Indian Home Minister Hails Diaspora in Russia as ‘Cultural Ambassadors’

By Little India Desk | November 30, 2017

Terrorism and radicalization are the two biggest threats facing the world and India, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said during an address to members of the Indian diaspora in Moscow on Nov. 28.

Singh said that his visit had led to concrete outcomes to strengthen cooperation between India and Russia in the field of security, counter-terrorism, counter-radicalization, anti-drug trafficking, counterfeit currency, information sharing and on training specialists in these fields.

Visited Kremlin in Moscow pic.twitter.com/IjiUb7qhoK

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 29, 2017

Praising the work done by Indians in Russia, Singh hailed them as “cultural ambassadors” of India. He said that while physical distance between them and India could be large, there can never be an “emotional distance.”

Held wide ranging deliberations with Russia’s Interior Minister Mr. Vladimir Kolokoltsev in Moscow today on increasing security cooperation between both the countries. The security cooperation between India & Russia was renewed after a gap of 24 long years. pic.twitter.com/8QYqBNzxAB

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 27, 2017

He told the diaspora that the government of India is making efforts to control terrorism and “neutralizing the infiltrating terrorists as well as about the determination of the Indian Armed Forces in responding to various provocations,” according to a statement released by the Press Information Bureau.

The senior BJP politician also informed the Indian community in Russia that government initiatives, such as the Jan Dhan Yojana, Make in India, and Aadhar are taking India on fast-track economic progress.

H.E Mr.Rajnath Singh,Home Minister of India and H.E Mr. Vladimir Puchkov, Minister of Civil Defence of the Russian Federation signing the Joint Implementation Plan for cooperation in Emeregency Sitatuions @rajnathsingh @PankajSaran11 @HMOIndia @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/aWNRHtewIm

— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) November 28, 2017

India is on its way to becoming one of the leading economic powers of the world, he said.

He also spoke about the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — seeing the world as one family — which forms the basis for India to become a benevolent power in future. From development of infrastructure to bringing in manufacturing into India, the government has in the past three years contributed immensely, earning the goodwill of the people of India, he said.

Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh flying back to India after a highly productive bilateral visit to Russia. @IndEmbMoscow @HMOIndia @PIB_India @rajnathsingh @DDNewsHindi pic.twitter.com/nKPRjP9S10

— Pankaj Saran (@PankajSaran11) November 29, 2017

He also said that Russia was “one of the most credible friends of India.”

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived at Sochi in Russia on Nov. 29 to represent India in the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Council Heads of Government meeting on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in the picturesque town of #Sochi to attend the SCO Council Heads of Government Meeting on 30 November & 1 December. #EAMatSCO pic.twitter.com/MUsY71v0l3

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 29, 2017

About 14,000 Indians and 1,400 Afghan nationals of Indian origin live in the Russian Federation, according to the Indian embassy website. There are around 300 registered Indian companies in Russia. Tea, coffee, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, rice, spices, leather footwear, granite, and garments are the main products being imported by these companies from India. A few Indian companies have set up joint ventures in Russia in mineral and food processing as well as pharmaceuticals.

As many as 4,500 Indian students are enrolled in medical and technical institutions in the Russian Federation. About 90 per cent of them are there for medical education.