nations are advancing cooperation in promising fields such as small modular nuclear reactors, railways, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing, trade corridors, connectivity, Arctic research, and labor mobility.

“Once realized, these and other projects will be further bolstered by the prompt conclusion of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and India. This agreement is expected to significantly aid in achieving the target of raising Russia–India trade to US$100 billion by 2030, as outlined by President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024,” he underscored.