Russia and India Strengthen Defence Ties
New Delhi, December 2 – Russia has confirmed that its defence relationship with India continues to grow, emphasizing a deeper focus on technology and industrial cooperation. In a recent interview, Denis Manturov, Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, spoke about the significance of this partnership ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India.
Manturov highlighted that Russia remains one of India’s top defence partners, noting that for the past ten years, Moscow has supplied over 30% of India’s total defence needs. He characterized the military cooperation between the two nations as crucial and advancing each year.
The nature of their partnership is evolving. Manturov mentioned that the focus is shifting from simple supply contracts to long-term technology partnerships. This aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which encourages domestic production.
On the topic of the S-400 air defence system, Manturov assured that deliveries are progressing as planned, adhering to the agreed timeline. “The contract for the S-400 systems is being fulfilled on schedule,” he confirmed.
Russia has a rich history as a reliable partner for India. The relationship has been a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, especially since both countries signed the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 during President Putin’s visit.
In December 2010, this partnership was elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” marking a significant step forward in their collaboration across various sectors, including political, security, trade, science, and culture.
