Interfax, 10.03.10

Prabhat Shukla: Indian-Russian economic cooperation too low for our large countries.

MOSCOW. March 10 (Interfax) - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will visit India on March 11 and 12. Diplomatic Panorama correspondent Timur Khursandov talks with Indian Ambassador to Russia Prabhat Prakash Shukla about what India expects of the visit, about prospects of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, and about Russian-Indian interaction in the world arena.

on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Indian Republic Day

Part 1

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Part 2

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4 September 2009: "Incredible India"

Just as "St. Petersburg Vedomosti" mentioned earlier, this Year is Year of India in Russia. In the beginning of September Smt.Pratibha Patil, the President of the Republic of India, came on a State Visit to our country and discussed issues related to economic cooperation with the Russian leadership.

 But how much do we actually know about this southern country besides its wonderful movies and the catch phrase “Russie-Hindi, Bhai-Bhai”? Especially for "St. Petersburg Vedomosti" newspaper, the Indian ambassador to Russia H.E .Prabhat Shukla, speaks on the present state of this country of elephants and tea.

– How important are ties of India with St. Petersburg?

– India has traditionally had close ties with St. Petersburg. Your city is the cultural and scientific capital of the Russian Federation. We have strong ties with the North West Region: for instance, ships and submarines for the Indian Navy are being repaired at Severodvinsk.

Going beyond economic ties, one can as well recollect that St. Petersburg has had a strong tradition in Indology. The Sanskrit Department was established as far back as in 1858. And the regular courses of this ancient language – which is also known as the ‘language of Gods’ began even earlier – in 1853. In the end of 19th century, the famous orientalist Ivan Pavlovich Minaev founded the St. Petersburg School of Indology, where Sanskrit, Pali and Buddhist Philosophy courses were conducted.

Indology continues to develop even nowadays. Government of India honored the eminent Indologist Prof. A.P. Barannikov in the year 2000 for his contribution towards promotion of Hindi. Another noted Indologist Professor Yaroslav Vasilkov occupied the Indian Chair established in 2001 at the Oriental Department of the St. Petersburg State University.

"Mutual striving towards ‘diplomatic nirvana’ in bilateral relationships"

H.E. Prabhat P. Shukla, the Indian ambassador to Russia, is not new to the country, evident in his flawless knowledge of the local language and deep insight of the country’s history, aspirations and potential, having been directly associated with the Indian-Russian relationships for over 40 years in a flourishing diplomatic career that has taken him to different parts of the globe. Drawing on this well of expertise, the ambassador talked to TRCW on his country’s robust bilateral cooperation with Russia and other key aspects of their booming diplomatic ties in today’s rapidly changing world.

India and Russia have a long history of fruitful cooperation dating back to the Soviet era. How would you briefly characterize the bilateral ties today?

The tradition of bilateral cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi goes back over 60 years, virtually from the time India got its independence. This relationship has been a case of steady evolution, without any ups and downs. What we are seeing today is the culmination or continuation of this good tradition, and I must note that the relationships between Moscow and New Delhi are in a better shape than they have ever been. I can say this with certainty because I have been observing these diplomatic processes first hand for the better part of the past 40 years.

on the occasion of the 63rd Independence Day of the Republic of India

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24/09/07

On the eve of the Year of Russia in India Ambassador of India in Russia Mr. Prabhat Shukla spoke on the role of the Embassy of India in the Russian Federation in the organization of the venues related to this event.

Your appointment takes place on the eve of the Year of Russia in India. What role will the Indian Embassy in Russia play in organizing events in this context? What do you have to say about the importance of the Year of Russia in India in 2008 and the Year of India in Russia in 2009? What events of the Year of Russia in India would you, as ambassador, personally emphasize?

I'd like to begin by saying that I am looking forward to returning to Russia. My family and I have had some memorable times in Moscow, and will be catching up with our old friends. I have always been drawn to Russian culture, ever since I first read "The Queen of Spades" as a child - which I have since also read in the original. I am glad that we will be holding a Year of Russia in India, and a Year of India in Russia. We have nearly finalized the list of events for the Year of Russia in India. President, ICCR Dr. Karan Singh will be visiting Moscow in early October to give final shape to the proposed plan of events in 2008 and discuss the program for 2009.

When we organized similar events between India and the Soviet Union in 1980s, these were very well received. At a people-to-people level, those days are fondly remembered. I am sure that the events planned for 2008 and 2009 will score similar successes.

Our embassy in Moscow will actively participate and facilitate the celebrations. Of course, it will have more of a role to play during the Year of India in Russia. We are also planning a series of events to be organized by the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre in Moscow.

I would only add that it is important for both countries to make special efforts to reach out to the younger generation in the other country. And to incorporate a cultural idiom and message that will appeal to the youth.