External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today inaugurated Consulates General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, alongside Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrey Rudenko. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jaishankar expressed confidence that the establishment of the new Consulates will boost trade, tourism, economic, scientific, technological, academic and cultural ties between India and Russia. He said that over the last months, consistent work has been underway to establish these Consulates. He added that the Consulates will contribute to India and Russia’s joint efforts in increasing bilateral trade to 100 billion US dollars by 2030.
The Minister recognized the support received from the Russian Government, and also from the regional governments of the Republic of Tatarstan and Sverdlovsk Region. Dr Jaishankar noted that 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 External Affairs Minister highlighted that 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.
