Jaishankar Unveils New Consulates in Russia, Boosting Bilateral Ties
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has marked a significant milestone in India-Russia relations by inaugurating the Consulates General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan. These new missions will strengthen economic, scientific, technological, and cultural cooperation between the two nations. Jaishankar highlighted the strategic importance of Yekaterinburg, often referred to as Russia's 'third capital', due to its industrial significance and role as a gateway to Siberia. The city is a hub for heavy engineering, gem cutting, defence manufacturing, and other key industries. The new consulate will facilitate collaboration between Indian and Russian industries in these sectors. In Kazan, Jaishankar noted the city's cultural diversity and its role as a bridge between Russia and Asia. The city is a major industrial center, with strengths in oil production, fertilizers, automobiles, and other sectors. The new consulate will help strengthen people-to-people ties and encourage cross-cultural exchanges between India and Russia. India now has a total of four Consulates General in Russia, with two already established in Saint Petersburg and Vladivostok. The country also has two Honorary Consuls General in Astrakhan and Ekaterinburg, and its Embassy in Moscow. With the inauguration of the new consulates, India is poised to further enhance its diplomatic footprint in Russia and deepen bilateral ties. Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian community and 'friends of India' in Moscow, calling the engagement a pleasant experience. He also paid his respects at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Moscow, noting that Gandhi's ideals and teachings remain highly relevant today. The establishment of the new consulates is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic, scientific, technological, academic, and cultural ties between India and Russia. Jaishankar expressed confidence that the new missions will mark a new phase in India-Russia relations, strengthening the bond between the two nations.
