President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said his "successful" state visit to Russia emboldened India's strategic ties with the country, adding that the high-level bilateral talks stirred a "forward" movement on defence, nuclear energy and space cooperation.On his the five-day visit that began on May 7, Mukherjee, in a statement said: "I have just concluded a successful visit to Russia... this was a most memorable visit, which has helped deepen our strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Russia."On his first official visit to Russia as president, he participated in the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Victory Day (May 9) commemorating the triumph of the Russian people in the the Great Patriotic War, as the Russians term the Second World War.
Describing India's contribution in the war as "significant", Mukherjee noted that while the occasion commemorated "the bravery and indomitable spirit of the Russian people", it also remembered "the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in the most defining struggle of the 20th Century"."By joining the commemorative events related to the War and the terrible human suffering that it caused, India has reiterated its solemn commitment to peace and our resolve to avoid war and conflict. We also re-affirmed our abiding solidarity with Russia...," he added.
On the occasion, a 75-member Indian Army contingent from the Grenadiers, an infantry regiment, also took part in a military parade at the Red Square in Moscow.Mukherjee, who was accompanied by union minister Manoj Sinha as well as senior officials, held bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on May 9.The two reviewed the progress on bilateral issues as well as measures to "further enhance deepen our relations"."My visit also reflects the importance that India places on its strategic partnership with Russia. President Putin reiterated his strong commitment to further enhance ties with India, which are marked by an exceptional level of mutual trust," Mukherjee added.
The Indian president also noted that the two sides were "happy" with the progress made on implementation of the measures agreed upon at the Annual Summit during Putin's visit to New Delhi in December 2014."There is forward movement on defence, nuclear energy and space cooperation. We have made tangible progress in our economic and commercial cooperation in sectors ranging from hydrocarbons, fertilisers, diamonds and agricultural products," Mukherjee said.The two countries, Mukherjee said, were committed to operationalising the International North South Transport Corridor, which would connect India with Russia through Iran and the Caspian Sea, while working to finalise the joint study group on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union.