Srinagar: Welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that Russia has always stood by India during conspiracies and wars.
Speaking to reporters today after attending the Passing Out Parade of the Agniveer Batch at the J&K Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Srinagar, Omar said Russia has played a crucial role in supporting India, whether through defence supplies or diplomatic backing at the United Nations.
“Our relationship with Russia is very old and deep. Russia has always stood by India during conspiracies and wars. When there was a war, when our neighbours attacked us, Russia came forward to help us. Whether in the supply of weapons or in the UN—especially the Security Council—they used their veto,” he said.
The Chief Minister said stronger Indo-Russian relations are beneficial.
“It is a good thing that today the President of Russia is coming to India. If our relations are better, it is a good thing,” he said.
Omar added that if improved ties between India and Russia can contribute to peace beyond the region, it should be welcomed.
“If the benefits of these good relations can be of use to any other country, then we should not object,” he said. “If our Prime Minister’s strong relationship with President Putin can somehow benefit Ukraine, and if we can persuade Russia to adopt the path of peace and stop the attack on Ukraine, then I believe it will be a success for everyone.”
Asked about the announcement of holiday on National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s birth anniversary, the Chief Minister said the authority to declare public holidays rests with the Centre, not the elected government of the union Territory
He said whether a holiday is declared on Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary or not, the late leader’s place “lives in the hearts of the people”.
“The decision to announce a holiday lies with the Centre. That is why we say that give us back the State so that we can make big and small decisions ourselves. There is no need for a holiday to remember Sher-e-Kashmir. He lives in the hearts of people,” Omar said.
“You must have also seen that the best cadet who was awarded a sword, that sword is also known by the name of Sher-e-Kashmir. So, keeping a holiday or not, someone’s status or contribution is not less. People remember him.”
