By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday stressed that the opening of 2 new Consulates General of India in Kazan and Yekaterinburg in Russia will boost trade, tourism, economic, scientific, technological, academic and cultural ties between India and Russia.
“The opening of these consulates will not only enhance our diplomatic presence in Russia but will act as a catalyst to further boost trade, to increase tourism, economic, scientific, technology, even academic and cultural ties between our two countries. The Consulates will contribute to our joint efforts in increasing our bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030, as envisaged by the leaders,” he said.
The event was attended by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar, representatives from the governor’s office in Kazan and Yekaterinburg, officials of the Russian government, and several members of the Indian community, EAM stated in a press release.
Jaishankar in a post on X after the inauguration of two new Consulates General of India in Russia, said, “Delighted to inaugurate Consulates General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, alongside DFM Andrey Rudenko, Amb Vinay Kumar and representatives from Sverdlovsk and Tatarstan.”
He wrote on X “Confident that the establishment of the new Consulates will boost trade, tourism, economic, scientific, technological, academic and cultural ties between India and Russia,”.
EAM said, “This is an important day for us when we are adding two more Consulates General in this country. I want to say that over the last months, consistent work has been underway to establish these Consulates as you heard from the Ambassador at the earliest possible time.”
“So let me begin by recognizing the support that we received from the Russian Government so Mr Rudenko, really very special thank you, and also from the regional Governments of the Republic of Tatarstan and Sverdlovsk Region in this regard,” he said.
He said Yekaterinburg is often called the third capital of Russia due to its industrial importance and is the gateway to Siberia.
“Known for its heavy engineering, gem-cutting, defense manufacturing, metallurgy, nuclear fuel, chemicals and medical equipment, the region hosts one of the most prominent international economic forums in Russia like INNOPROM. The opening of the Consulate will give impetus to enable and to strengthen the technological, scientific, economic and trade collaboration between Indian and Russian industries,” the External Affairs Minister said.
“Kazan is one of the most visited cities in Russia – I have had the pleasure of going there myself after Moscow and St Petersburg and with good reason. The region is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic hub and acts as a bridge between Russia and the rest of Asia,” he said.
Jaishankar said “The Consulate will help strengthen people-to-people ties by encouraging cross-cultural exchanges and ITEC participation. Kazan is well known for its oil production and refining, for fertilizers, automobiles, defence manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and electrical equipment”.
He had called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow ahead of the Annual India-Russia Summit, and conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar and Putin also shared views on regional and global developments.
