Russian-Indian Military Industrial Conference (MIC) is organized to provide a platform to Russian OEMs and Indian defence private & public sector companies to identify possible areas of cooperation. Five rounds of MICs have already been organised on the sidelines of the Aero India/DefExpo in India & Russia. The 6th MIC was organized February 3, 2021 during Aero India 2021 at Bengaluru.
ℹ http://vk.com/@rusembdelhi-6th-india-russia-military-industrial-conference
ℹ http://vk.com/@rusembdelhi-6th-india-russia-military-industrial-conference
Russia and India continue developing military and technical cooperation, despite the coronavirus pandemic, Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation and Head of the Russian Delegation Vladimir Drozhzhov said on Wednesday.
ℹ https://tass.com/defense/1252393
ℹ https://tass.com/defense/1252393
Russian Foreign Ministry: On February 3, 2021 the MFA of Russia and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow exchanged diplomatic notes regarding the completion of internal procedures required for the entry into force of the Agreement to extend the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms of April 8, 2010 (New START). Accordingly, this Agreement entered into force on the same day. Thus the Treaty will remain in effect exactly as it had been signed, without any amendments or additions, until February 5, 2026. The telephone conversation between the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the U.S. President Joseph Biden on January 26, 2021 became key for this development to proceed.
In effect, this core mechanism for maintaining strategic stability is preserved and its further functioning assured on a strictly reciprocal basis, limiting the two countries’ nuclear arsenals. Considering the special responsibilities that Russia and the U.S. carry as the world’s largest nuclear nations, the decision taken is important as it guarantees a necessary level of predictability and transparency in this area, while strictly maintaining a balance of interests.
We expect that the understanding, reached with Washington regarding the future of the New START Treaty as a cornerstone of international security, would allow to leave behind the trend towards dismantling of arms control and nonproliferation mechanisms, so prevalent in recent years due to U.S. destructive policies. Significant steps would be required to return our bilateral dialogue in this area back to a more stable trajectory, reach new substantial results which would strengthen our national security and global strategic stability.
Russia is ready to do its part. We urge the U.S. to apply a similarly responsible approach and to respond to our initiatives in a constructive manner.
[Statement dated February 3, 2021]
In effect, this core mechanism for maintaining strategic stability is preserved and its further functioning assured on a strictly reciprocal basis, limiting the two countries’ nuclear arsenals. Considering the special responsibilities that Russia and the U.S. carry as the world’s largest nuclear nations, the decision taken is important as it guarantees a necessary level of predictability and transparency in this area, while strictly maintaining a balance of interests.
We expect that the understanding, reached with Washington regarding the future of the New START Treaty as a cornerstone of international security, would allow to leave behind the trend towards dismantling of arms control and nonproliferation mechanisms, so prevalent in recent years due to U.S. destructive policies. Significant steps would be required to return our bilateral dialogue in this area back to a more stable trajectory, reach new substantial results which would strengthen our national security and global strategic stability.
Russia is ready to do its part. We urge the U.S. to apply a similarly responsible approach and to respond to our initiatives in a constructive manner.
[Statement dated February 3, 2021]
Sergey Lavrov: I’d say that the West presents very specific, one-sided coverage of not only the events linked with Alexei Navalny but also everything that is taking place in Russia. The hysteria caused by his trial is out of proportion. The public is not told that the regulations for holding demonstrations, rallies and protests are much tougher in the West than in Russia. The police in the West have the right to curb any assembly that is not authorised or notified of in advance, or, if a notification was submitted, violate the procedures for holding it as agreed with the authorities. If demonstrators in Germany, France, the US or other Western countries take to the streets and prevent the normal functioning of transport, they can face several years in prison, huge fines and other penalties. The police are much tougher with them than our law-enforcement bodies as regards participating in illegal actions.
Coverage of these actions in Russia and actions by opposition leaders in the West is also based on double standards. When they show events in Russia, the focus is on the police response to the behaviour of the demonstrators. The latter’s actions are not shown at all, although looking at the footage on the internet, it is easy to see how aggressive those who took part in illegal actions were in Moscow and other Russian cities in the past few days. When the Western media cover similar events at home, they usually show outrageous behaviour by demonstrators like broken shop windows and cars on fire, but not the cruelty of the police. This applies to the footage of a police car driving over the bodies of demonstrators lying on the asphalt. As a rule, such footage is kept behind the scenes and can only be found on social media.
