India, Russia moving confidently to achieve USD 100 billion trade target by 2030: Ambassador
Moscow (PTI): India and Russia are moving confidently to achieve a target of USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and steps are being taken to expand the trade basket, Ambassador Vinay Kumar said on Monday.
"The past year has been particularly active. We had a very successful visit of President (Vladimir) Putin. Achieving the bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030 is eminently possible,” Ambassador Kumar said while talking to PTI on India’s 77th Republic Day.
“Steps are being taken, including identification of new items, and a free trade agreement will facilitate the achievement of this target," he added, noting that trade has increased with new opportunities in fertilisers, agriculture and engineering.
According to reports, in FY 2024–25, India-Russia bilateral trade reached a record high of approximately USD 68.7 billion due to massive import of Russian crude.
"More of the trade is being conducted already in the national currencies and this trend will continue as we further deepen trade and economic ties,” the ambassador said.
Earlier, addressing the Indian community which gathered in large numbers at the embassy compound on the 77th Republic Day, Ambassador Kumar underscored the “active and result-oriented” phase in the bilateral relations between New Delhi and Moscow.
During Putin’s visit to New Delhi last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi exuded confidence that the USD 100 billion bilateral trade target between India and Russia will be achieved ahead of 2030.
Speaking at the India-Russia Business Forum, along with Russian President Putin, Modi invited Russian businesses to 'come and Make In India...and partner with India'.
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French President Macron concludes Mumbai visit
Mumbai (PTI): French President Emmanuel Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, left Mumbai for New Delhi on Wednesday after concluding his engagements here, including bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They were seen off at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
On Tuesday, Macron held discussions with Modi as part of efforts to further strengthen India-France strategic ties.
During the Mumbai visit, the French president and his wife also met some of India's top filmmakers and actors, and had an animated exchange with them about cinema, culture and collaboration.
President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of PM Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India in the national capital Delhi, besides the bilateral summit in Mumbai.
PM Modi will inaugurate the summit on February 19. As many as 20 heads of states, including French President Macron, will be present at the inaugural session, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said.
