Kolkata, 31 August (H.S.): Stronger synergy, communication, trust, compassion and mutual respect can create new opportunities for cooperation between India and Russia, Ram Krishna Jaiswal, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Kolkata, said on Monday.

Addressing the inaugural session of the SAMPARK–India-Russia Bilateral Conclave in Kolkata, Jaiswal said the foundation of any successful partnership lies in meaningful communication and the ability to understand each other. Whether the relationship is between two major nations or smaller countries, he said, a meaningful partnership can have a wider impact on society, the economy and international relations.

Referring to India-Russia relations, Jaiswal said the two countries share a longstanding friendship based on trust, understanding and mutual respect. Bringing their respective strengths, expertise and capabilities together in pursuit of common objectives, he said, could generate significant benefits and contribute to the progress and prosperity of both nations.

He said cooperation between two major countries working towards a common goal could produce outcomes far greater than what either could achieve independently. Such partnerships, he added, could act as catalysts for development and shared prosperity.

Jaiswal identified communication as one of the most important foundations of a successful relationship. While technology has significantly reduced geographical barriers and made instant communication possible, he said genuine communication goes beyond simply remaining connected. It requires listening to one another, understanding different perspectives and maintaining an open and constructive dialogue.

He also underlined the importance of confidence and trust among partners. Nations, institutions and individuals, he said, must have confidence that their partners will act in good faith and stand together, particularly during challenging circumstances.

Compassion, he added, is equally important in sustaining meaningful relationships. Even when an individual is confident, articulate and effective in communication, a relationship remains incomplete without an understanding of the challenges and pressures faced by others.

Jaiswal said the same principle applies to relations between nations. Despite differences in history, culture and perspectives, countries must remain sensitive to each other’s concerns, aspirations and interests.

He described mutual respect as a fundamental pillar of any long-term partnership, stressing that respect should not be driven merely by expectations of reciprocal benefits but should be regarded as the foundation of a civilised and constructive relationship.

Looking ahead, Jaiswal said India and Russia have considerable scope to expand cooperation in education, technology, innovation, business, investment and people-to-people exchanges. Universities, institutions, entrepreneurs and investors, he said, can play an important role in broadening the partnership and creating new avenues of collaboration.

Greater interaction between institutions and people of the two countries, he said, would deepen mutual understanding and strengthen confidence, thereby creating a stronger foundation for expanded bilateral cooperation.

Jaiswal expressed confidence that the India-Russia partnership would continue to evolve and open up new opportunities. He said platforms such as SAMPARK could play an important role in promoting dialogue, wider participation and greater engagement between the two countries.

He thanked the organisers for bringing together stakeholders from different fields to deliberate on the future of India-Russia relations and called for sustained dialogue, stronger cooperation and deeper friendship between the two nations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh