India and Russia vowed to enhance their ‘time-tested relationship,’ as leaders from both nations held talks at the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin had two prior meetings this year, virtually, at BRICS and the SCO.
Defense ties in focus
One of the most significant announcements from President Putin’s trip is that the delivery of S-400 Triumf missile system, the sophisticated surface-to-air missile system, has begun. India will continue to receive the shipments as part of the 5.4 billion dollar deal. India had placed an order for five units.
Although Russia is the major arms supplier to India, the delivery of ‘S-400’ in particular was watched with diplomatic caution because of the US stance on the issue.
Turkey, a NATO member, was expelled from the F-35 fighter jet program because it had received an S-400 system from Russia.
The US, which had raised the issue with India previously, has not hinted at any such sanctions so far. Both India and US have a deepening strategic partnership.
Another significant announcement in the defense sector is the inking of the 5000 Cr deal to manufacture 6 Lakh AK-203 rifles at Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’
Mr. Modi and Mr. Putin expressed satisfaction at the sustained progress in the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between both countries, as per the press release from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Both leaders discussed the fight against the COVID pandemic and the mutual assistance provided by both countries in the hour of need.
The Indian and Russian leaders discussed the situation in Afghanistan and appreciated the bilateral roadmap laid out at the NSA level.
Multiple MoUs were signed in diverse sectors such as education, intellectual property, cultural exchange, trade, science and technology, energy, outer space, and geological exploration. According to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, 28 such pacts were signed.
Rosneft, the Russian oil company, signed a contract with Indian Oil to supply up to 2 million tonnes of Oil by the end of 2022.
The 2 + 2 Dialogue
President Putin’s current visit also marks the maiden ‘2 + 2’ meeting between India and Russia. The ‘2 + 2’ talks will be held between the Defense and Foreign Ministers of both countries.
India has been holding 2 + 2 talks with the US.
President Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in 2022.