To have this discussion (if the West is interested) along the lines of common sense and facts (the West is reluctant to discuss facts), we have prepared a video on how illegal actions are held and suppressed in the West and how our police reacted to the excesses of demonstrators during the recent events. Yesterday, we handed over this video to Foreign Minister of Sweden Ann Linde who is also the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. Today, I sent the same video to Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. We want him to see the objective picture based on specific facts from both sides rather than groundless accusations as he prepares for his visit to Moscow on Friday. Unfortunately, our Western colleagues have become used to such accusations, whether it’s the Skripal case or the so-called Navalny “poisoning” or the events related to his arrest and yesterday’s court verdict.
I understand those who think that Russia could be more aggressive in reacting to the openly high-handed, unseemly rhetoric from Western leaders. In our diplomatic and political culture, we are not used to resorting to thuggish rhetoric. We are polite people and are used to achieving our goals in a civil and civilised manner. As we say: “God is not in power but in truth.” We also have a good proverb that should be remembered: “Honey is sweet, but the bee stings.” Those who take our polite manners for a sign of weakness are making a big mistake.
ℹ️ http://bit.ly/36HBY5Z
Coverage of these actions in Russia and actions by opposition leaders in the West is also based on double standards. When they show events in Russia, the focus is on the police response to the behaviour of the demonstrators. The latter’s actions are not shown at all, although looking at the footage on the internet, it is easy to see how aggressive those who took part in illegal actions were in Moscow and other Russian cities in the past few days. When the Western media cover similar events at home, they usually show outrageous behaviour by demonstrators like broken shop windows and cars on fire, but not the cruelty of the police. This applies to the footage of a police car driving over the bodies of demonstrators lying on the asphalt. As a rule, such footage is kept behind the scenes and can only be found on social media.
To have this discussion (if the West is interested) along the lines of common sense and facts (the West is reluctant to discuss facts), we have prepared a video on how illegal actions are held and suppressed in the West and how our police reacted to the excesses of demonstrators during the recent events. Yesterday, we handed over this video to Foreign Minister of Sweden Ann Linde who is also the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. Today, I sent the same video to Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. We want him to see the objective picture based on specific facts from both sides rather than groundless accusations as he prepares for his visit to Moscow on Friday. Unfortunately, our Western colleagues have become used to such accusations, whether it’s the Skripal case or the so-called Navalny “poisoning” or the events related to his arrest and yesterday’s court verdict.
I understand those who think that Russia could be more aggressive in reacting to the openly high-handed, unseemly rhetoric from Western leaders. In our diplomatic and political culture, we are not used to resorting to thuggish rhetoric. We are polite people and are used to achieving our goals in a civil and civilised manner. As we say: “God is not in power but in truth.” We also have a good proverb that should be remembered: “Honey is sweet, but the bee stings.” Those who take our polite manners for a sign of weakness are making a big mistake.
ℹ️ http://bit.ly/36HBY5Z
www.mid.ru
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Jordanian…
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On February 4, Sergey Lavrov spoke by telephone with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Having congratulated his colleague on his appointment, the minister expressed willingness to conduct a constructive dialogue on a wide range of issues.
Following the telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joseph Biden, the officials welcomed the extension of the New START Treaty on limiting strategic nuclear arms until 2026, which will improve the general situation in international security and strategic stability. They touched on the problem of making arms control predictable, considering the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty and the prospects for the Open Skies Treaty.
The officials also discussed international issues, in part, promoting a peaceful settlement in Syria and Libya and the situation in Ukraine.
Mr Lavrov reminded the Secretary of State about Moscow’s earlier proposals to adopt joint Russian-US statements on the unacceptability of nuclear war and on non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.
In connection with the developments around Alexey Navalny, which were mentioned by Mr Blinken, Mr Lavrov gave detailed explanations about the need to respect the laws and the judicial system of the Russian Federation. He drew Mr Blinken’s attention to the persecution of the protesters against the results of the presidential election and urged the US to ensure transparency in the relevant legal procedures.
Mr Lavrov confirmed Russia’s willingness to work jointly for normalising the entire range of bilateral relations while observing mutual respect and a balance of interests. The officials emphasised their interest in mutually eliminating the accumulated difficulties in the operations of the Russian and US diplomatic missions in both countries. Anthony Blinken displayed a willingness to organise an expert dialogue on these issues.
The officials supported the promotion of cooperation in countering the coronavirus infection, including the development and upgrading of vaccines.
