On February 09, 2021, the Russian Embassy in India hosted a virtual webinar dedicated to Diplomat’s Day. Since 2002, Diplomats’ Day has been celebrated, as an opportunity for the nation to celebrate its foreign service and recognize the work carried out by Russian diplomats around the world.
Russian Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Nikolay Kudashev delivered the keynote remarks and said, “It is a great honour for me to be a Russian Ambassador in India, our time-tested friend, special and privileged strategic partner, serving Russia’s interests which coincide with all humankind’s aspirations to resolve conflicts by political and diplomatic means, develop international cooperation without illegitimate sanctions and interference in domestic affairs, counter the new pandemic and other modern challenges and threats.”
“It is essential to mention that the Soviet Union stood at the origins of the UN creation, establishing a new post-war world order, which was to be based on a complete and universal rejection of aggressive military-force methods in global affairs, and mutual understanding of all peace-loving countries, regardless of their socio-political and economic structure. The Soviet diplomat Andrey Gromyko was one of the authors of the UN Charter, a participant of the Dumbarton-Oaks Conference of 1944, where a blueprint for the Organization was formulated, and the Preparatory Commission of 1945-46, which set the agenda for the first sessions of the General Assembly” added Ambassador.
Ambassador emphasized “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation today is guided by the Foreign Policy Concept approved by the President in 2016. In accordance with this document, Russia’s foreign policy is aimed at solving such tasks as strengthening international peace, stability and security, enhancing the role of the UN, developing bilateral and multilateral relations, creating favorable conditions for sustainable economic growth. The key principles of Russia’s foreign policy are independence, openness, predictability, pragmatism and multi-vectorness.”
“Our countries are also likeminded in their aspiration to make the world economy human-oriented, serving not only the interests of “golden million” or even “golden billion”, as President Putin told at the recent Davos Forum, and this is the message of Russian economic diplomacy for India. Here we are promoting the initiatives beneficial for all country’s development, security and sustainable growth. Such are all our flagship projects in India: Sputnik V production and possible vaccination, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant construction, military hardware supply in compliance with Made in India programme and many more. They provide a great scope of localization, technological exchange, employment of local specialists in huge numbers, their training” he added.
Speakers from all walks of life congratulated the Russian Federation on the occasion of Russian Diplomats Day and the Russian Embassy in India for promoting the people to people and cultural relations at large.
While speaking at the webinar, the Chairman of the Confederation of Young Leaders and Noted Thinker, Himadrish Suwan said “Thanks to Russia which as a key global centre, is raising the United Nations prestige, the spirit of multilateralism, reducing international tensions, and searching for collective responses to global challenges. It goes without saying, Russia is truly a force of good for the humanity and world at large under the visionary leadership of the President of the Russian Federation.”
Suwan also the Director at the Indian Institute of Governance and Leadership (IIGL) recalled the great contribution of former Russian Ambassador to India, Mr. Kadakin, and said “As we celebrate this day and dwell upon our great partnership, it would be wise to recall the great contribution of one of the architects of the present-day bilateral relations and good old friend of India, Ambassador Kadakin, arguably the then most popular diplomat in the Capital – instrumental in bringing Russia much closer to India. In all, 20 years of his diplomatic stint were spent in India, during which he saw the relationship grow like a pine tree, with New Delhi counting Moscow as its “most trusted friend”. Often, diplomatic duties leave little room for sentiments but he managed to go beyond the call of duty — forming a bond with India and its people.”
Suwan conveyed his highest appreciation to the Russian Ambassador and the Russian Embassy in India for believing in the youth spirit as the new force in promoting Russia-India cooperation at large. He added, “Ambassador’s personal attention has been a source of great strength and under his leadership, we sincerely look forward to our meaningful engagement to promote the people to people and cultural exchange mechanism with a special focus on youth.”
Ambassador Kudashev also offered an insight into the history of Russia’s diplomatic corps and the foundations of Russian diplomacy. He emphasized, “Another great achievement of our diplomacy is development of the most important international treaties on nuclear disarmament. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, agreed and signed by Gromyko in 1968, is still one of the cornerstones of international peace, security and the non-proliferation regime, along with the New START Treaty extended this January for another 5 years thanks to goodwill of the Russian and US Leaders. Andrey Gromyko’s successor, Sergei Lavrov, often quotes the well-known phrase of this Soviet Foreign Minister in response to accusations of dragging out the negotiations, that he prefers 10 years of negotiations to one day of war”.
