India-Russia: News & Analysis

Suppiah · Post by **Suppiah** » 06 Mar 2009 09:23

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090306/ap_ ... _gorbachev

Nice to see someone famous and sensible confirming what I have been saying all along

prabir · Post by **prabir** » 06 Mar 2009 20:53

If you do not have centralized control in Russia, then because of its vast natural resources, it will become subject to many-many orange revolutions in different parts and will disintegrate. I do not think, it is possible for Russia to become a western style "free" democracy, because, just too many people are waiting to grab its resources.

Suppiah · Post by **Suppiah** » 06 Mar 2009 21:26

That's a dubious argument often used by despots to justify their approach to governance. The parts that at highest risk of separation in Russia are the ethnic/religious minority parts, not the resource rich parts, most of which are not under separatist assault but demographic warfare by u-no-who. Anyway, not wanting to start any argument, just pointing out the opinion of Gorby who should know a thing or two...and have some feeling for their country as compared to 'purchased' western yes-men like Schroeder.

Johann · Post by **Johann** » 07 Mar 2009 00:01

The argument that nationalism, security and liberal democracy are incompatible are spurious, both at an intellectual and at a practical level.

People like Putin and the rest of the ex-KGB men who surround him grew up and were groomed for office in a system that espoused such false binary thinking.

It requires stability and prosperity for a critical mass of people to realistically see what is, and what is not possible. That is potentially the best thing that could come out of Putin. However that requires relinquishing his emotional attachment to the Soviet system.

Without such a period, or without such a wilingness to allow stable change, Russia is doomed to a succession of autocrats who *will* fail - or Putin will one day become an Andropov, succeeded by a Chernenko. Every political system needs an orderly circulatory and repiratory system in tune with the rest of the body. Otherwise the choice becomes scerlotic stagnation, collapse or upheaval.

renukb · Post by **renukb** » 07 Mar 2009 11:20

Ties with India remains Russia's priority: Foreign ministry

Moscow (PTI): Russia underlined the need to boost the "strategic partnership" with India as it described the friendly ties with New Delhi a "priority" based on common long-term interests of the two nations.

"Development of friendly relations with India remained one of the priorities of the Russian foreign policy," according to a 2008 policy review published on Friday by the Foreign Ministry.

"Augmentation of strategic partnership was continued, which is based on coincidence of principle approaches to the key international problems and commonality of long-term interests of our nations," the ministry underscored reviewing its activities in 2008.

President Dmitry Medvedev's maiden India visit on December 4-5, 2008 was named by it as one of the highlights in the bilateral relations.

During the visit Moscow and New Delhi signed a joint declaration, inter-governmental agreement on the construction of additional reactors in Kudankulam NPP and other sites in India in future.

In 2008 the two nations continued their intensive contacts at the national security council and foreign ministry levels, crowned by the New Delhi visits of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Secretary of Security Council Nikolai Patrushev.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/00 ... 061821.htm

renukb · Post by **renukb** » 09 Mar 2009 13:13

A lot to learn from US-Russia ..... Though US-Russia are sworn enemies, the way they managed their relations is something to be learnt by Indians. They don't propogate hate between two nations, but they still fight proxy wars, the latest one being in Georgia... TSP haters, instead of propogating hatredness between India-Pakistan, learn diplomacy from US-Russia.

Clinton, Lavrov and the Russia Reset
http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/article.aspx?id=3409

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 09 Mar 2009 13:57

renukb,

welcome back!

KLNMurthy · Post by **KLNMurthy** » 09 Mar 2009 19:11

renukb wrote:A lot to learn from US-Russia ..... Though US-Russia are sworn enemies, the way they managed their relations is something to be learnt by Indians. They don't propogate hate between two nations, but they still fight proxy wars, the latest one being in Georgia... TSP haters, instead of propogating hatredness between India-Pakistan, learn diplomacy from US-Russia.

Clinton, Lavrov and the Russia Reset
http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/article.aspx?id=3409

There is no room for proxy wars and game-playing with TSP for India. We know that TSP is a country with no discernible purpose other than being the agent of destruction for India and what it represents. Russia has a purpose in its own right--to achieve greatness commensurate with its potential. TSP doesn't.

In place of hatred--which clouds judgment--we need clarity and determination to eliminate the TSP threat once and for all.

