The India-Russia relationship has evolved significantly under Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, with a strong focus on defense cooperation agreements.

India and Russia have signed 28 agreements during their 21st summit, highlighting the importance of their strategic partnership.

The two countries have a long-standing relationship, with Russia supporting India in various international issues, including Kashmir and the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Most of India's military equipment is of Russian origin, highlighting the deep defense ties between the two nations.

However, India's growing closeness to the US has led to concerns, with the US threatening India with sanctions for buying the S-400 missile system from Russia.

Despite these challenges, India and Russia have maintained their strategic partnership, with Russia considering India a great power and time-tested friend.

The two nations have agreed to coordinate on major challenges in Afghanistan and have signed a 10-year military cooperation agreement.

India has procured five S-400 air defence systems from Russia for approximately 37,000 crore, despite the risk of US sanctions.

The US has threatened to impose sanctions on India for buying the S400 missile system, but a CAATSA waiver has been created for close partners like India.

India and Russia have also jointly produced the BrahMos cruise missile system, demonstrating their cooperation in defense production.

The India-Russia relationship has been affected by India's rivalry with China, with Russia naming India as a partner in its revised Military Strategy document.

Russia has also supported India in the UN and multilateral organizations, demonstrating its commitment to their strategic partnership.

The S-400 Triumf missile system deal signed between India and Russia for $5.43 billion is a significant development in their defense cooperation.

However, India's heavy dependence on Russian technology and hardware poses a risk to their defense cooperation.

The US may waive CAATSA for the S-400 deal due to the common challenge posed by China, which could help mitigate the risks associated with the deal.

India and Russia have also collaborated on nuclear-powered submarines and space programs, demonstrating the breadth of their cooperation.

The India-Russia relationship has faced challenges, including payment mechanisms and delivery delays, which affect their defense cooperation.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also impacted military supplies to India, posing a risk to their defense cooperation.

Despite these challenges, India has committed to enhancing defense cooperation with Russia and has signed a 10-year military cooperation agreement.

India has also diversified its procurement of arms from Russia and the US, which will help reduce its dependence on any one country.

The US has asked partners not to purchase Russian-made armaments, which poses a risk to the India-Russia defense cooperation.

However, India has signed over $3 billion of arms purchase contracts with the US, demonstrating its efforts to diversify its defense partnerships.

The India-Russia military-technical cooperation agreement has been extended until 2031, which will help ensure the long-term sustainability of their partnership.

India will produce 600,000 AK-203 assault rifles in India over 10 years, demonstrating the cooperation between the two countries in defense production.

The India-Russia relationship has been strengthened by their cooperation in trade, with the two countries aiming to reach $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025.

Overall, the India-Russia relationship has evolved significantly under Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, with a strong focus on defense cooperation agreements and a commitment to maintaining their strategic partnership despite challenges.

The India-Russia relationship has evolved significantly under Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, with a strong focus on defense cooperation agreements.

Title:

Content: You are here: Home » Current Affairs » News » National
Business Standard

'India great power and a time-tested friend', says Russia's Vladimir Putin

India, Russia hold 21st summit, and first 2+2 dialogue; sign 28 agreements

Topics
indian government | India-Russia ties | Narendra Modi

Ajai Shukla  |  New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, on Monday (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi and Moscow on Monday issued to the world a high-visibility reminder about their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”, as Prime Minister and Russian President held the 21st India-Russia Summit, an annual ritual missed only in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Leading into the 21st summit meeting, India and Russia held their first-ever 2 + 2 Ministerial Dialogue, in which External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh together held strategic discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

“We perceive India as a great power, a friendly nation and a time-tested friend. The relations between our countries are growing and I am looking into the future,” Putin said in his initial comments.

Putin also expressed concern over the developments in Afghanistan and said India and Russia will continue to coordinate on major challenges facing the region.

Modi said Putin’s second visit abroad during the Covid-19 pandemic reflected his personal commitment to the and that the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two sides was getting stronger. In the last few decades, the world witnessed many fundamental changes and different kinds of geopolitical equations and variables, but the friendship of India and Russia remained constant, Modi said. “Your visit to India is a reflection of your commitment to ties with India,” the PM said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said 28 agreements were concluded between India and Russia after Modi-Putin meet. After the 2+2 meeting, Jaishankar tweeted: “A productive exchange of perspectives on cross-cutting and inter-related issues. Will be reporting it to the Annual Summit later today.”

