Departure Statement of the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Her State Visits to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan From 2nd September to 8th September, 2009

I am visiting Russia from 2nd to 6th September. During my visit to Russia, which would be my first State Visit to the country, I will be meeting the President of the Russian Federation, H.E Mr. Dmitry Medvedev. I will also use the opportunity to interact with the leadership of Russia. Besides meeting the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, I will meet the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly, the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President to the North West District.

During my meetings with President Medvedev and other leaders of Russia, I will discuss the political and strategic dimensions of our bilateral relationship, effective cooperation in the economic and allied fields and our joint efforts to further consolidate our bilateral relationship. I also look forward to exchanging views on regional and international issues that concern both India and Russia. We share common perceptions with Russia on global and regional issues.

While bilateral trade between our two countries is diversified and growing steadily, there is mutual recognition that bilateral trade volumes are below their full potential. I am glad that the India-Russia Trade & Investment Forum led by the two Commerce Ministers has already met twice in the past and are scheduled to meet again at the end of this month in Moscow. I am also glad that a CEOs Forum has been set up where business leaders from both sides can look at new avenues for bilateral trade and investment. Russia is one of the largest sources of hydrocarbons in the world. Indian companies have established their presence in this important sector within Russia. I hope that our cooperation in this area can grow from strength to strength.

I look forward to meeting the Indian community and friends of India in Russia. Along with President Medvedev, I shall be participating in a gala event in Moscow showcasing the richness of Indian culture. This event is being held within the framework of the 'Year of India' in Russia.

Through my visit, I want to convey the message that India's relationship with Russia is based on solid foundations encompassing many areas of cooperation for mutual benefit, such as in defence, science & technology, energy security, including civil nuclear energy and hydrocarbons. India and Russia have always been friends and our friendship is based on mutual trust, confidence and commonality of interests. It is our intention to reiterate the Government's wholehearted commitment to strengthening our relations with Russia in all fields. Building good relations with Russia is a matter that enjoys national consensus in India. It is significant that Prime Minister's first visit abroad after the formation of the new Government was to Yekaterinburg in Russia and that he will be visiting Russia again in December this year. My visit will thus consolidate the tradition of high-level visits, multi-faceted cooperation and people-to-people contacts that characterizes the relationship between India and Russia.

I shall, thereafter, be visiting Tajikistan from 6th to 8th September. This will be the first visit by a President of India to the Central Asian Region.

I shall be holding talks with President Emomali Rahmon, Prime Minister Akilov and other Tajik leaders. I shall be interacting with the Chairman of the Lower House of their Parliament. I shall be participating in the Independence Day celebrations of Tajikistan on 8th September, which will be the first time that any foreign leader will be given this honour.

During my interactions with the Tajik leadership, I shall be exchanging views on the important elements of our bilateral relationship as well as on the developments in our region and in the world. I look forward to consolidating our ties in the political, economic and other spheres.

I believe that concerted efforts between India and Tajikistan against terrorism and extremism will contribute greatly to peace and stability in our region. I hope to take forward this cooperation through my dialogue with the Tajik leadership.

A business delegation from India will be accompanying me during my visit to Tajikistan. I hope that my visit can infuse new vigour into trade and investment links between the two countries. I shall also be meeting the Indian community in Tajikistan.

My visit will emphasize the importance that India attaches to the Central Asian Region in general, which is part of our extended neighbourhood, and to our relations with Tajikistan in particular. India has been a development partner of Tajikistan and, through my visit I would like to ensure a strengthening of this and other aspects of our relationship.

Thank You.