But then BRFites know this, which is why I am here.

bart · Post by **bart** » 09 Mar 2009 20:20

renukb wrote:A lot to learn from US-Russia ..... Though US-Russia are sworn enemies, the way they managed their relations is something to be learnt by Indians. They don't propogate hate between two nations, but they still fight proxy wars, the latest one being in Georgia... TSP haters, instead of propogating hatredness between India-Pakistan, learn diplomacy from US-Russia.

Clinton, Lavrov and the Russia Reset
http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/article.aspx?id=3409

A Golden Retriever and a Black Labrador can be peaceful and perfectly nice to each other though they might snarl at each other and fight while competing for the same bone. It doesn't mean that you can 'learn' from it and apply your knowledge to pat the next Rattlesnake you come across on the head.

sum · Post by **sum** » 09 Mar 2009 21:52

X-post:

sum wrote:Small tit-bit i came across while reading Bharat Karnad's book(many BRFites might know already):

Apparently, the Russians offered India their top scientists during the Soviet meltdown in the late 80s/early 90s as the SU was unable to pay the salaries. The condition given was : a pay of Rs 10000 p.m in India + $200 hard cash p.m.
I can understand if India looked twice since it involved $ which India itself was short of at that time but apparently, the reason why India rejected the offer was:

The babus mentioned that the salary of these Russians would be higher than the highest paid civil servant and hence, not feasible.

All the scientists were promptly snapped up by China.

sum · Post by **sum** » 09 Mar 2009 21:52

bart wrote: A Golden Retriever and a Black Labrador can be peaceful and perfectly nice to each other though they might snarl at each other and fight while competing for the same bone. It doesn't mean that you can 'learn' from it and apply your knowledge to pat the next Rattlesnake you come across on the head.

Bart-ji,
Good analogy....

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 18 Mar 2009 23:37

Russia’s fuel reserves will be enough for 100 years, Putin says

Russia has enough reserves of energy carriers to satisfy the needs of its own and those of European consumers for 100 years ahead, Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stated.

“One may either have gas or may not have gas. Russia has it. The resources will be enough for Russia to satisfy our growing needs and the needs of our European consumers for at least 100 years ahead. I am absolutely responsible for what I am saying, and I rely on serious research works at this point,” Putin stated at a press conference after meeting with Prime Minister of Hungary Ferenc Gyurcsany in Moscow.

Russia and Hungary singed a package of documents in Moscow about the construction of the Hungarian section of the South Stream gas pipeline, as well as about the construction of gas-holding facilities in Hungary.

The underground gas-holding facility, which Russia’s Gazprom will build in cooperation with Hungary’s Mol, will be capable of storing over one billion cubic meters of natural gas. “This is a large amount that will guarantee the energy security and stability of the entire energy industry of Hungary,” Putin said.

Igorr · Post by **Igorr** » 20 Mar 2009 18:56

Slavic spring solaric holyday: Comoeditsa (Maslenitsa)

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 20 Mar 2009 22:51

Beautiful picture of a peaceful people -- God bless them and keep them going

renukb · Post by **renukb** » 21 Mar 2009 22:34

RajeshA wrote:renukb,
welcome back!

Thanks RajeshA...

Just a quote....

"You have not converted a person because you have silenced him/her."
- John Morley

I am not saying BRF is a place to convert people.... but people should mature with each passing day and grow up... I was surprised that While Islam is and can be discussed and condemned on BRF, a small and a very light comment on the western people's religion caused the stir...! Sad ... Very Sad... I was puzzled...

renukb · Post by **renukb** » 21 Mar 2009 22:42

bart wrote:
renukb wrote:A lot to learn from US-Russia ..... Though US-Russia are sworn enemies, the way they managed their relations is something to be learnt by Indians. They don't propogate hate between two nations, but they still fight proxy wars, the latest one being in Georgia... TSP haters, instead of propogating hatredness between India-Pakistan, learn diplomacy from US-Russia.

Clinton, Lavrov and the Russia Reset
http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/article.aspx?id=3409

A Golden Retriever and a Black Labrador can be peaceful and perfectly nice to each other though they might snarl at each other and fight while competing for the same bone. It doesn't mean that you can 'learn' from it and apply your knowledge to pat the next Rattlesnake you come across on the head.

This doesn't mean that the 15 crore people living in Pakistan are ALL rattle snakes... If you are grown up, you will know how to deal / manage with some bunch of people who cause trouble.

