India, Russia discuss defence, security cooperation during Doval visit

New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) India and Russia discussed bilateral security and defence cooperation as well as plans to celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between them during the two-day visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Russia.

Doval was on an official visit to Russia, on the invitation of Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, from January 30-31, an official statement said here on Wednesday.

The talks were part of regular high level consultations between India and Russia.

Both sides discussed issues of mutual bilateral, regional and global interest, with a special focus on security and defense cooperation between both sides. They noted with satisfaction the ongoing cooperation between them in meeting threats to their national security, particularly those emanating from terrorism in their respective regions, and unequivocally reaffirmed their intention to continue to work together to confront these challenges, it said.

Doval and Patrushev noted that the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries was a great asset for both the peoples, and a factor of peace and stability in the region and the world. They agreed to further strengthen this partnership in all areas.

The two sides also highly evaluated the plans to celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia in 2017, and pledged to make 2017 a special year in the history of their relations.

Separately, both countries held high-level consultations on counter terrorism issues in New Delhi on January 31.

The Indian delegation was led by Preeti Saran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, while the Russian delegation was headed by Oleg V. Syromolotov, Deputy Foreign Minister.

Both sides shared views and assessment on the threats posed by the scourge of terrorism, including state-sponsored, cross border terrorism faced by India. They also shared concerns regarding the emergence of Af-Pak region as the epicentre of terrorism.

They discussed successful experiences in curbing terrorism and countering radicalisation.

Both sides agreed that the UNSC 1267 Sanctions List processes for blacklisting various terrorist individuals and entities must be stringently complied with. Prospects for deepening engagement on counter-terrorism under the UN, BRICS and SCO mechanisms were also emphasized, a statement said.

Both sides agreed to a joint action plan which seeks to focus on enhancing capacity building, frequent expert-level meetings, sharing of insights, exchange of best practices in countering radicalization and curbing terrorism.

India and Russia are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS - an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

India and Russia, in October last year, signed big-ticket defence deals worth nearly Rs 60,000 crore.

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