Tuesday, October 18 2005 15:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Union Human Resources Development Minister Arjun Singh today (Oct 18, 2005) said while India tries to integrate itself with 'realities of the world', it should not 'lose sight' of its 'true friend' Russia.

He said he foresaw resurgence in the fortunes of Russia, which has witnessed more than a decade of political and economic turmoil.

"I am aware of the cynical view of some people that Russia is a gone country. I don't think so. The basic resilience of the Russian people and its culture will resurface and a resurgence is on the cards," Singh said after inaugurating an international seminar here titled 'Russia at the Crossroads: Language, Literature, Culture and Society in the 21st Century.'

"India has to see that while it goes about doing what it has to do, it does not lose sight of its neighbour across the Himalayas which has been a true friend," he added.

Singh said while every country had to realign itself with the realities of the world and integrate itself with the process of change, we still consider Russia to be a nation, which has yet to perform its historical duty in the new world. "No Indian can afford to lose sight of this," he added.

The Minister said the friendship of India and Russia would remain a 'bedrock for all progressive people'.

The two-day seminar, being attended by Russian and Indian teachers and litterateurs, was also addressed by Russian Ambassador Vyacheslav Trubnikov and the Vice Chancellors of Jamia Milia and the Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru Universities.