India, Russia agree to missile sales, joint venture for helicopters

After receiving the President of Russia Vladimir Putin on his arrival at Goa for the India-Russia Annual Summit and the 8th BRICS Summit, India’s Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan participated in the delegation level talks at the level of Prime Minister of India and President of Russia.

South Africa offered its support for India’s bid during Modi’s visit to that country in July this year.

The defence deals are part of 16 agreements clinched after wide-ranging, “fruitful and substantive” talks between Mr Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The Prime Minister said no country is immune from terrorism and on this issue, we can not afford to have any differences”, MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the meeting.

They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead.

In addition, an agreement to build frigates for the Indian Navy has also been signed by Modi and Putin.

“We hope that the Indian-assembled Ka-226T helicopters would see a more peaceful future”, they added. The two leaders pressed a button to remotely unveil by video link the plaque, which will be erected at the site of the nuclear plant. Modi observed that the businesses and industry between the two countries is connected more deeply and that trade and investment ties are on the upswing.

For decades, India and Russian Federation have shared a close relationship that dates back to the days of the Cold War, when the United States tilted toward India’s neighbor and rival, Pakistan. Even today, almost 70 percent of India’s defense equipment has been procured from Russian Federation, according to India’s Defense Ministry. We continue to expand, diversify & deepen economic engagement.

Among the agreements signed were the procurement of the S-400 air defence system and construction of 1,135 series of frigates in India. Also, Delegation level talks and exchange of agreements between India and Russian Federation to take place today.

India on Saturday won Russia’s backing in fighting cross-border terrorism but giant neighbour China remained largely non-committal on helping New Delhi mobilise global opinion against militant safe havens such as Pakistan.

Benaulim (Goa), October 15 (IANS) Russia has backed India’s cross-border surgical strikes at terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after the September 18 Uri attack at a military base, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted on Saturday, calling Moscow “an old friend” that has mirrored New Delhi’s stand on terrorism.

The 17th bilateral summit also saw India express its commitment to ties with Moscow.

New Delhi was also frustrated earlier this year when Beijing blocked its request to add a Pakistani militant group chief to a United Nations sanctions blacklist.