Earlier on Monday, there was a meeting of the apex body that governs defence relations between the two: The Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC), co-chaired by the two defence ministers, Singh and Shoigu.

India’s military uses Russian weaponry extensively, such as Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft, T-90S tanks and BMP infantry combat vehicles, Talwar-class frigates, and Kilo-class submarines. The two sides have jointly produced the highly regarded BrahMos cruise missile system.

During the 17th annual summit, the two countries concluded deals on India’s procurement of five units of the S-400 air defence systems for an estimated ~37,000 crore, constructing Talwar-class frigates under Project 1135.6, and a shareholders’ agreement on a joint venture (JV) to manufacture Kamov-226T helicopters in India.

The S400 is regarded as the world’s premier long-range missile system, with the ability to shoot down enemy aircraft at ranges up to 400 kilometres. During the confrontation over the last two years between the Chinese and Indian armies in Ladakh, China deployed the S400 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

On March 3, 2019, in Amethi, Modi announced another JV —Indo-Russian Rifles — that would manufacture 750,000 AK-203 assault rifles in Korwa under the “Make in India” programme for an estimated $687 million. Russia is also competing for a ~40,000-crore deal for building six submarines in India under Project 75I, and a ~50,000-60,000 crore agreement to manufacture 114 fighter aircraft in India.

To ensure that Russian defence equipment was not hampered by any shortfall in maintenance or spare parts, the two sides agreed during the 20th Annual Summit in Vladivostok in September 2019 to cooperate in producing spare parts for Russian/Soviet military equipment.

The India-Russia defence partnership is being tested by Washington, especially through the piece of legislation the US Congress passed in 2017, titled CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act). This provides for US sanctions on countries that have significant defence or intelligence relations with Russia, Iran, or North Korea. India’s purchase of the S400 missile system is regarded as a potential trigger for Washington to impose sanctions.

While the US Congress has created a “CAATSA waiver” for close partners such as India, the US president is required to determine whether to exercise that waiver. So far, President Joe Biden has not stated a preference.

India, which faces a growing threat from China, is determined to buy the S400 from Russia. Asked whether New Delhi would bow to CAATSA pressure, India’s foreign ministry spokesperson said last week: “India and the US have a special global strategic partnership. And we also have a very special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia. And as you’re all aware, we pursue an independent foreign policy. This applies to our defence acquisitions, and supplies which are and will continue to be guided by our security interest.”

New Delhi and Moscow have identified trade and economic relations as a priority area. Modi and Putin have set a bilateral investment target of $50 billion and a bilateral trade target of $30 billion by 2025. (With inputs from PTI)

Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.

As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.

Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.

Digital Editor

First Published: Tue, December 07 2021. 01:24 IST
.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons supply
security & military
weapons joint production

India and Russia have signed 28 agreements during their 21st summit, highlighting the importance of their strategic partnership.

What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

What formal frameworks do India and Russia cooperate within?

The two countries have a long-standing relationship, with Russia supporting India in various international issues, including Kashmir and the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Title:

