New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Ukraine conflict and the Covid pandemic have had a major impact on global supply chains with foodgrain, fertilizer, and fuel shortages becoming great concern to developing countries.
“From the very beginning of the Ukraine conflict, we have emphasized the need to adopt the path of diplomacy and dialogue. We support all peaceful efforts to end this conflict. In this regard, we also welcome the recent consensus on the safe export of cereals and fertilizers,” the Prime Minister said.
He was virtually addressing the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum hosted by Russia in Vladivostok.
He said the ancient principle of India Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has taught us to see the world as one family.
In today’s globalised world, events in one part of the world create an impact on the whole world, he added.
“I am glad that I got a chance to connect with you virtually at the 7th Eastern Economic Forum being held in Vladivostok. This month marks the thirty years since the establishment of the Consulate of India in Vladivostok. India was the first country to open a consulate in this city, and since then, the city has witnessed many milestones in our relationship,” the Prime Minister said.
Congratulating President Putin for his vision, the Prime Minister said that the Forum, established in 2015, has today become a major global platform for international cooperation in the development of the Russian Far East.
“In 2019, I had a chance to physically participate in this forum. At that time we had announced India’s ‘Act Far-East’ policy. And as a result, India’s cooperation with Russian Far East has increased in various fields. Today this policy has become a major pillar in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership of India and Russia,” he added.
He said connectivity will play an important role in the development of India-Russia relations in future, whether we talk about the International North-South Corridor, the Chennai – Vladivostok Maritime Corridor or the Northern Sea Route.
The Prime Minister said India is keen to strengthen its partnership with Russia on Arctic subjects.
There is immense scope for cooperation in the field of energy. Along with energy, India has also made significant investments in the Russian Far East in the fields of pharma and diamonds, the Prime Minister said.
“Russia can become an important partner for the Indian steel industry through the supply of coking coal. We can also have good cooperation in the mobility of talent. Indian talent has contributed to the development of many resource-rich regions of the world. I believe that the talent and professionalism of Indians can bring about rapid development in the Russian Far East,” he said.
Modi thanked President Putin for giving him the opportunity to address the Forum. (UNI)
