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The Republic of India and the Russian Federation, hereinafter referred to as the “Sides”,

Reaffirming their time-tested friendship, long-standing relations and enduring bilateral ties, which have become stronger over time;

Guided by the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Russian Federation of 28 January 1993 and the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of India and the Russian Federation of 3 October 2000;

Reiterating their adherence to the ideals and principles enshrined in the UN Charter;

Determined to contribute jointly to strengthening global peace, security and stability and to building a just and democratic world order;

Hereby declare:

1. Annual Summit-level exchanges make a vital contribution to the strengthening of the strategic partnership and have become a mutually-valued tradition. The large number of agreements signed between the two countries in diverse spheres since the year 2000 and the broadening of cooperation achieved in key areas is reflective of the success of India-Russia annual summits. Besides reviewing progress in bilateral relations, these Summits have provided opportunity for outlining a long-term perspective for India-Russia relations.

2. Both Sides express satisfaction at the progress in the implementation of decisions taken during the India-Russia Summit in November 2007. Both Sides underline the high priority attached to each other in their foreign relations and reaffirm their commitment and keenness to deepen their strategic partnership and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres.

3. Both Sides agree that inter-Parliamentary cooperation, cooperation between various Government Departments/ Agencies, Foreign Offices and the National Security Councils of India and the Russian Federation are an integral feature of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Both Sides reiterate their resolve to further encourage cooperation between the legislative, executive and judiciary organs of the two countries. They also agree to expand bilateral interaction and exchange of visits to sustain the momentum of cooperation, understanding and goodwill between India and the Russian Federation.

4. Both Sides underline the high priority attached by the two countries to efforts towards increasing bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation and express satisfaction at the progress towards achieving the target of bilateral trade volume of US $ 10 bn by 2010. They note the significant role played by the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation in this regard. They also note the holding of the first meeting of the Joint Task Force to monitor the implementation of recommendations of the Joint Study Group to increase trade and consider concluding a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between the two countries.

5. Both Sides note the considerable expanse of complementarities between the growing economies of India and the Russian Federation. The increasing competitiveness of Indian and the Russian companies in the world market and opening up of the two economies have enabled them to launch themselves successfully in each other’s markets. There has been a substantial growth in the opening up of representative offices and branches of Indian enterprises in the Russian Federation and of Russian enterprises in India which is a healthy indicator of enhanced bilateral economic cooperation. Both Sides agree to intensify ongoing efforts and take further measures to facilitate trade and commerce between the two countries including simplification and streamlining of procedures, and removal of technical barriers.

6. Both Sides appreciate the work of the Indo-Russian Forum for Trade and Investment, and express hope that the Forum will further contribute towards bridging the gap and facilitating exchanges between the business communities of the two countries. Both Sides emphasize the important role of the private sector in developing bilateral trade and investment between India and the Russian Federation. Both Sides take special note of the creation of the India-Russia CEOs Council and express hope that the Council would not only provide valuable recommendations to further enhance bilateral commerce but also come up with private initiatives in terms of business tie-ups. Both Sides agree to encourage trade and business chambers of the two countries as well as other business organizations to enhance mutual arrangements and events for trade, investment and business-to-business contacts.

7. Bearing in mind the growing weight of India and the Russian Federation in the world economy and the negative impact of the current global financial crisis, the two Sides emphasize the importance of comprehensive reform of the international financial and economic architecture in order to adapt it to the new realities in global economy and agree to cooperate in various formats to promote a more just world economic order based on the principles of multipolarity, rule of law, equality, mutual respect and common responsibility.

8. India and the Russian Federation agree on the increasing importance of energy security for them as two fast-growing economies and major producer and consumer of energy and consequently the need to expand their bilateral cooperation in this field. In this regard, both Sides agree to promote, support and facilitate full utilization of considerable opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector in India, Russia and other countries. They acknowledge regular contacts and ongoing discussions between Indian and Russian hydrocarbon companies on specific upstream and downstream projects and encourage them to conclude mutually-agreeable arrangements.

9. Both Sides underline the importance of nuclear energy as a clean and safe source of energy to meet growing energy requirements and welcome the recent decision taken by the Nuclear Suppliers Group on civil nuclear cooperation with India. They note with satisfaction the ongoing cooperation in the implementation of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project. The two Sides agree to collaborate in setting-up of additional units of the project on the basis of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the construction of additional nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam and new sites in India signed on 5 December 2008 and to expand and pursue further areas for bilateral cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

10. Referring to the respective strengths of India and the Russian Federation in various spheres of peaceful uses of outer space, both Sides note ongoing cooperation in the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System GLONASS, joint lunar exploration, joint development and launch of a Youth satellite for educational purposes and other projects. They agree to direct their respective agencies to intensify ongoing cooperation and identify new areas for further collaboration between them.

