What Did Ashwini Vaishnaw Discuss with Russian Deputy PM?
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Synopsis
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's recent meeting with Russian Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk highlights a pivotal moment in strengthening ties between India and Russia. The discussions focused on collaboration in transport, connectivity, and rare earth metals, crucial for India's infrastructure development. This meeting occurred during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened cooperation in transport and infrastructure.
- Focus on rare earth metals for sustainable development.
- Significant investment in railway infrastructure.
- Attendance at SPIEF 2025 highlights India's global engagement.
- Transformation of Indian Railways showcased through budget increase.
New Delhi, June 19 (NationPress) Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, engaged in discussions with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk on Thursday.
The focus of the meeting was to enhance collaboration in sectors such as transportation, connectivity, infrastructure, and rare earth metals.
On social media platform X, Vaishnaw stated: "Had a productive meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. We discussed key areas of collaboration including transport, connectivity, infrastructure, and rare earth metals".
This significant meeting occurred in St. Petersburg.
As per a post by the Consulate General of India in St. Petersburg, the Union Minister is in Russia for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025), which commenced on June 18 and will run until June 21.
Prior to his visit to Russia, the Minister inaugurated India’s largest multi-modal automobile cargo terminal at the Maruti Suzuki India Limited plant in Manesar, Haryana, on June 17.
The newly launched Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal is anticipated to greatly enhance logistics efficiency for automobile transportation.
The Manesar facility is now linked to the Patli railway station through a 10-kilometre rail connection.
This rail connection is a crucial component of the 121.7-kilometre-long Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, which is currently under construction by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC).
With an investment of Rs 800 crore for the development of this 10-kilometre rail link, the HRIDC contributed Rs 684 crore, with the remainder financed by Maruti Suzuki.
This facility now boasts an impressive loading capacity of 4.5 lakh automobiles annually, making it the largest cargo terminal of its kind in India.
During the inauguration, Vaishnaw highlighted the significant transformation in Indian Railways over the last decade.
“Before 2014, the annual railway budget was around Rs 24,000–Rs 25,000 crore. Today, it has surged to Rs 2.5 lakh crore,” he remarked.
Point of View
The meeting between Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Russian Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk signifies a step towards enhancing India's strategic partnerships. The focus on rare earth metals and infrastructure is crucial, not only for economic growth but also for securing vital resources in a competitive global landscape. This approach aligns with India's broader goals of sustainable development and international collaboration.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main focus of the meeting between Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Russian Deputy PM?
The primary focus of the meeting was on bolstering cooperation in areas like transport, connectivity, infrastructure, and rare earth metals.
Where did the meeting take place?
The meeting took place in St. Petersburg, Russia.
What event is Ashwini Vaishnaw attending in Russia?
He is attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025).
What significant project did Vaishnaw inaugurate before going to Russia?
He inaugurated India's largest multi-modal automobile cargo terminal at the Maruti Suzuki plant in Manesar, Haryana.
How has the railway budget changed since 2014 according to Vaishnaw?
Vaishnaw highlighted that the annual railway budget has increased from around Rs 24,000–Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 2.5 lakh crore.
