India, Russia to Deepen Defense Cooperation, Moving Beyond Buyer-Seller Relationship
India and Russia are set to redefine their long-standing defense partnership. The focus is shifting from a traditional buyer-seller dynamic to joint research and development, co-development, and co-production of advanced military technologies and systems.
Key Highlights from the Modi-Putin Summit:
- Make in India Initiative: Both nations will promote joint manufacturing in India for spare parts, components, and maintenance of Russian-origin arms and defense equipment through technology transfer.
- Joint Ventures: Plans are underway to establish joint ventures to cater to the needs of the Indian armed forces and potentially export to friendly third countries.
Potential Defense Deals and Procurements
While no new defense deals were finalized during the summit, discussions were held regarding several key procurements for India's defense forces. These include:
- S-400 โTriumfโ Air Defense Systems: India plans to procure another five squadrons, along with surface-to-air missiles for existing units.
- Air Defense Systems: India is considering acquiring short-range Pantsir and man-portable Verba surface-to-air missile systems.
- R-37 Air-to-Air Missiles: Procurement of R-37 missiles, with a range exceeding 200km, and the advanced RVV-BD version for upgraded Sukhoi-30MKI fighters in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- BrahMos Missiles: Joint production of advanced and lightweight variants of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, potentially arming even lightweight fighters.
Commitment to Anti-Terrorism Efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin reiterated their strong commitment to preventing and countering terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorist financing networks, and safe havens.
Modi emphasized India's stance, stating, "India and Russia have long stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism... India firmly believes that terrorism is a direct assault on the values of humanity, and that global unity against it is our greatest strength."
The leaders unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of motivation. They also called for actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups and entities, including al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, and their affiliates, to eliminate terrorist safe havens.