Content: Top

Old friends

X

On Monday, PM Modi spoke over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The phone call reportedly was a follow-up on many of the issues raised during Putin's recent India visit on December 6. According to a statement by the PMO, the two leaders have agreed to remain in regular touch with each other on a range of issues covered under the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Insofar as visits from foreign dignitaries and leaders go, Putin's visit to India earlier this month was arguably the most consequential development for India in the field of foreign affairs for quite some time. India, as may be known, has a long and storied relationship with Russia and its precursor, the Soviet Union. From the earliest days, the friendship between the two nations had a strong strategic undertone with both sides supporting each other on the world stage whenever necessary. Indeed, the Soviet Union was undeniably India's greatest ally in the 20th century against the machinations of the western powers like the US that did not take kindly to India announcing itself to be a 'socialist' nation. From Kashmir to the Bangladesh Liberation War, Russia has stood by India in defence of its strategic interests. As a proof of the relationship, a majority of military equipment India currently possesses was either directly supplied by Moscow or is otherwise of Russian origin. In recent years, with the fall of the Soviet Union and India's move towards liberalising its economy, India has ventured out into the world to make a new set of friends. This time around, it is India and the US that are getting along like a house on fire. India has deliberately sought to widen its field diplomatically and militarily in order to not be tied down to a single nation with the rather pragmatic understanding that there are no permanent relationships in international politics. In more recent times, Russia and India have somewhat drifted further apart as Russia bands together with India's rival China to take on the hegemony of the western world that is held up by the US. While India has no interest in joining the US in its power games against Russia, it is very much interested in leveraging its relationship with the west in its struggle to contain a belligerent China. It is here that India has had to perform a tremendous tight-rope walk, particularly following the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia. On the one hand, you have America that wishes to limit or even extinguish India's strategic relationship with Russia. On the other, you have Russia that is increasingly concerned and agitated by India drawing ever closer to the US's sphere of influence as it joins America in endeavours like the Quad grouping. Of particular concern to both sides is India's continuing dependence on Russia for military equipment. The US, already having sanctioned Turkey for the same, looks on menacingly as it threatens India with sanctions for buying the S-400 missile system. Russia, of course, is not only interested in keeping its old defence ties but even expanding them, as it has been recently teasing India with the possibility of being the first nation in the world to buy the improved S-500 missile system. In this regard, Putin's visit to India could be termed as symbolic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Putin has only ventured out twice from his country, with the second trip being the one to India. His tone and body language during the meeting with PM Modi spoke volumes of the importance he attaches to maintaining the ties with India. Aside from underscoring the good working relationship he has with India's PM, the visit also highlighted that despite the recent turns of history, the two nations still have much to share and collectively work towards. Common concern in regards to the Taliban and Afghanistan is one such area that the two sides are looking to cooperate on in the near future. Another is strengthening existing defence ties between the two nations. Underscoring its strategic independence, India has decided to continue with its defence dealings with Russia, discussing the purchase of the S-400 missile system while also finalising a long-pending Rs 5,000 crore deal for the production of over five lakh AK-203 rifles in a joint Indo-Russian deal. But all said and done, the future of India's relationship with Russia still has some shades of uncertainty. Primary amongst them is the ongoing escalation between Moscow and NATO in regards to Ukraine and eastern Europe. If Russia should choose to brave threats of western sanctions to take action in Ukraine, where does this leave India? Can India still continue its balancing game between east and west at a time when geopolitics are heating up to a boiling point? That remains to be seen.

Next Story

Most of India's military equipment is of Russian origin, highlighting the deep defense ties between the two nations.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons supply
security & military
weapons joint production

However, India's growing closeness to the US has led to concerns, with the US threatening India with sanctions for buying the S-400 missile system from Russia.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

Despite these challenges, India and Russia have maintained their strategic partnership, with Russia considering India a great power and time-tested friend.

What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

The two nations have agreed to coordinate on major challenges in Afghanistan and have signed a 10-year military cooperation agreement.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

In what regions do India and Russia have common strategic interests?

India has procured five S-400 air defence systems from Russia for approximately 37,000 crore, despite the risk of US sanctions.

How did India react to the war between Russia and Ukraine?

India did not join the Western sanctions against Russia

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons supply
security & military
commerce

The US has threatened to impose sanctions on India for buying the S400 missile system, but a CAATSA waiver has been created for close partners like India.

India and Russia have also jointly produced the BrahMos cruise missile system, demonstrating their cooperation in defense production.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons supply
security & military
weapons joint production

The India-Russia relationship has been affected by India's rivalry with China, with Russia naming India as a partner in its revised Military Strategy document.

Title:

Content: Follow Us:

Putin visiting India: Is it strategic balancing?

By Major General S.B. Asthana
With heated exchanges between the US and Russia due to heavy concentration of troops in Ukraine border scheduled for talks between both, Russias growing dependency on China due to sanctions from West, and Indian tilt towards the US with inclusion in Quad, the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on December 6, appears to be viewed differently by different world players. Even in domestic debates, the public anger due to Chinese intrusion in Ladakh and growing partnership of Russia and China, indicates that the visit is sensitive in context of international geopolitical scenario; hence will require a delicate strategic balancing including text of joint statement, if issued at the end of the visit. Notwithstanding the above, the visit is a scheduled 21st India-Russia Annual Summit, which couldnt take place earlier due to coronavirus pandemic, there are many justified reasons to continue with 'Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty (1971)' matured into 'Strategic Partnership (2000)', which has stood the test of time till date, even during ongoing rough relations between China and India.

Why Russia Matters to India Despite Chinese Embrace?

