Benaulim: Ramping up defence ties, India and Russia on Saturday announced deals worth about Rs 43,000 crores for purchase of state-of-art Russian air defence systems, collaboration in making four stealth frigates and setting up facility for joint production of Kamov helicopters.
The decisions were taken during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin that covered a wide range of areas including defence.
At least 16 key agreements were signed between India and Russia following delegation-level talks co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here.
Also read: India, Russia ink 16 pacts: Triumf missiles defense, frigates, choppers among things India got from 'old friend' Russia
Among the agreements signed were inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) for procurement of the S-400 air defence system and construction of 1135.6 series of frigates through partnership between Russian and Indian shipyards. Another agreement was signed to set up a joint venture to manufacture the Ka-226T helicopter in India.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for setting up an investment fund of $1 billion by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and the Russian Direct Investment Fund.
Also read: India, Russia for UNSC reforms, condemn global terrorism
Agreements were also signed for developing smart cities in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, and for developing transport logistics systems for such cities.
Narendra Modi hails Vladimir Putin as 'an old friend'
PM Narendra Modi hailed Russian President Vladimir Putin as an 'old friend' after their meeting in the Indian state of Goa, where leaders of the other BRICS emerging nations were also gathering for a summit.
"Your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership," Modi said alongside Putin at a beachside resort, after officials signed up to 20 agreements between the two nations.
Modi said the pacts on jointly producing light military helicopters, building frigates and other areas of cooperation "lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties for years ahead".
India, Russia call for UNSC reforms, condemn global terrorism
India and Russia called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to make it more effective and representative.
A joint statement issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit here said, "India and Russia called for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more effective and representative of the contemporary geo-political realities. Russia reaffirmed its support for India`s candidature for a permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council."
With regard to global order and world peace, the statement said, "Recognizing the importance of cooperation between India and Russia for global peace and stability, both sides reaffirmed their desire to work together to promote a multi-polar international system based on the central role of the United Nations and international law, common interests, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.
The leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and recognized the need for resolute action against the menace of terrorism and threats of illicit drug-production and drug-trafficking, including the elimination of terror sanctuaries, safe havens, and other forms of support to terrorists.
Both sides called for constructive international, regional and bilateral cooperation in order to help Afghanistan in addressing the domestic security situation, improving the capabilities of Afghan National Security Forces, strengthening counter-narcotics capabilities, ensuring socio-economic development, and enhancing connectivity.
India, Russia call for stamping out terror in all forms
India and Russia condemned terrorism and emphasised the need to stamp out terror in all forms, apart from calling for building a legal regime on the principle of zero tolerance for terrorism, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said.
Russian President Putin and Prime Minister Modi expressed the need to deny safe havens to terrorists and counter the spread of terrorist ideology, stop recruitment, prevent travel of terrorists, strengthen border management and essentially have a legal regime built on the principle of zero tolerance for, or indirect support of, terrorism, he added.
A joint statement issued by the two leaders also noted the "commonality of positions on important issues, including the war on terrorism", Jaishankar added.
