External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Wednesday inaugurated two new Indian Consulates General in Russia, marking a new phase in bilateral engagement and strengthening ties between the two countries.
Speaking at the opening of the Consulates General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, Jaishankar said, “This is an important day for us as we add two more consulates in this country. Over the last few months, consistent work has been underway to establish these consulates at the earliest possible time, as you heard from the Ambassador.”
The event was attended by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar, representatives from the governor’s offices in Kazan and Yekaterinburg, Russian government officials, and members of the Indian community.
Acknowledging the support extended by the Russian authorities, Jaishankar thanked Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko and the regional governments of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Sverdlovsk Oblast.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Yekaterinburg, the EAM noted that the region is often called the “third capital” of Russia due to its industrial significance. He said the city — considered a gateway to Siberia — is a hub for heavy engineering, gem cutting, defence manufacturing, metallurgy, nuclear fuel production, chemicals, and medical equipment.
“The region hosts one of Russia’s most prominent international economic forums, INNOPROM. The opening of the consulate will help strengthen technological, scientific, economic, and trade cooperation between Indian and Russian industries,” he said.
Turning to Kazan, Jaishankar described it as one of Russia’s most visited cities. “I have had the pleasure of going there myself. After Moscow and St. Petersburg, Kazan is a multicultural and multi-ethnic hub that serves as a bridge between Russia and the rest of Asia. The consulate will help strengthen people-to-people ties by promoting cross-cultural exchanges and ITEC participation,” he said.
He also noted Kazan’s strong presence in oil production and refining, fertilisers, automobiles, defence manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and electrical equipment.
Jaishankar expressed confidence that the Indian diaspora, business community, and particularly young students would benefit from the new consular services and India’s expanded diplomatic presence in the two regions.
“I am very sure that the opening of these consulates will not only enhance our diplomatic footprint in Russia but also act as a catalyst to boost trade, tourism, economic cooperation, scientific and technological collaboration, and academic and cultural ties between our two countries,” he added.
–IANS