Despite Indian effort for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing and SIPRI indicating significant 33 per cent decrease in import of military hardware by India in recent years, it remains heavily dependent on Russian technology, maintenance, procurement of hardware and spares. For many decades Russians have been collaborating with India in its indigenous manufacturing programs and were amenable to transfer of technology, which India was finding difficult to get from others. It includes some major systems like nuclear-powered submarines, warships/frigates, nuclear reactors, space programmes and flagship projects like Brahmos.

The impending visit, besides deal to commence indigenous manufacturing of AK 203 Kalashnikov rifles, may see some forward movement in collaboration in manufacturing (including transfer of technology of very short range air defence missile systems (VSHORADS), twin engine helicopters to replace Cheetah and Chetak, upgradation of inventory of MIG-29 and Sukhoi aircrafts. S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system which India had signed in 2018 for $5.43 billion is a done deal, and the threat of CAATSA is unlikely to have any impact on delivery schedule. It was chosen because it was most suitable to Indian requirement at that point of time. There are also speculations of approximately ten agreements to be signed between the two countries, which could include reciprocal exchange of logistics Agreement and 10-year military technical agreement, besides Two plus Two dialogue to strengthen existing strategic partnership. While the US may be amenable to a waiver on CAATSA for S-400, in view of common China challenge, but further deals may create some new friction points in strengthening of Indo-US relations.

On strategic context, Russia continues to be a favourable P5 member in UN and continues to support India in various multilateral organisations like the UN, SCO, BRICS on crucial issues. It's a technological powerhouse, with one of the largest producer of military hardware, producing rugged equipment suited for variety of terrain, where Indian forces operate. While its nearness to China, its discomfort with Indian embrace to Quad, growing Indo-US partnership, and hardware sale to Pakistan, forces some of the opinion makers in India to suggest divorcing Russia in favour of US, but such opinions are marred by impracticality, ignorance of Indian hardware dependency on Russia and its track record of reliability of its partnership with India. In its revised Military Strategy document Russia continues to name India as its partner along with China, and has not delayed/defaulted on any hardware support to India, even during standoff with China. The interest of both countries also coincide regarding concerns on export of terror after Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and resultant humanitarian crisis, which will certainly be a subject of discussion and may find some mention in joint statement.

Reality of Sino-Russian Embrace

The much publicised Sino-Russian embrace by Chinese media and Russian acceptance to go along has been due to economic compulsions due to increasing sanctions from West, common adversary US branding both as competitors in security strategy documents. Objectively an expansionist, aggressive China seeking Sino-centric world order does suit Russia as well, which is looking for multilateral world order. Chinese BRI has already side-lined Eurasian dream, its technological theft like alleged hypersonic technology proliferation and increasing border claims in previously settled border with Tajikistan are not to Russian liking. Russia has made no commitment to back China's misadventure in South China Sea/Himalayas and China has also not made any commitment on Ukraine borders. Reiterating India as a strategic partner may be Moscow's message to US and Beijing both. It is however, impractical to expect Russia criticising China or Pakistan or India discussing Ukraine issue during this visit, due to peculiar geo-political equations, and Russians need for strategic and economic balancing.

Strategic Balancing by India

India and US have commonality of Interest in most issues including tackling China, which has pushed India to become an important global strategic partner of US, by its aggressive designs. There is congruence of interests in most global issues between US and India in the current geo-strategic equation. India stands with US and Quad in context of Indo-Pacific and facing China challenge. India continues to do its best to respond to sensitivities and concerns of the US, at times risking some of its old relationships like Iran. To accommodate US interest India reduced import of oil from Iran, bearing a cost disadvantage, as Iran oil was being imported in Rupee terms, in crude form and attuned to existing refineries in India. India doesn't seem to be repeating the same mistake with Russians, who haven't done anything bilaterally which demands a divorce in mutual relationship. Moreover, military capacity building of India also adds to collective strength of Quad, which is in collective interest.

Lately India is trying to be self-reliant, as well as diversifying procurement from various countries to include US, France, Israel. In last decade the defence procurement from Russia has gradually reduced from over 65 percent approximately to nearly 49 percent and correspondingly increased in favour of the US, Israel and France. There is a noticeable upward trend in purchase of US military hardware, as the year 2020 alone saw a purchase $3.4 billion worth of US military equipment, indicating enough accommodation by India. In a buyers' market US has competitors to include Russia, Israel and France, and every country will make sovereign choice to pick the best deal including India. India has also made modest beginning in exporting Rs 38,000 crore worth of military equipment, as a step towards self-reliance, seeking support of all the partners.

