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Peskov to Sputnik: Russia, India Should Boost Cooperation Amid New 'Sore Spots' in Asia-Pacific

© Sputnik / Alexey Nikolsky / Go to the mediabankKremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov - Sputnik International, 1920, 06.12.2021
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NEW DELHI, (Sputnik) - In an exclusive for Sputnik in New Delhi, President Putin's spokesman has stressed the viability of the BRICS format amid the ongoing pandemic and touched upon the growing potential for conflict in the region as well as the rest of the world.
According to Dmitry Peskov, the emergence of new "sore spots" in the Asia-Pacific region calls for closer ties between Moscow and New Delhi. Amid the ongoing inaugural 2+2 talks between Russia and India, Vladimir Putin's spokesman has also hailed the format itself as extremely expedient.
"We do know that both states have employed this format before. And now that we have launched this communication track between Moscow and New Delhi it does show that our relationship is indeed mature, especially taking into conflict potential surrounding both countries".
Peskov outlined a number of pressing issues for both countries that require a thorough exhange, including the situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban* seized power in August, and the resumed Iran nuclear talks in Vienna.
"When it comes to issues that call for a thorough exchange we can underline Afghanistan and the Iranian nuclear dossier, especially amid the Vienna talks, the issue remains highly pressing for both Russia and India", he said. "It's the Asia Pacific region, where particular unions are being formed and Russia has particular questions on that".
The Kremlin spokesman also stressed that the BRICS format, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has shown its "viability" even in light of the difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with the countries using the format in order to discuss cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.
The Russian delegation, led by President Vladimir Putin, has arrived in the Indian capital New Delhi to discuss relations between the two countries and some of the world's most pressing issues as part of the 21st Russia-India summit and the first-ever 2+2 ministerial meeting.
The visit kicked off on Monday morning, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu holding bilateral meetings with their Indian counteparts, Subramanyam Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh, respectively. President Putin is set to have a one-on-one meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day.
As part of the 2+2 format meeting between the countries' foreign and defence ministers, Russia and India have already inked an agreement on military and technical cooperation for 2021-2030. The accord envisages cooperation between the Russian and Indian armed forces along with the supply and development of military equipment.
The next Russian-Indian 2+2 ministerial meeting is scheduled to take place in early 2022. The Russian Foreign Ministry said such consultations are now expected to be held on a regular basis.
*The Taliban is an organisation under UN sanctions for terrorist activities.
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