11. Both Sides agree that military-technical cooperation is a key area of cooperation between India and the Russian Federation and note that the Russian Federation continues to be a leading source of defence products to India. They support bilateral efforts to diversify and strengthen cooperation in this area and encourage initiatives by respective organizations on both Sides to adapt to constantly evolving needs and requirements of each other. They express satisfaction at the effective role played by the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on military technical cooperation and direct it to review constantly and take forward the progress on steps taken in the areas of joint research, development, production and marketing, regular service-to-service interaction and joint military exercises. They agree that the Long Term Programme of military and technical cooperation has provided a sound collaborative framework and it should be renewed for ten years after it is completed in 2010. Both Sides note with satisfaction the 10th anniversary of the Indian-Russian joint venture to produce state-of-the-art Brahmos hypersonic cruise missiles and the launching of the implementation of the projects on joint development and production of Multi-Role Transport Aircraft and Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft and agree to further expedite these projects.

12. Both Sides express satisfaction with cooperation in the field of science and technology under the framework of the Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP) and agree that it should be extended for another period of ten years after its completion in 2010. Appreciative of various joint projects and research in various fields of science and technology and setting up of a number of joint Scientific Centres, both Sides agree to further broaden and deepen the scope of cooperation in this area. The two Sides emphasize that joint collaborative ventures should focus on emerging areas of technology such as nano-technology and bio-technology and encourage direct interaction between research institutions of India and the Russian Federation. They also underline the importance of bringing relevant technologies to their respective markets and in this context, they direct their agencies to finalize early the joint working document for the setting up of India-Russia Centre for Technology Transfer.

13. Both Sides agree that there is considerable potential for further cooperation in the area of information and communication technologies. They welcome efforts both in the government and in the private sector towards increasing cooperation in this field. Noting practical opportunities of development of cooperation in the prospective sphere of information and communication technologies, the Sides note the existing and potential problems in the field of information security globally and consider it feasible to collaborate more actively in its solution in the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations and fora.
14. Both Sides underscore the importance of longstanding and traditionally warm and friendly cultural bonds between the peoples of the two countries. They agree to actively support and promote cultural exchanges, greater contacts at various levels and closer understanding and appreciation of each other’s arts, languages, society and traditions. They express satisfaction at the successful conduct of the ’Year of Russia’ in India in 2008 and agree to work together for smooth holding of ’Year of India’ in Russia in 2009.

15. Both Sides express satisfaction at the growing and more focused interaction in the trilateral format among India, Russia and China which provides basis for developing further cooperation among the three large Asian States. It acquires importance in the framework of multilateral dialogue mechanisms, substantially contributes to strengthening newly emerging multipolarity and promotes collective leadership of world’s leading States. Both Sides note that fruitful interaction in the trilateral framework is not confined to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs but involves relevant Ministries in areas such as agriculture, health care, disaster mitigation and relief as well as academic and business communities.

16. Both Sides welcome growing interaction in the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) format. They express satisfaction at the first stand-alone meeting of Foreign Ministers of BRIC countries held in Yekaterinburg, Russia in May 2008 and the Foreign Ministerial meeting in New York in September 2008 on the sidelines of 63rd UNGA, the first meeting of Finance Ministers of BRIC countries held in Sao Paolo, Brazil in November 2008, as well as the coordinated steps by the four countries in the context of the financial summit of the Group of 20 in Washington in November 2008, and express their confidence that the next stand-alone meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers to be held in India and the first stand-alone BRIC summit to be held in the Russian Federation in 2009 will be new important milestones in the making of this promising cooperation mechanism of the four most dynamically developing large economies of the world. Both Sides welcome the growing cooperation between the G-8 and major emerging economies and stress the necessity to develop this cooperation further in order to establish an advanced mechanism of collective leadership in world affairs.

17. The Sides will work towards the establishment of a multipolar world order based on the principles of the rule of law, sovereign equality, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs of States. Activities aimed at strengthening a central coordinating role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and security, and at increasing the efficiency and authority of the UN, form important elements of India-Russia cooperation at the international level. India and Russia stress the need to implement the process of UN reform, so as to reflect contemporary realities. In this context, the Russian Federation reiterates once again that it regards India as an influential and major member of the international community. The Russian Federation reaffirms its support to India as a deserving and strong candidate for the permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.