It is said that

"Charity begins at home and justice begins next door."
- Charles Dickens

Current scenerio shows that the justice was not served in 1947 with the partition. We need to address the problem and resolve it.

The 9/11 perpetrators, the 20 terrorists who executed the plot, were trained as pilots inside USA by the citizens of the USA. Does it make the US also a safe heaven for terrorists, just like Pakistan?

USA is the nation with MAX no of laws for their own citizens.... But....

"Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one." - Mark Twain

What does this tell you?

renukb · Post by **renukb** » 26 Mar 2009 10:19

End of an era: Israel replaces Russia as India's top military supplier
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribun ... _03_25.asp

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 28 Mar 2009 09:18

So this is where the superpowers will fight next or fight for

Russia to deploy special Arctic force by 2020 - Security Council

Russia will create by 2020 a group of forces to protect its political and economic interests in the Arctic, but does not plan to militarize the region, a spokesman for the Russian Security Council said on Friday.

He said the council had recently posted on its website a document, "The fundamentals of Russian state policy in the Arctic up to 2020 and beyond," which outlines the country's strategy in the region, including the deployment of military, border and coastal guard units "to guarantee Russia's military security in diverse military and political circumstances."

"However, it does not mean that we are planning to militarize the Arctic. We are focusing on the creation of an effective system of coastal security, the development of arctic border infrastructure, and the presence of military units of an adequate strength," the official said.

Another goal of the new strategy is to "optimize the system of the comprehensive monitoring of the situation in the Arctic," including border control at checkpoints in Russia's arctic regions, coastal waters and airspace, the spokesman said.

The document also prioritizes the delineation of the Arctic shelf "with respect to Russia's national interests."

High Arctic territories, seen as key to huge untapped natural resources, have increasingly been at the center of mounting disputes between the United States, Russia, Canada, Norway, and Denmark in recent years as rising temperatures lead to a reduction in sea ice.

Medvedev also said the Arctic shelf is a guarantee of Russia's energy security and that the Arctic should become the resource base for Russia this century, adding that "about 20% of Russia's GDP and 22% of Russian exports are produced" in the area.

Russia has undertaken two Arctic expeditions - to the Mendeleyev underwater chain in 2005 and to the Lomonosov ridge in the summer of 2007 - to support its territorial claims in the region. Moscow pledged to submit documentary evidence to the UN on the external boundaries of Russia's territorial shelf by 2010.

prabir · Post by **prabir** » 28 Mar 2009 18:44

If Russia really aspires to be a super power, it has to be increase its population. A lot of hungry chinese are waiting to come into Siberia

kittoo · Post by **kittoo** » 28 Mar 2009 19:56

prabir wrote:If Russia really aspires to be a super power, it has to be increase its population. A lot of hungry chinese are waiting to come into Siberia

Indeed.
Do you people here think that howsoever the ties improve between Russia and China, Russia will be ,at some level, looking at the Chinese rise suspiciously and making some policies about 'what if China attacks Russia or does something along the lines'?

Tilak · Post by **Tilak** » 28 Mar 2009 20:12

Russia to end nine-year military operation in Chechnya

Russia’s National Antiterrorism Committee could discuss ceasing the counter-terrorism operation in Chechnya at its meeting on March 31, the initiative proposed by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov and supported by State Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov.

prabir · Post by **prabir** » 30 Mar 2009 20:15

kittoo wrote:
prabir wrote:If Russia really aspires to be a super power, it has to be increase its population. A lot of hungry chinese are waiting to come into Siberia
Indeed.
Do you people here think that howsoever the ties improve between Russia and China, Russia will be ,at some level, looking at the Chinese rise suspiciously and making some policies about 'what if China attacks Russia or does something along the lines'?

Any sane person in Russia should know that they have to fight a war with China in future. At the same time, India and Russia are not going to fight a war. China till it is a communist country cannot be trusted by anyone

Samay · Post by **Samay** » 30 Mar 2009 20:24

wiki ...

Since 1937 the whole Arctic region was extensively explored by the Soviet and Russian manned drifting ice stations. Scientific settlements that were established on the drift ice were carried thousands of kilometers by the ice flow

so they have a rightful claim over it

Igorr · Post by **Igorr** » 30 Mar 2009 20:43

Was founded in Internet:
'Olimpius Inferno'. It's the first movie about Aug-08 Russian Georgian campaign, on the 'Pirate Buy' .

