New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by a high level delegation including Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and other senior officials, had an hour long meeting with his Russian counterpart Gen. Sergei Shoigu at the Russian Ministry of Defence in Moscow on September 3.
The meeting was marked by the traditional warmth and friendship, characteristic of the Special and Privileged Partnership between India and the Russian Federation in which Military Technical Cooperation and Military-to-Military cooperation constitutes an important pillar.
Singh is in Moscow to participate in the 75th Anniversary Event to commemorate Victory Day by the Russian Federation in the meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.
The Russian Minister conveyed his warm appreciation to Singh for his participation in the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day Parade at Red Square on June 24, and his participation in the joint meeting of the SCO, CIS & CSTO countries. His meeting with the Defence Minister was the first meeting he was having with visiting Defence Ministers.
The meeting covered a broad range of areas of cooperation between the two countries. It was noted that this meeting coincides with the Indra Naval Exercises to be conducted by the Indian and Russia navies off the Straits of Malacca over the next two days.
Singh noted that these exercises demonstrated the common interests of both the countries in maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). There was substantial commonality in positions with respect to challenges at the regional and international levels in the areas of peace and security, reflective of the deep trust and confidence that both sides enjoy as Strategic Partners.
The Defence Minister conveyed appreciation for the steadfast support provided by Russia consistent with the defence and security needs of India, and in this context, particularly noted the timely manner in which Russia had responded to requests for procurement of particular weapon systems. Both sides would continue to maintain contacts to ensure the timely delivery.
Singh briefed General Shoigu on Make in India defence programme in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Both sides welcomed the advance stage of discussions for the establishment in India of an India-Russian Joint Venture for the production of AK 47 203 assault rifles which are considered one of the most modern weapons available for infantry forces.
This provides very positive basis for further engagement of Russian defence industry in Make in India programme. General Shoigu reiterated commitment of the Russian side to engage actively with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to ensure the success of the programme including substantial participation in the forthcoming Aero India Exhibition to be held in February next year.
The Defence Minister extended an invitation for General Shoigu to visit India for the next meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission for Technical and Military Cooperation which is expected to be held towards the end of this year.