(Major General S.B.Asthana is a strategic and security analyst, a veteran Infantry General. He is the Chief Instructor, United Service Institution of India. The views expressed are personal)

--IANS
asthana/ksk/

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

Why is maintaining a relationship with India important for Russia?

Why is maintaining a relationship with Russia important for India?

Russia has also supported India in the UN and multilateral organizations, demonstrating its commitment to their strategic partnership.

What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

What formal frameworks do India and Russia cooperate within?

The S-400 Triumf missile system deal signed between India and Russia for $5.43 billion is a significant development in their defense cooperation.

How has trade level between India and Russia changed under Modi and Putin?

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

However, India's heavy dependence on Russian technology and hardware poses a risk to their defense cooperation.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons supply
security & military
weapons joint production

The US may waive CAATSA for the S-400 deal due to the common challenge posed by China, which could help mitigate the risks associated with the deal.

Why is maintaining a relationship with Russia important for India?

India and Russia have also collaborated on nuclear-powered submarines and space programs, demonstrating the breadth of their cooperation.

The India-Russia relationship has faced challenges, including payment mechanisms and delivery delays, which affect their defense cooperation.

Title:

Content: Day 2: India forges ahead: Strengthening Defence Ties Amidst Challenges with Russian-Origin Equipment

The Working Group Meeting between India and Russia aims to foster stronger defence ties between the two countries.

Amidst ongoing challenges with Russian-origin defence equipment, India is actively working on enhancing its military cooperation with key nations. As part of this effort, the third Meeting of the Indian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) is going on in New Delhi. On day one of the two day the meeting, chaired by Lt Gen Johnson P Mathew from the Indian side and Lt Gen Dylevskii Igor Nikolaevich from the Russian side, focused on addressing issues related to spare parts and maintenance of the Russian equipment utilized by the Indian armed forces.

The Working Group Meeting between India and Russia aims to foster stronger defence ties between the two countries. This strategic dialogue assumes added significance with India’s increasing dependence on Russian defence equipment, ranging from Sukhoi fighter jets to tanks and naval assets. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has impacted military supplies to India, raising concerns over payment mechanisms and delays in deliveries. However, the Russian defence industry’s resilience and focus on production of various defence items have shown positive signs, ensuring continued support to India’s armed forces.

In the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis. Despite the challenges, India has strengthened its trade ties with Moscow and remains committed to enhancing defence cooperation. To achieve this goal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken two successful visits to prominent nations, the United States and France, where key defence deals were announced.

The meeting is taking place close on the heels of the recently concluded visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US and France. During his visit to the United States, PM Modi reaffirmed the strategic partnership between India and the US. Both nations inked significant defence deals aimed at bolstering India’s defence capabilities and strengthening military ties. Similarly, in Paris PM Modi engaged in fruitful discussions, resulting in important defence agreements that will pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.

India’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities and cooperation remains unwavering, even amidst challenges with Russian-origin equipment. The recent Working Group Meeting with Russia reflects the nation’s determination to find solutions collaboratively.

Get live Share Market updates and latest India News and business news on Financial Express. Download Financial Express App for latest business news.

First published on: 19-07-2023 at 11:02 IST
Today’s Most Popular Stories ×

How has Russia/ India arms trade evolved since the start of the war in Ukraine?

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also impacted military supplies to India, posing a risk to their defense cooperation.

How has Russia/ India arms trade evolved since the start of the war in Ukraine?

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

Despite these challenges, India has committed to enhancing defense cooperation with Russia and has signed a 10-year military cooperation agreement.

Title:

