India and Russia signed three big-ticket defence deals worth about Rs 73,000 crore, a game-changing move that will boost the country’s military capabilities and diplomatic clout amid rising tensions i
India and Russia signed three big-ticket defence deals worth about Rs 73,000 crore, a game-changing move that will boost the country’s military capabilities and diplomatic clout amid rising tensions in South Asia.
On the sidelines of the Brics Summit in Goa on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated Russia’s “old friendship” with India and its stand on the need to combat terrorism, as he sought Moscow’s support in fighting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
The three defence deals come after Indo-Russian ties were seen to have weakened in recent times with India’s tilt towards the United States and Russia’s effort to help Pakistan with a joint military exercise and arms supplies.
The defence deals are part of 16 agreements clinched after wide-ranging, “fruitful and substantive” talks between Mr Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russia will supply five long-range S-400 Triumf air defence systems to India, set up a joint venture to manufacture 200 light utility Kamov 226T helicopters and supply four new guided-missile stealth frigates.
Another significant deal is the acquisition of controlling stake in India’s Essar Oil and port facilities that it owns by Russian state oil major Rosneft.
In a joint press event with Mr Putin, Mr Modi articulated a Russian proverb to that “an old friend is better than two new ones”.
Mr Modi said the “highly productive” outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.
They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters, constructions of frigates, and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India’s technology and security priorities.
Appreciating Russia’s stand on the need for “zero tolerance” on terrorism, the PM said, “Russia’s clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia’s understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism”.
Other deals included an entire range from sectors like building smart cities, space, railways, energy, to cooperation in the information technology security arena.
The two nations had been talking on S-400 Triumf surface-to-air medium and long-range anti-aircraft missile system deal for about a year now.
India will be the second country after China to receive this ultra-sophisticated air defence system. Russia has deployed the S-400 to defend its Khmeimim military base in war-torn Syria.
Of the four Admiral Grigorovich-class guided-missile stealth frigates, two will come from Russia and two will be India-made with Russian collaboration.
The 200 Kamov 226T helicopters to be jointly manufactured and will replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers.
