The run-up to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to India has been an opportunity for IDSA to interact with eminent experts about Russia’s new domestic and foreign policy initiatives. As part of this effort, a round table conference, headed by the Deputy National Security Adviser of the Security Council of Russia Mr. Vladimir P Nazarov and the Director General of IDSA Mr. N S Sisodia, was organized at IDSA on November 23. Mr. Nazarov was accompanied by a very distinguished high level delegation comprising of members of the defence, internal security and foreign affairs departments of Russia.

A range of issues was discussed – covering Russia’s new détente with NATO, the START treaty, modernization of Russia, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Afghanistan, and India’s historical ties with Russia.

The Director General of IDSA re-emphasized the traditional strategic bond between Russia and India and the convergence and near unanimity of their views on practically all issues of global concern for the two countries.

Mr. Nazarov brought to light the rationale and the long term goals of what he termed ‘new Russia’. He went on to explain that the principal Russian foreign policy focus were the strengthening of security and the initiation of economic development of the country. For the first time in Russia the National Security Strategy of 2020 had laid emphasis on an all inclusive social and economic growth. Moreover, he stressed that Russia was keen to build up on the new bonhomie with NATO by strengthening anti-terrorism, anti-piracy, cooperation on Afghanistan and initiate talks for joint development of missile defence systems for Europe. And finally, Mr. Nazarov elaborated on Russia’s emerging role in the Asia Pacific region. He also lauded India’s reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and efforts to bring about peace and stability in the land north of the Hindukush.

The highlight of the interaction was the general consensus amongst the eminent research scholars of IDSA and the Russian delegation on the need for both countries to work together on a global platform to solve problems of mutual concern. The discussions were lively, insightful and informative and both Mr. Sisodia and Mr. Nazarov agreed that such round table conferences are indeed very useful and practical in keeping each other abreast of policy making in their respective countries. Mr. Nazarov invited Director General to visit Russia.

Report prepared by Rajorshi Roy, Research Assistant, IDSA