India to open two more consulates in Russia, announces PM Modi in Moscow

Moscow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the opening of new consulates in Russia. He said that the Indian consulates will be opened in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.

While addressing the Indian community in Moscow, PM Modi stated, "I want to share some good news with you all. We have decided to open new consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. This will enhance travel and business trade."

He further said that two years ago the first consignment was sent via the India-Russia 'North-South Transport corridor,' and "that is a remarkable achievement."

"Now India and Russia are working to open the Chennai-Valdivostok Eastern corridor," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister further said in the 21st Century, India will play the role of 'Vishwa Bandhu' (Friend of the World).

"Both our countries are discovering each other through Ganga Volga dialogue and civilization. When I came here in 2015, I had said that the 21st century will belong to India...Today, as Vishwa Bandhu, India is giving new confidence to the world. India's growing capability has given the whole world, a hope of stability and prosperity. India is being seen as a strong pillar of the new, emerging, multipolar, world order. When India talks about peace, dialogue and diplomacy, the whole world listens," the prime minister said.

Members of Indian community carrying the tricolour applauded and cheered the Prime Minister with chants of "Modi Modi".

The Prime Minister stressed the ties between India and Russia are giving new energy to Global Prosperity. He also praised the Indian community for giving new heights to the ties between India and Russia.

Speaking about the special relationship between India and Russia, PM Modi said, "I am happy that India and Russia are working shoulder to shoulder to give new energy to Global Prosperity. All of you present here are giving new heights to the relations between India and Russia. You have contributed to Russian society with your hard work and honesty. I have kayal (admired) the unique relationship between India and Russia since decades."

Terming Russia as India's trusted friend, PM Modi noted that the ties between the two countries have always remained warm. He stated that India-Russia relationship is built on the strong foundation of mutual trust and respect.

Highlighting the friendship between two nations, PM Modi, "On hearing the word Russia, the first word that comes to every Indian's mind is India's partner in happiness and sorrow, India's trusted friend, our Russian friends call it 'drujva' and we call it 'Dosti'. No matter how much the temperature goes down to minus during the winter season in Russia but India-Russia friendship has always been in Plus, it has always been warm. This relationship is built on the strong foundation of mutual trust and mutual respect."

He also pointed out the old song 'Sir pe lal topi Russi' and spoke about the contribution of artists like Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty in strengthening the ties between two countries.

PM Modi said, "The song was once sung in every household here, 'Sir pe lal topi Russi, phir bhi dil hai Hindustani.' This song may have become old, but the sentiments are evergreen. Artists like Raj Kapoor, Mithoon Da have strengthened the friendship between India and Russia."

Praising Russian President Vladimir Putin's contribution towards strengthening India-Russia ties, PM Modi said, "The strength of our relations has been tested many times and every time our friendship has emerged stronger. I would especially like to appreciate the leadership of my dear friend, President Putin. He has done a wonderful job to strengthen this partnership for more than two decades."

"This is the sixth time I have come to Russia in the last 10 years and in these years we have met each other 17 times. All these meetings have increased trust and respect. When our students were stuck in the conflict, President Putin helped us in getting them back to India. I once again thank the people of Russia and my friend, President Putin for it," the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi stated that people feel India is changing when they come from abroad to the country. He said that people from abroad can clearly witness transformation in India.

Highlighting India's achievements over the past decade, PM Modi said, "Today's India makes sure it achieves the target it sets. Today, India is the country that takes Chandrayaan to the part of the moon where no other country in the world could reach. Today, India is the country that is giving the most reliable model of digital transactions to the world."

"Today, India is a country that is empowering people through the policies in the social sector. Today, India is a country that has the third largest startup ecosystem in the world. When you people gave me the opportunity to serve the country for the first time in 2014, there were hundreds of startups, today there are lakhs of startups. Today, India is a country that is filing patents and publishing research papers in record numbers," the PM said.

He noted that the world is surprised when they see that the number of airports have doubled in the past 10 years and India holds successful events like the G20 Summit.

Speaking about the development that has happened in India in past 10 years, PM Modi said, "The world is surprised to see the pace of development that the country has achieved in the last 10 years. When people from the world come to India, they say 'Bharat badal raha hai' (India is changing). When you all come, you are also feeling so. What are they seeing? They are clearly able to see the transformation of India, the redevelopment of India."

"When India organises successful events like G20, the world speaks in one voice, 'Bharat badal raha hai'. When India doubles the number of its airports in just 10 years, the world says, 'Bharat badal raha hai'. When India electrifies more than 40,000 kilometers of railway lines in just 10 years, the world also realizes the power of India, they say the country is changing," he added.

PM Modi expressed gratitude to people for coming to attend the event. He stated that he had brought the fragrance of the soil of India to Russia.

He said, "I want to thank all of you for coming here. I have not come here alone, I have come with a lot of things. I have brought with me the fragrance of the soil of India. I have brought with me the love of 140 crore countrymen and their good wishes for you people."

Earlier on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held an informal meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence of the Russian president near Moscow.

The Russian Foreign Ministry shared a video on X showing a warm greeting between PM Modi and Vladimir Putin. The clip, posted on Monday, shows the two leaders embracing each other as PM Modi arrives at the president's residence, marking the start of their informal meeting.

PM Modi arrived in Moscow for an official visit on Monday where he was received by Denis Manturov, the first Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation at the Vnukovo-II airport and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Indian community gave PM Modi a warm welcome at the hotel.

After concluding his visit to Russia, PM Modi will depart for Austria in what is the first visit to the nation by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.