INDIA-RUSSIA 2

Describing Russia as "a time tested friend of India that
has stood by us in our times of need in the past", Singh said
"Ours is a special and privileged strategic partnership. It is
a partnership that has and will continue to develop
independent of our relations with other countries".
On his part, Medvedev said Russia supports India as a
"deserving and strong candidate" for a permanent seat in the
UN Security Council as and when a decision for its expansion
is taken.
Noting that the reform of the UNSC should be carried out
in a manner that reflects contemporary realities and makes
this body more effective in dealing with both present-day and
emerging challenges, the two sides decided to work closely in
the Security Council during the 2011-12 period when India
occupies a non-permanent seat in it for a two-year term.
They also agreed to consider cooperation in the peaceful
uses of nuclear energy with third countries.
Reviewing the efforts to establish joint cooperation
ventures between companies of the two countries in the oil and
gas sectors, it was agreed that the inter-governmental pact on
cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector signed on Tuesday, must
serve as an effective enabling legal mechanism to expedite
governmental clearances to facilitate the creation and
operation of such joint ventures.
The two countries agreed to promote specific projects to
encourage direct business-to-business dialogue between Indian
and Russian oil and gas companies, to ensure that the contacts
result in concrete and mutually beneficial commercial
agreements.
They expressed satisfaction at the extension of the
Integrated Long Term Program (ILTP) for scientific and
technical cooperation for another decade and its focus on
identifying innovation-led technology programs.
The two sides agreed to make efforts to continuously
upgrade joint military exercises in all forms including in the
field of counter-terrorism.
The Russian side also expressed its readiness to assist
and promote a discussion and positive decision in the NSG on
India’s membership in the 46-nation grouping.
Russia also took into positive consideration India’s
interest in full membership in MTCR and the Wassenaar
Arrangement.
Apart from this, the Russian Federation agreed to make
efforts along with other Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO) members to accelerate the process of India's entry into
the organisation.
The sides expressed concern at the deteriorating security
situation in Afghanistan, where successful stabilization will
be possible only after the elimination of safe havens and
infrastructure for terrorism and violent extremism that are
present in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the joint statement said.
Singh also said that India and Russia should cooperate in
intelligence and information sharing and devise effective
counter-terrorism strategies. MORE