Briefly: The young entomologist from the USA, Michael, and its girlfriend, the Moscow journalist Eugene, come to South Ossetia for film shootings about a rare species of butterflies. But same night the Georgian armies attack South Ossetia. Michael's chambers remove the operation beginning. Our heroes understand that in their hands there were proofs which will put an end in the come information war. But about it learn also the Georgian special services. To inform the world the truth, Michael and Eugene needs to break through an occupied territory in destroyed, but not broken Tshinval...

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 30 Mar 2009 22:51

Prominent Chechen killed in Dubai

The Russian authorities have confirmed a prominent opponent of the pro-Kremlin Chechen President, Ramzan Kadyrov, was shot dead in Dubai on Saturday.

Mr Yamadayev became commander of the elite Vostok security forces battalion, a unit of former rebels who have helped quell separatist resistance. In 2005, he was named a Hero of Russia, the top national honour. But last year, he was dismissed after falling out with Mr Kadyrov and later fled to the United Arab Emirates.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 02 Apr 2009 17:39

Putin's dog eats Russian party bosses' food !

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world ... 59747.html

Wednesday, 1 April 2009

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's pet dog gobbled up a special tea prepared for bosses of Russia's ruling party today.

While Putin discussed ways to help the local food industry, his favourite black Labrador Koni slinked into a room at his residence and tucked into delicacies prepared for leaders of his United Russia party.

"Koni ate everything," said one of Putin's astounded bodyguards.

Putin's spokesman said Koni, who has the run of Putin's Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, had eaten some pastries, biscuits and jellied desserts.

sum · Post by **sum** » 02 Apr 2009 21:25

The Russian authorities have confirmed a prominent opponent of the pro-Kremlin Chechen President, Ramzan Kadyrov, was shot dead in Dubai on Saturday

Damn, when will we start emulating the Russians and strike fear in all the dons sitting and relaxing in the ME?

The Russians had done the same thing two years back in Oman though two FSB guys got caught for the car bombing of a Chechan leader. The Russians arm-twisted the Omanis and got their men released after some time in jail.

prabir · Post by **prabir** » 03 Apr 2009 20:48

This approach will solve the problems of Dawood, Chotta Shakeel etc.. once and for all at a very low cost

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 04 Apr 2009 00:09

sum wrote:The Russians had done the same thing two years back in Oman though two FSB guys got caught for the car bombing of a Chechan leader. The Russians arm-twisted the Omanis and got their men released after some time in jail.

We only politely ask the UAE authority and put red corner notices , the UAE folks catch them at the airport , and send them back to Pakistan on the next possible flight.

BSR Murthy · Post by **BSR Murthy** » 09 Apr 2009 09:22

Remember this guy?
A President, His Masseuse and Her Blog

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 09 Apr 2009 16:53

I am acquainted with a few Georgian ladies, but I have had expectantly less luck than the President!

If Mikhail Saakashvili's has such masseuses, no wonder there is no blood left in the brain for cool thinking on national security!

Igorr · Post by **Igorr** » 10 Apr 2009 16:27

RajeshA wrote: If Mikhail Saakashvili's has such masseuses, no wonder there is no blood left in the brain for cool thinking on national security!

Bingo! ha-ha-ha...
However I have loved other type of pics:

and this video, bua-ho-ho:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZhACekQ ... r_embedded

Johann · Post by **Johann** » 17 Apr 2009 19:59

sum wrote:
The Russian authorities have confirmed a prominent opponent of the pro-Kremlin Chechen President, Ramzan Kadyrov, was shot dead in Dubai on Saturday
Damn, when will we start emulating the Russians and strike fear in all the dons sitting and relaxing in the ME?

The Russians had done the same thing two years back in Oman though two FSB guys got caught for the car bombing of a Chechan leader. The Russians arm-twisted the Omanis and got their men released after some time in jail.

This particular killing was not a Russian counter-terrorist operation, just the usual gangsterish Chechen politics.

Yamadayev (the chap bumped off in Dubai) was awarded the 'Hero of Russia' title in 2005, and fought on Moscow's side in Georgia last summer. Not exactly an enemy of the state. Just a rival with Kadyrov who like him switched sides in the Russian-Chechen war when offered the right terms at the right time.

