Moscow: Modi appreciates strong India-Russia partnership in defence

Modi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday to a red carpet welcome for a two-day visit during which he will attend the 16th India-Russia annual summit meeting.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared his country’s staunch support of Syrian sovereignty and an end to the civil war in the country during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow Thursday.

Sharing concern over terrorism, the two sides pressed for joint fight against the global menace “without selectivity and double standards”, said a joint statement issued after the talks between the two leaders.

Russian Federation and India signed agreements on Thursday, boosting cooperation in energy and defence, with New Delhi aiming to modernise its armed forces and build a nuclear industry and while sanctions-hit Moscow seeks investment and new markets.

Russian Federation and India have shared close ties since India gained its independence in 1947, when Moscow was a key ally and the main arms supplier to New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin commended the outcomes of the 7th BRICS summit in Ufa and stressed the importance of the documents adopted: the Ufa Declaration, the Ufa Action Plan, and the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership.

“Our talks were very substantive and constructive, and I hope they will advance the further development of the special strategic partnership”, Putin said. “Those words are meaningless if you have such tiny trade”, Ashok Sajjanhar, a former diplomat and keen observer of the India-Russia relationship said.

Russia’s gas export monopoly Gazprom made five large-scale shipments of liquefied natural gas to India this year, Putin said.

“We are working towards guaranteeing most ideal framework in India… on account of endeavors of our administration the economy has seen supported development”, he said, including “We are resolved to guarantee a steady and straightforward tax assessment administration”.

The Prime Minister motivated Indian students studying in Russia, to encourage Russians to visit India for tourism.

The prime minister said he and the Russian president were “moving creatively in expanding our economic relations”. India is also involved in design and production of Russia’s new T-50 stealth fighter, but has not yet committed to the $10 billion deal.

Addressing the media later, Modi exuded confidence that both trade and investment and economic ties between the two countries will surge. “We have a strategic partnership, a true strategic partnership”.

Putin confirmed that the second unit of the Russian-built Kudankulam nuclear power plant in India will become operational soon, and that construction of the facility’s third and fourth units will begin shortly after.

He stated all businesses describe India because the quickest rising financial system on the earth with most promise.