‘Connectivity should be next focus, RIC’s time will come’: Expert on future of India-Russia ties

As India and Russia have already started working on trade and economy, the next focus of the India-Russia relationship should be connectivity and ties between people as well as businesses of the two countries, according to Lydia Kulik, Head of India Studies at the Moscow School of Management.

At an expert talk organised by the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) in Delhi, Kulik said further that the time of Russia-India-China (RIC) will surely come one day.

"The RIC's time will definitely come. You cannot resolve anything in the world without the involvement of these three countries," said Kulik.

ALSO READ: Beyond defence & oil, PM Modi & Putin build ‘co-production model’ as future of economic ties

Coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to India, the talk featured remarks by Kulik and CRF President Shishir Priyadarshi that was followed by an interactive session with the attendees.

More from World

In his remarks, Priyadarshi said that President Putin's visit offered an opportunity for both the countries to explore new avenues of cooperation, including some key connectivity projects, and the challenges that shape their strategic choices.

Where should India-Russia relationship be headed next?

Kulik flagged that India and Russia only have one daily flight between Delhi and Moscow and around 10 weekly flights in total despite the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

On the other hand, Russia and China have around 200 flights a week, according to Kulik.

"Connectivity as well as people to people ties and business to business ties between the two countries are lacking. Despite such a long relationship, there are neither deep business links nor an understanding of each other. There is not a single full-time accredited Indian journalist in Russia. These should be next areas of focus in the bilateral relationship," said Kulik.

ALSO READ: Why Putin wants to partner India for Russia’s Far East

Such linkages, as they would develop, would also work towards improving Indian exports to Russia as businesses would have a better understanding of what Russia needs and what India can provide, said Kulik.

Currently, India's share in Russia's imports is just 1 per cent so there is a great scope there for India, said Kulik.