Igorr · Post by **Igorr** » 21 Apr 2009 01:26

The follow story about the above girl with the gun

1) Putin's poster girl

2) Masha: political star or PR flop?

kidoman · Post by **kidoman** » 22 Apr 2009 14:16

Igorr wrote:The follow story about the above girl with the gun

1) Putin's poster girl

2) Masha: political star or PR flop?

Russian gals are awesome, man..

Igorr · Post by **Igorr** » 22 Apr 2009 14:38

kidoman wrote:
Igorr wrote:The follow story about the above girl with the gun

1) Putin's poster girl

2) Masha: political star or PR flop?
Russian gals are awesome, man..

It's the same girl

Keshav · Post by **Keshav** » 22 Apr 2009 19:49

Igorr -

Is she in the party, does she endorse Putin, or is she just a PR stunt?

Igorr · Post by **Igorr** » 23 Apr 2009 14:24

Keshav wrote:Igorr -

Is she in the party, does she endorse Putin, or is she just a PR stunt?

Of course, she is in "United Russia' pro-Putin political party and the member of the 'Young Guard' organisation leadership - the party's youth wing. She is also an editor of its main Internet site .

VinodTK · Post by **VinodTK** » 02 May 2009 06:09

Cross posting from China thred

This is bad news for India
Russia, China on comradely terms

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 02 May 2009 11:16

Российская газета, Russia

It Cannot Be Said that
They Don’t Love Us

By Andrey Shitov

Translated By Natasha Moody

22 April 2009

Edited by Robin Silberman

http://www.rg.ru/2009/04/22/usa-russia.html

Russia - Российская газета - Original Article (Russian)

American Attitude Toward Russia is Not "Stuck on Negative"

Andrey Shitov, Washington.

American researcher and consultant William Dunkerley compared the fluctuation of public opinion in the United States toward Russia to fortune telling with daisy petals: "They loves Russia. They love Russia not."

He analyzed the results of Gallup's sociological surveys on this topic and combined them into a single graphic table with his own comments about possible reasons for dramatic drops in numbers.

It turned out to be really visual. Goodwill towards Russia embraced two-thirds of the US population twice: August 8-11, 1991, when, as Dunkerley reminds us, the collapse of the Soviet bloc was happening; and in February 2002, soon after Moscow gave a helping hand to Washington after the tragic acts of terrorism of 2001.

It is significant that during the coup in August 19, 1991, the number of Americans expressing positive opinions about Russia immediately decreased by 30 percent to approximately 36 percent. According to the table, there had not been any other changes in public sentiment toward Russia that dramatic for the last two decades. The reason is reflected in a comment: "Coup against Gorbachev". A week later the level of goodwill toward Russia came back to the 60 percent point.

Dunkerley explains other reasons for the drop of Russia’s "positive ratings" to 40 percent and lower, by reminding us of certain coinciding events. These are: the beginning of the war in Kosovo in 1999 (back then the Russian government was warning about the possibility of a "World War"); the second war in Chechnya and Gusinsky's PR campaign a year later; with the beginning of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, (Russia, as is known, was against that risky venture); and finally, with the "Georgian War" in 2009.

It is doubtful whether these statistics need additional comment. Except that it's worth pointing out Dunkerley’s certainty that, in a number of cases, negative attitudes toward Russia increased as a result of "organized PR campaigns." Besides the situation with Vladimir Gusinsky, who was successful enough to pass himself off as the victim of "attacks on freedom of the press," Dunkerley brings up issues such as the "deaths of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, and reputed spy Alexander Litvinenko," as well as the debates around energy supplies and the Georgian War mentioned above.

The main conclusion that the author of the research makes out of the work done is quietly optimistic. "American public opinion about Russia is not stuck on negative,” he writes. “It is malleable.” “Constructive and cooperative engagement" can, Dunkerley believes, move the situation in a positive direction; but threatening political tones or deliberately denigrating and deceptive "PR campaigns" have a negative influence on it.

Certain grounds for optimism are found, apparently, in the demographic information gleaned from the whole picture. Dunkerley was trying to find the breakdown of overall goodwill towards Russia as it relates to age groups. Gallop's service was missing that data, but Dunkerley found one-shot research results of another authoritative sociology firm - the Pew Research Center - from 2007. Back then, twice as many people over the age of 50 held negative opinions about Russia than those aged 30 and younger. "That's quite a difference!"- Dunkerley highlights. He also reminds us, by the way, that in the distant year 1954, only 5 percent of the US population had a positive attitude toward Russia.