The Russian House in New Delhi has unveiled a remarkable photo exhibition dedicated to the longstanding Russian-Indian defence cooperation, a key highlight of the 120th anniversary celebration of TASS, the Russian news agency. The exhibition showcases the rich history of collaboration between Russia and India, particularly in areas of defence, mechanical engineering, heavy industry, and agriculture, as viewed through the lens of TASS’s historic reporting. The event was inaugurated by the Russian Ambassador to India, Mr. Denis Alipov, who reflected on the pivotal role TASS has played in strengthening Soviet-Indian and Russian-Indian relations over the decades. He recalled that the Soviet and Indian public first learned about many joint defence initiatives through “tassovka,” a term denoting TASS’s unique ability to foster cross-cultural connections. Mr. Alipov emphasized, “TASS has not only chronicled our defence partnership but has also contributed to deepening our nations’ bonds across various sectors.”

Dr. Elena Remizova, Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in India, also addressed the attendees. She highlighted TASS’s critical role in informing the global community about key events, including the iconic spaceflight of Yuri Gagarin, which was reported worldwide by the agency. “Today, TASS continues to lead the way with its dedicated coverage, providing timely and insightful reports, while adapting to the unique regional nuances of India,” Dr. Remizova added. Adding to the significance of the event, Mr. Yevgeny Pakhomov, the Head of TASS’s India bureau, offered an insider’s view of the agency’s success. “TASS produces thousands of articles and images daily from correspondent offices around the globe, and even from space, as the only news agency with a correspondent aboard the International Space Station (ISS),” Mr. Pakhomov revealed. He attributed TASS’s enduring leadership in the information domain to its extensive network and the dedication and expertise of its staff.

The exhibition drew an audience of around 100 attendees, including military personnel, diplomats, journalists, and prominent public figures. The photographs on display captured key moments in the history of Russian-Indian defence collaboration, offering a visual narrative of the nations’ enduring partnership. This unique exhibition will next travel to Russian Houses in Mumbai and Chennai, where it will continue to highlight the depth of Russian-Indian defence ties and the role of TASS in documenting their shared history.