By Sumit Kumar
In a state visit, Indian PM Narendra Modi gives the relationship a boost.
In late December, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first state visit to Russia to take part in the 16th annual bilateral summit. Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin used the summit to review bilateral ties across a number of areas, including security, trade, commerce, science and technology, defense, and energy. Talking about the relationship, Modi described Russia as “a strong and reliable friend,” while Putin expressed his happiness about “developing the privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia.”
This rhetoric, along with the signing of sixteen agreements, is being seen as very significant in sustaining and expanding India-Russia ties. One major step taken is a deepening of India’s defense partnership with Russia. On the eve of Modi’s visit to Russia, the Indian government announced the purchase of five S-400 supersonic air defense systems from Russia, costing around $6 billion, while Modi sealed some other important defense deals with Putin in Moscow. For instance, the two sides agreed that the Kamov 226 helicopter would be manufactured in India.
These defense agreements are important for both countries. India’s defense ties with the erstwhile Soviet Union and later with Russia were a major pillar of bilateral ties. However, in recent times there has been deep strain in the relationship. Russian strategists and diplomats have made much over the loss of some Indian defense deals to the U.S., Israel and other countries. On the other hand, Russia’s failure to deliver the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov on time annoyed New Delhi because it forced India to pay Russia $2.34 billion, against the originally agreed price of $947 million. Russia’s decision to supply Pakistan with the Mi-35 Hind attack helicopters and Klimov RDP93 engines for the JF-17 has also alarmed the Indian defense establishment.
Read the full story at The Diplomat