Content: Russia / India / Political / Military
Modi Meets Putin, Putin Praises India as ‘ Strong and Reliable Ally ’
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is visiting India, praised India as Moscow's "strong and reliable ally", Putin's visit focused on "energy" and "national defense", and the foreign ministers and defense ministers of the two sides held their first 2 + 2 meeting and signed a number of military cooperation agreements.
In a joint statement, the two sides reiterated their intention to strengthen defense cooperation and achieve the goal of 30 billion US dollars in bilateral trade by 2025.
Advertisement
Indian diplomatic officials said on Monday that Russia had begun supplying India with S-400 long-range air defense systems.
During Putin's meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two sides also signed a 10-year military cooperation agreement and an oil cooperation agreement.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides reiterated their intention to strengthen defense cooperation, including joint research and development and production of military equipment.
The two sides also stressed the need to achieve the goal of 30 billion U.S. dollars in bilateral trade by 2025, and to strengthen cooperation in energy and satellite navigation.
The two sides pointed out that it is necessary for the Eurasian Economic Union and India to start negotiations on a free trade agreement on goods.
Speaking to the media before his meeting with Modi, Putin said: "We consider India to be a big country, a friendly country and a security ally."
Putin ’ s visit to India is aimed at strengthening ties with India ’ s traditional allies, which are being eroded by the United States.
To counter China ’ s rise, the Quadripartite Security Dialogue (Quad), established by the United States with India, Japan and Australia, has drawn the attention of Beijing and Moscow.
During the Cold War, India had close ties with the Soviet Union, a relationship that continues to this day, described by New Delhi as a “special and privileged strategic partnership. ”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss defense and trade relations between the two countries in an effort to strike a balance with the United States.
"There have been many fundamental changes and geopolitical elements in the world over the past few decades, but India's friendship with Russia remains the same," Modi said before meeting Putin.
India ’ s foreign ministry said the annual bilateral summit covered political and defense issues.
The two leaders also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan caused by the takeover of the Afghan government by the Taliban earlier this year.
India and Russia have long had close ties, and both sides have set a goal of reaching $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025.
Recently, however, India has drawn closer to the United States, believing that the United States is a key force against China.
India is also trying to manage its defense relations with Russia while strengthening its military ties with the United States, the sources said.
India, a major arms importer, relied heavily on the former Soviet Union for armaments during the Cold War, but now it is diversifying its procurement of arms, as well as buying US-made weapons.
During the period of former US President Trump, India signed more than $3 billion of arms purchase contracts with the United States, and the arms trade between the two countries has increased from zero in 2008 to $15 billion in 2019.
On the other hand, India's purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile system to counter China has become a major problem in relations with the United States.
This sophisticated anti-missile system, once available, is expected to enable India to gain strategic deterrence power against China and Pakistan.
However, the United States has asked its partners not to purchase Russian-made armaments, or it may impose sanctions.
In addition, India and Russia held their first 2 + 2 meeting in New Delhi on Monday, where the two sides signed a number of cooperation agreements on "military and small arms".
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a 2 + 2 meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Sujson and Defense Minister Manmohan Singh.
The 2 + 2 ministerial meeting was the first between India and Russia.
Singh tweeted after the meeting that discussions on defense cooperation between the two sides had been fruitful and that India cherished the "special strategic partnership" with Russia.
He added that the two sides have signed several agreements, contracts and protocols on small arms and military cooperation.
However, Singh and India ’ s Ministry of Defence have not issued a formal statement or press release disclosing details of the various agreements signed with Russia.
Indian media reported that one of the major agreements was the transfer of technology and local production of the Russian-made AK-203 assault rifle.
Under the agreement, India will produce more than 600,000 AK-203 assault rifles in India over the next 10 years through an Indian-Russian joint venture.
The report also said that another agreement is to extend the 10-year India-Russia military-technical cooperation agreement until 2031.
Email News Headlines In Your Daily News Letter
Download the Guangdong-France app to track international current events

How did India react to the war between Russia and Ukraine?

India did not directly oppose Russia's actions

India did not join the Western sanctions against Russia

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

India has also diversified its procurement of arms from Russia and the US, which will help reduce its dependence on any one country.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

What has negatively affected India/ Russia current relationship?

The US has asked partners not to purchase Russian-made armaments, which poses a risk to the India-Russia defense cooperation.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons supply
security & military
weapons joint production

However, India has signed over $3 billion of arms purchase contracts with the US, demonstrating its efforts to diversify its defense partnerships.

What has negatively affected India/ Russia current relationship?

The India-Russia military-technical cooperation agreement has been extended until 2031, which will help ensure the long-term sustainability of their partnership.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

India will produce 600,000 AK-203 assault rifles in India over 10 years, demonstrating the cooperation between the two countries in defense production.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons supply
security & military
weapons joint production

The India-Russia relationship has been strengthened by their cooperation in trade, with the two countries aiming to reach $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025.

How has trade level between India and Russia changed under Modi and Putin?

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

Overall, the India-Russia relationship has evolved significantly under Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, with a strong focus on defense cooperation agreements and a commitment to maintaining their strategic partnership despite challenges.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons supply
security & military
weapons joint production

What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?