18. India and the Russian Federation strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterate that there can be no justification for any act of terror, wherever, for whatever reason and by whosoever committed. They jointly affirm that bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism is an important dimension of their strategic partnership. The two Sides reiterate their commitment to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism, including financing for terrorism, while acting in conformity with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, relevant UN Resolutions and International Conventions, and the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted by the UN General Assembly. In this regard, they urged the international community to urgently adopt the draft Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism which is before the UN General Assembly. They affirm the role of the UN as a major inter-governmental organization to coordinate efforts to counter international terrorism. Both Sides express concern that narco-business is becoming more fused with terrorist and extremist activities, which makes it urgent to intensify joint efforts to address global threat in the framework of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation to combat illicit trafficking in narcotics, psychotropic substances and their precursors signed in Moscow on 12 November 2007.

19. The Russian Federation expresses solidarity and support to the Government and people of India in connection with terrorist attacks in Mumbai from 26-29 November 2008. Both Sides call upon all states to cooperate actively with and provide support and assistance to the Indian authorities in their efforts to find and bring the perpetrators, organizers, sponsors, patrons or those in any way connected to these barbaric acts to justice in India in accordance with the obligations under international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions on fighting terrorism.

20. Noting the recent conflict in South Ossetia, India and the Russian Federation welcome the principles outlined by the Presidents of the Russian Federation and France for addressing the situation in the Caucasus region and hope that these steps would lead to lasting peace and stability in the region. India supports the important role of the Russian Federation in promoting peace & cooperation in the Caucasian region.

21. In the Asia-Pacific Region, the Sides favour security system based on mutual trust, equally beneficial cooperation and respect for cultural diversity of the regional countries. They declare their intention to enhance their interaction within the framework of the international fora of the Asia-Pacific Region, including the ASEAN Regional Forum on Security (ARF) and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). Given their historically friendly ties, the Indian side fully appreciates the desire of the Russian Federation to join the Asia-Europe meeting and East Asia summit mechanisms.

22. India and the Russian Federation underline their strong support for peace, stability, prosperity and development of countries in Central Asia. Underlining the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in the region, the Russian Federation expresses its support for a more active role for India as an Observer state in the Organization. The Indian side conveys its appreciation for the Russian support and looks forward to a more constructive participation in and contribution to the Organization.

23. India and the Russian Federation strongly support a democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan. Both Sides welcome Afghanistan joining SAARC as its eighth member in the 14th Summit held in Delhi in April 2007 and believe that Afghanistan will immensely benefit from greater regional cooperation and connectivity. Although much has been achieved in Afghanistan in recent years, formidable challenges still lie ahead. India and the Russian Federation express their concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan due to a determined and coordinated resurgence of the Taliban, Al Qaeda and other extremist groups, the growth in cross-border terrorism, its links with international terrorism and international drug trafficking, and the consequential danger these developments pose to the gains made in the recent past. They strongly condemn the terrorist attack on Indian Embassy in Kabul on 7th July 2008 as well as killing of civilians in terrorist acts and combat operations. Both Sides call for a coherent and a united international commitment, both to Afghanistan’s development and security aspects, to deal with these threats. Both sides welcome Russia’s initiative to organize an international conference on Afghanistan in the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, involving its Member states and Observers.

24. India and the Russian Federation believe that all possible efforts should be made to address the Iranian nuclear issue by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiation. They emphasize that all Sides must show flexibility and restraint. They agree that Iran has the right to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in conformity with its NPT and other international obligations. The adoption of the UN Security Council Resolutions 1737, 1747, 1803 and 1835 underscore the need for Iran to restore the trust of the international community in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.

25. The Sides reaffirm their commitment to securing a comprehensive, lasting and just settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict through a negotiated solution on the generally recognized international legal base - the UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515, leading to creation of a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel. While reiterating their support to the Quartet’s initiatives and the Arab Peace Plan, they express hope that the momentum created by the Annapolis conference would not be lost. The Sides also call for an end to the expansion of Israeli settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territories and for an early and significant easing of restrictions on the free movement of persons and goods within Palestine. Both Sides welcome the encouraging developments in Lebanon and reaffirm their support for National reconciliation including convening of the National Reconciliation Talks on 16 September 2008. The Sides also welcome ongoing effort to address the Syrian track of the peace process.

26. The two Sides agree to elevate their strategic partnership to a qualitatively higher level and to promote and further their ties of friendship, cooperation, mutual understanding, trust and confidence in each other. The President of the Russian Federation invites the President of the Republic of India and the Prime Minister of India to visit Russia at a mutually convenient time in 2009. The Indian side expresses gratitude to the Russian side for the invitations.

Signed in New Delhi on 5 December  2008.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                     

                      Sd/-                                                                                                                                    Sd/-

                Prime Minister                                                                                                                       President

             of the Republic of India                                                                                                    of the Russion Federation

            (Manmohan Singh)                                                                                                             (Dmitry Medvedev)