In a noteworthy diplomatic development, Russia has clarified to India that Pakistan’s Prime Minister hasn’t been invited to partake in the impending Eastern Economic Forum. This forum is scheduled to run from 4th-6th September, 2019 in Vladivostok, Russia. Interestingly, the Indian Prime Minister has been granted the honour of being the chief guest at this significant event. The announcement addresses reportedly evolving dynamics of international diplomacy and economic partnerships.
About the Eastern Economic Forum
Initiated by a presidential decree in 2015, the Eastern Economic Forum takes place annually in Vladivostok, Russia. The forum principally provides a platform for discussing key issues concerning the global economy, regional integration, and the advancement of new industrial and technological sectors. It also addresses shared global challenges facing Russia and other nations worldwide.
This business-centred event includes dialogues with leading partner countries in Asia-Pacific and ASEAN, a critical integration organization of dynamically developing countries in Southeast Asia. Over time, the forum has solidified its position as an international platform guiding the strategy for fostering political, economic, and cultural relations between Russia and the Asia Pacific region.
India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue
Preceding Prime Minister’s Vladivostok visit, there was a strategic economic dialogue held in New Delhi on 10th July, 2019. This dialogue, known as the India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue (IRSED), resulted from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation in 2018.
The inception of IRSED took place in St. Petersburg the same year. The recently held dialogue was the second in the series, aimed at focusing on six principal areas of cooperation, including the development of transport infrastructure and technologies, agriculture and agro-processing sector, small and medium business support, digital transformation, frontier technologies, trade, banking, finance, industry, tourism, and connectivity.
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Transport Infrastructure and Technologies | Development and advancements in transport infrastructure and technologies |
| Agriculture and Agro-Processing Sector | Growth and progress in the agricultural and agro-processing sectors |
| Small and Medium Business Support | Support for small & medium scale businesses |
| Digital Transformation and Frontier Technologies | Digital evolution and innovations in cutting-edge technologies |
| Trade, Banking, Finance, Industry | Cooperation in domains of Trade, Banking, Finance, and Industry |
| Tourism & Connectivity | Fostering tourism and improving connectivity |
India-Russia Relations
The India-Russia alliance is built on a robust foundation that traces back to historic treaties and declarations such as the 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation between India and the USSR, the 1993 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between India and the Russian Federation, the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and the Russian Federation, and the 2010 Joint Statement that elevated their bond to a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. This comprehensive cooperation covers various sectors, from political and strategic collaborations, military and security cooperation, to partnerships in economy, energy, industry, science and technology, and cultural and humanitarian sectors. The shared legacies and mutual commitments uphold the strength and depth of the India-Russia relationship.
