1. The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil inspecting the Guard of Honour, on her arrival, at Vnukovo-II airport, Moscow; 2. The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil meeting the President of the Russia Federation, Mr. Dmity Anatolyevich Medvedev, at Grand Kremlin Palace, in Moscow; 3. The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil meeting the Prime Minister of Russia, Mr. Vladimir Putin, at White House, in Moscow
The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil with the children of Embassy of Indian School where she attended a function on the eve of teacher day, at Moscow
The highlight of the month was the State Visit of President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil to Russia from 2-6 September 2009 at the invitation of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. She visited both Moscow and St Petersburg. In addition to her meeting with President Medvedev, Hon’ble President also met Prime Minister Putin, Chairman of the Federation Council Sergei Mironov and Chairman of the State Duma Boris Gryzlov in Moscow.
In St. Petersburg, she met the Special Representative of the President of Russia to the North West Federal District, Ilya Klebanov. Hon’ble President and President Medvedev attended a Gala Concert of Indian classical singing and folk and contemporary dances organised as part of the ‘Year of India in Russia’ at the New Stage of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The concert featured performances by 18 groups from India. Click here to view gallery
Minister of Commerce & Industry Visits Moscow
Another important visit was that of Mr. Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce & Industry, who led an over 50-member strong business delegation to the Third Session of India-Russia Forum on Trade and Investment held in Moscow on 29 September. The Russian delegation was led by Minister of Economic Development Ms. E.S. Nabiullina.
During the Plenary Session and the four sessions of the Forum, the following issues were discussed: cooperation in the field of energy, manufacturing industry, innovations, information and telecommunication technologies, pharmaceuticals and bio-technologies and cooperation between the Russian and Indian regions. During the visit, Mr. Anand Sharma had bilateral meetings with Russian Prime Minister Mr. Vladimir Putin, Minister of Economic Development Ms. E.S. Nabiullina and Minister of Industry & Trade Mr. Viktor Krishentko. He also inaugurated the ‘India Show’ at St. Petersburg on 30 September.
Defence “Working Group meetings” held
In the field of cooperation in the Defence sector, meetings of two Working Groups under the framework of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Co-operation were held in Moscow on 14-15 September. The Working Group on Shipbuilding, Aviations and Land Systems was co-chaired by Shri R.K. Singh, Secretary, Defence Production and Mr. I. E. Karavaev, Director Defence Industries Development Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. A Protocol for further strengthening cooperation and resolving issues was signed at the meeting.
The Working Group on Military Technical Cooperation was headed by Shri S.K. Sharma, Director General (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence from the Indian side and Mr. A.V. Fomin, First Deputy Director, Federal Service on Military Technical Cooperation from the Russian side. The meeting ratified the decisions taken by the Sub-Groups and resulted in signing of a Protocol paving the way for mutually beneficial Defence cooperation.
‘Year of India in Russia’: Update
Several important events under the ‘Year of India in Russia’ were held during the month of September. In addition to the events mentioned afore, India participated as the ‘Guest of Honour’ country at the annual Moscow International Book Fair held on 2-7 September 2009.
The Additional Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Shri Sanjay Kothari lighting the lamp to inaugurate the India Pavilion, at Otdykh Leisure Show 2009, in Moscow
The India Pavilionwas inaugurated on 2 September by Prof. Bipan Chandra, Chairman, National Book Trust in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov and Chairman, Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation and former Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin. Performances by cultural groups from India were organized on 4 September. A 24-member delegation of renowned Indian authors and literary personalities as well as over 100 publishers participated at the Book Fair.
Several interactive sessions and panel discussions were also organized on this occasion at the India Pavilion and other institutions. Over a 1000 titles in 21 Indian languages, including English, published during 2007-2009 were exhibited. A special section titled 'In Words and Deeds' comprising around 100 books on and writings by Gandhiji was organized at the India Pavilion. A delegation of authors led by Prof. Bipan Chandra visited St. Petersburg for an interaction at the Oriental Institute of Manuscripts, St. Petersburg University.
‘India Show’ held in St. Petersburg: The ‘India Show’ was organized by ITPO at St. Petersburg from 30 September – 3 October 2009 within the framework of the “‘Year of India in Russia’”. About 150 Indian companies participated in the event. The exhibition showcased India’s capabilities in a range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agro products and high-technologies.
Cultural Events Update: Cultural events organised as part of the ‘Year of India in Russia’ included performances of the Contemporary Dance Group led by Tanusree Shankar in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk on 21, 23 and 26 September respectively and performances of Natrang Theatre Group led by Balwant Thakur in Yaroslavl, Belgorod and Moscow on 21, 23 and 25 September respectively. A play in English directed by Mr. Avijit Dutt based on Achala Maulik’s book ‘Pushkin’s Last Poem’ was staged in Moscow on 14 September and in St. Petersburg on 16 September.
Events Update
International Military Music Festival held The International Military Music Festival was held at Red Square, Moscow from 01 to 11 September 2009. An Indian Military Band comprising two officers and 50 soldiers participated in the Festival. Apart from the Indian Army contingent, eight other countries - Russia, UK, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, Finland and France - participated.
Indian Film Week held Indian Film Weeks were held at Theatre "Khudozhestvenny" in Moscow on September 14-20, at Theatre "Record" in Nizhny Novgorod on September 17-23, and at Theatre "Sespel" in Cheboksary on September 19-25. In addition to films that have been popular in Russia for decades, such as ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ directed by Mr. Raj Kapoor and ‘Disco Dancer’ starring Mr. Mithun Chakraborty, contemporary Indian films were represented by ‘Page 3’, ‘Fashion’ and ‘Traffic Signal’ directed by Mr. Madhur Bhandarkar. Renowned Indian film personalities Mr. Randhir Kapoor and Mr. Rajiv Kapoor, director Mr. Madhur Bhandarkar, actress Ms. Mugdha Godse, and producer Mr. Ganesh Desai participated at the inaugural of the Moscow Film Week on September 14. Mr. Randhir Kapoor also participated at the inaugural of the Nizhny Novgorod and Cheboksary Film Weeks. An Exhibition of Indian Film Posters was also held at the venues of the Festivals.
Days of Indian Culture’ relived The city of Troitsk celebrated ‘Days of Indian Culture’ on 27-29 September. The event was inaugurated jointly by the Mayor of Troitsk City and Deputy Director, JNCC on 27 September. Contemporary Dance Group led by Tanusree Shankar and Natrang Theatre Group led by Balwant Thakur performed at the inauguration ceremony. Documentary films about India and Indian movies were shown on the local TV channel during the period of the Festival.
Indian Food Festival held An ‘Indian Food Festival’ was held on 22-25 September at Hotel Ritz Carlton, Moscow, and on 24-27 September in Hotel Grand Europa, St Petersburg.
The ‘World Food Moscow’ exposition was held from 15 to 18 September. Tea Board of India organised the participation of 15 India-based Tea companies at the expo.
