The Forum for Global Studies, New Delhi, a multidisciplinary global think tank organized an exclusive podcast with special guest Dr. Petr Topychkanov on theme ‘Navigating the Changing Contours in Indo-Russian Relations: A Partnership beyond the Defense Realm?’, held on 05 October 2021. The programme started with the welcome speech delivered by FGS Founder and President Dr. Sandeep Tripathi. He extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest Dr. Petr Topychkanov, Senior Researcher at Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Sweden, and Former Fellow at the Carnegie Moscow, Russia, and Mr. Don Mclain Gill, Director, Research at Forum for Global Studies and Fellow at the International Development and Security Cooperation, Philippines.
The programme was moderated by Mr. Don Mclain Gill, who highlighted the often-remarked strong Indo-Russian relations and requested Dr. Topychkanov for his comments on how the relationship has progressed over the decades since the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1971. Dr. Topychkanov started by expressing his pleasure on being part of the podcast themed around the significant aspects of the Indo-Russian relationship. He highlighted the various aspects of bilateral relationship which spanning across political, economic, cultural and defence realms. He emphasised on the need for increasing people-to-people contacts through mechanisms like student exchanges. He further remarked on the need for strengthening connections between the small companies of India and Russia and commented that the partnership has for long relied on political partnerships and energy sector commerce.
Mr. Gill raised the discourse over the changed dynamics in Afghanistan post the US withdrawal and Taliban takeover. He also raised the dynamics of Indo-pacific which have been the topic of much speculation in recent times. Dr. Topychkanov opined on Russia’s focus on the Asia-Pacific concept and Russia’s goals for integration of Eurasian and Asia pacific. He also emphasised on China and India’s role in these objectives, as well as on the Afghanistan issue where India and Russia can cooperate.
The various connectivity projects like International North South Transport corridor and the upcoming maritime corridor project were discussed. Dr. Topychkanov also reflected upon the field of cybersecurity as an area where India and Russia can cooperate. Mr Gill raised the question of taking the Indo-Russian relationship beyond the defense realm and venture into cooperation into newer areas like the Russian Far East. He requested Dr. Topychkanov to highlight more such areas. Dr. Topychkanov explained the various sectors which can witness India-Russia cooperation in coming times. He re-emphasised the need to focus on increasing people-to-people ties, promoting establishment of links beyond political and large business based, and raising awareness about the opportunities existing in both countries by holding events to disseminate information. The closing remarks were made by Mr. Divyanshu Jindal, Honorary Fellow, Forum for Global Studies, who highlighted the immense usefulness of insights shared by Dr. Topychnakov for FGS viewers and listeners and thanked him for taking time out for the exclusive podcast.