Former Prime Minister of India - Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

OPENING REMARKS BY THE PRIME MINISTER AT THE PRESS INTERACTION IN THE KREMLIN

Following is the text of the opening remarks made by the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Kremlin, Moscow, today.

~I am happy to be in Russia again.

I have had two rounds of extremely useful and in-depth discussions with President Putin on critical issues in our bilateral relations, and on the current international situation.

Our discussions were characterised by the trust and confidence which is the underlying feature of our relationship. They also reflected the convergence of our security and strategic concerns which have provided stability and strength to our relations, even in the face of dramatic developments in the international context.

We evaluated the progress in the significant areas in our bilateral cooperation. In defence, the relationship has expanded from a mere buyer-seller context to also include joint research, development and production. We have had very beneficial cooperation in

nuclear energy and space. The GSLV was the latest symbol of our cooperation in space programmes. In the hydrocarbon sector India has invested US$ 1.7 bn in the Sakhalin-1 oil fields.

They are areas which need further effort. Trade and economic cooperation is one such, needing diversification of the trade basket, exploring new areas such as information technology, and creative use of rupee funds available with Russia.

Our discussions on international issues, reflecting our strategic partnership, took into account developments that led to the September 11 incidents in US, and the implications of societal and international responses generated. We were clear and unanimous in our assessment that there can be no justification for terrorism. It has to be eradicated wherever it existed. The international community can show no forbearance for states that aid, abet and harbour terrorists or use terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

We also had detailed discussions on the requirement of a post-conflict political structure in Afghanistan as well as for a framework of international consultations to promote peace, stability and re-construction. For India, as for Russia, Afghanistan is not a problem in some far off land. I had recently also addressed a letter to President Putin on this and I was happy to hear from him today that our perspectives coincide on this.

A large number of agreements signed during this visit including some signed in St.Petersburg and yesterday in Moscow, in addition to those signed here illustrate the strength and vitality of our bilateral relations and its multi-dimensional character. The agreements will provide further new orientations to our cooperation.

I have invited President Putin to visit India. Our decision to have annual Summits is important in view of the depth and range of our bilateral relationship and rapidly evolving international situation. A warm welcome awaits him from the government and people of India.~