India-Russia Signed Big Ticket Defence Agreement

By: Simarjeet Singh

India and Russia signed a number of valuable defence deals worth Rs 43000 crores in BRICS Summit 2016 Goa on 15^th October. The big ticket defence deal includes purchase of Anti defence missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to counter the nuisance of terrorism in unison.

The India-Russia defence pact covers the procurement from Russia of four stealth frigates and five units of the S-400 anti-aircraft system, and the announcement of a joint venture for the manufacture of 200 Kamov-226T helicopters in India.

“The S-400 procurement is an example of our commitment to the relationship. We might have a better relationship with the US but it doesn’t change the content of our relationship with Moscow,” top government sources said.

The deal for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates will involve the direct supply of two vessels from Russia while another two will be made in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging meeting covering the entire extent of bilateral engagement following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

Addressing the media in the presence of Putin, the Prime Minister appreciated Russia's understanding and support of India's actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India's surgical strike across the LoC targeting terror launch pads.

"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, that threatens our entire region. We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Prime Minister said.

"These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in," Prime Minister said.

He said, "We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century.

Russian Prime Minister on his end, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.
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.