By IANS,
New Delhi : A day before his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other BRICS leaders, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Wednesday described India as a “serious partner” in international affairs as he was conferred an honorary doctorate by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
At an elegant ceremony, JNU Vice-Chancellor Sudhir K. Sopory conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) on Medvedev in the presence of Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal. Medvedev was honoured for his outstanding contribution to deepening Indo-Russian friendship.
Medvedev arrived in India Wednesday afternoon on a two-day visit during which he will participate in the BRICS summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Medvedev will also hold bilateral talks with Manmohan Singh during which he is expected to discuss a host of bilateral issues, including plans to finalise pacts for setting up units III and IV of Kudankulam nuclear power plant. India is likely to propose a new site for Russian nuclear plants.
His visit has coincided with the celebrations to mark 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Moscow.
In his acceptance speech, Medvedev described India a “serious partner” in international affairs and pitched for greater collaboration between the two strategic partners in the field of science and technology.
India and Russia are examples of “good neighbourly” and “absolutely friendly” relationship, he said. Both countries have developed a common approach on very complex situations, including critical ones, he stressed.
“Our countries have been tested for duress,” he said while lauding India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, saying he never looked for experiences outside and was always concerned about the development of modern India.
Ahead of the 4th BRICS summit, Medvedev stressed that the five-nation grouping has now become a “global entity” and should consolidate its efforts on global issues.
“BRICS is relatively a young entity. With the inclusion of South Africa, it has now become a global entity. We have large states united (in this group) and we have substantial share of the world’s GDP. At international forums, we can consolidate our efforts and coordinate (more),” he said.
“People do listen to us,” he said.
Medvedev also held bilateral talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and South African President Jacob Zuma.