They agreed to maintain continuous working contacts.
Having congratulated his colleague on his appointment, the minister expressed willingness to conduct a constructive dialogue on a wide range of issues.
Following the telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joseph Biden, the officials welcomed the extension of the New START Treaty on limiting strategic nuclear arms until 2026, which will improve the general situation in international security and strategic stability. They touched on the problem of making arms control predictable, considering the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty and the prospects for the Open Skies Treaty.
The officials also discussed international issues, in part, promoting a peaceful settlement in Syria and Libya and the situation in Ukraine.
Mr Lavrov reminded the Secretary of State about Moscow’s earlier proposals to adopt joint Russian-US statements on the unacceptability of nuclear war and on non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.
In connection with the developments around Alexey Navalny, which were mentioned by Mr Blinken, Mr Lavrov gave detailed explanations about the need to respect the laws and the judicial system of the Russian Federation. He drew Mr Blinken’s attention to the persecution of the protesters against the results of the presidential election and urged the US to ensure transparency in the relevant legal procedures.
Mr Lavrov confirmed Russia’s willingness to work jointly for normalising the entire range of bilateral relations while observing mutual respect and a balance of interests. The officials emphasised their interest in mutually eliminating the accumulated difficulties in the operations of the Russian and US diplomatic missions in both countries. Anthony Blinken displayed a willingness to organise an expert dialogue on these issues.
The officials supported the promotion of cooperation in countering the coronavirus infection, including the development and upgrading of vaccines.
They agreed to maintain continuous working contacts.
What you'll never see in the Western media ⬆️ Russian citizens all over the country launched a flashmob to support Vladimir Putin.
Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R.Kudashev: I am deeply grieved to learn of the human loss and destruction caused by glacier breach in Uttarakhand on February 7, 2021.
I convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families of the deceased and wishes of speedy recovery to all injured.
I convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families of the deceased and wishes of speedy recovery to all injured.
Soft Power Matters but Not to be Misused
We noted the article “Does Soft Power Matter?” by Mr Swagata Ganguly published in The Times of India on February 11, 2021.
It has to be stated that by both substance and merit, it is reflecting biased and confrontational approach, which is widely used by some Western countries struggling to unite themselves on the basis of the anti-Russian hysteria.
They can not accept the idea of a strong and independent Russia and time and again keep inventing new farfetched pretexts to show that Russia is “wrong”.
They are not interested in facts – that Novichok is not produced and stored in Russia for decades but mostly in the European countries, that the OPCW and Germany were refusing to cooperate on the so-called poisoning of Mr Navalny, that law-enforcement response when it came to non-authorized protests was much more liberal than in the most such cases in the West, that the Western diplomats were participating in such protests and court hearings and ultimately funding and recruiting NGOs to support antigovernment movements in Russia and other independent countries, are nothing but clear attempts to interfere in domestic affairs.
Along with misusing illegal unilateral sanctions, the above examples vividly indicate severe violations of international law. Is that the “rules-based” world order that the rest countries are invited to support? And who is the judge who is defining “the right side of the history”?
Obviously, such article does not reflect the position of the Indian Government, which is well-known to support dialogue of civilizations and legitimate rights of all countries to follow their own way of political, social and economic development. Russia, India and other like-minded countries are on the same page in promoting just and equal multipolar world based on the principles of the UN Charter.
It is especially disappointing to see the treatment of the national symbols of Russia in the well-reputed newspaper – it may be regarded as a direct insult to the friendly country, and it is strongly requested to remove it from any sources belonging to it and refraining from publishing such outrageous materials in future.
We noted the article “Does Soft Power Matter?” by Mr Swagata Ganguly published in The Times of India on February 11, 2021.
It has to be stated that by both substance and merit, it is reflecting biased and confrontational approach, which is widely used by some Western countries struggling to unite themselves on the basis of the anti-Russian hysteria.
They can not accept the idea of a strong and independent Russia and time and again keep inventing new farfetched pretexts to show that Russia is “wrong”.
They are not interested in facts – that Novichok is not produced and stored in Russia for decades but mostly in the European countries, that the OPCW and Germany were refusing to cooperate on the so-called poisoning of Mr Navalny, that law-enforcement response when it came to non-authorized protests was much more liberal than in the most such cases in the West, that the Western diplomats were participating in such protests and court hearings and ultimately funding and recruiting NGOs to support antigovernment movements in Russia and other independent countries, are nothing but clear attempts to interfere in domestic affairs.
Along with misusing illegal unilateral sanctions, the above examples vividly indicate severe violations of international law. Is that the “rules-based” world order that the rest countries are invited to support? And who is the judge who is defining “the right side of the history”?
Obviously, such article does not reflect the position of the Indian Government, which is well-known to support dialogue of civilizations and legitimate rights of all countries to follow their own way of political, social and economic development. Russia, India and other like-minded countries are on the same page in promoting just and equal multipolar world based on the principles of the UN Charter.
It is especially disappointing to see the treatment of the national symbols of Russia in the well-reputed newspaper – it may be regarded as a direct insult to the friendly country, and it is strongly requested to remove it from any sources belonging to it and refraining from publishing such outrageous materials in future.
Today, the Russian-Indian Foreign Office political consultations on a wide range of issues on the bilateral and international agenda will be held in Moscow.
Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will be received by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
He is also expected to hold talks with the Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Igor Morgulov and Sergey Ryabkov.
Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will be received by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
He is also expected to hold talks with the Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Igor Morgulov and Sergey Ryabkov.
On February 17, Russian
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who arrived in Moscow to take part in the consultations between the Foreign Ministries.
Both sides expressed their intention to strengthen the Russian-Indian Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in every possible way, as well as to tighten coordination of stances on pressing international and regional issues, including in the frameworks of the multilateral formats with the participation of Russia and India.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who arrived in Moscow to take part in the consultations between the Foreign Ministries.
Both sides expressed their intention to strengthen the Russian-Indian Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in every possible way, as well as to tighten coordination of stances on pressing international and regional issues, including in the frameworks of the multilateral formats with the participation of Russia and India.
On February 17, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla held political consultations in Moscow.
During the meeting, a wide range of issues pertained to the Russian-Indian interaction was discussed, including the schedule of the upcoming political contacts. The sides underlined their aspiration to increase the trade and economic turnover by expanding cooperation in traditional and high-tech spheres.
They also noted the similarity of approaches by Russia and India to the pressing global and regional issues, as well as stressed the intention of the two countries to continue coordination of efforts at international and regional platforms, including the UN, G20, BRICS, SCO, RIC and EAEU.
During the meeting, a wide range of issues pertained to the Russian-Indian interaction was discussed, including the schedule of the upcoming political contacts. The sides underlined their aspiration to increase the trade and economic turnover by expanding cooperation in traditional and high-tech spheres.
They also noted the similarity of approaches by Russia and India to the pressing global and regional issues, as well as stressed the intention of the two countries to continue coordination of efforts at international and regional platforms, including the UN, G20, BRICS, SCO, RIC and EAEU.
On February 18, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov met with Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
They discussed interaction between Moscow and New Delhi in the BRICS format. A number of topical issues pertained to the arms control, nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and cooperation at the multilateral export control platforms were also touched upon.
They discussed interaction between Moscow and New Delhi in the BRICS format. A number of topical issues pertained to the arms control, nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and cooperation at the multilateral export control platforms were also touched upon.
Dear friends!
On February 22 & 23, we will be closed to celebrate the #Russia's #FatherlandDefenderDay.
Will resume our work on Wednesday, February 24.
On February 22 & 23, we will be closed to celebrate the #Russia's #FatherlandDefenderDay.
Will resume our work on Wednesday, February 24.
#Russia'n FM Sergey #Lavrov’s remarks at the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament: We all need a constructive dialogue more than ever to prevent further degradation of the international arms control architecture ➡️ https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/4594359
#Russia'n FM Sergey #Lavrov’s remarks at the high-level segment of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council:
Today, the global media is becoming a place for pursuing narrow and self-serving geopolitical goals. Fake and aggressive media campaigns undermine internal political stability in sovereign states, fuel unrest and violence. Of particular concern is the ease with which false advocates of democracy irresponsibly use youngsters and children for their political purposes. This is unacceptable ➡️ https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/4594290
Today, the global media is becoming a place for pursuing narrow and self-serving geopolitical goals. Fake and aggressive media campaigns undermine internal political stability in sovereign states, fuel unrest and violence. Of particular concern is the ease with which false advocates of democracy irresponsibly use youngsters and children for their political purposes. This is unacceptable ➡️ https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/4594290
#Lavrov: Western experts know that the #SputnikV vaccine is definitely one of the best. Otherwise, there would not be such a stream of requests for it, which is growing geometrically ➡ https://bit.ly/3qTCfLn