NAGPUR, Feb 7: Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, on Saturday said that India and Russia continue to enjoy a strong bilateral relationship founded on trust and mutual respect, adding that Moscow remains open to cooperation with any country willing to engage constructively.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Business Conclave at Advantage Vidarbha 2026 in Nagpur, Fetisov addressed questions on India’s expanding global partnerships, including its growing engagement with the United States.
Responding to a query on India-US relations, the Russian diplomat said Russia does not view India’s foreign partnerships through a competitive lens. “If India wants to cooperate with the United States, Kazakhstan, Brazil or any other country, that is India’s sovereign decision. Russia is open to working with any nation interested in cooperation,” he remarked.
Highlighting the strength of India-Russia ties, Fetisov said the relationship has been built over time on mutual confidence and respect, qualities he described as especially significant in the current global environment.
On the present state of bilateral relations, he referred to the positive momentum generated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in September last year. “There was a great sense of enthusiasm during that meeting. We share a strong partnership across many areas, and there is still immense potential to deepen cooperation further,” he said.
When asked about India’s gradual opening of its nuclear energy sector and the possibility of collaboration between private Indian firms and Russian companies-particularly in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology-Fetisov described nuclear energy as a vital area of engagement.
“Nuclear power is an extremely important field of cooperation. Russia’s state-owned corporation Rosatom is globally recognised, and we have advanced expertise in SMRs. What sets us apart is our willingness to share technology, not just trade it. Joint development can deliver strong results,” he said.
Commenting on recent claims by US President Donald Trump that India has decided to stop purchasing Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict, Fetisov refrained from a direct response. “I would advise you to carefully read the official statements made by our Foreign Minister and the President of Russia,” he said.
Expressing appreciation for the Advantage Vidarbha platform, Fetisov said such events play a crucial role in strengthening dialogue and cooperation.
He also mentioned his interaction with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, noting that discussions included infrastructure-related projects.
These kinds of forums provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and explore concrete areas of collaboration, he added.
(UNI)
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