Russia and India Advance Plans for Joint Military Equipment Production
The collaboration between Russia and India in military equipment production adds a new dimension to their strategic partnership.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio (L) prior to a meeting at Hyderabad House on March 20, 2023 in New Delhi, India. Photo by Anadolu Images.
R
ussia and India have achieved significant progress in discussions on jointly producing military equipment, according to statements from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The announcement came after talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Moscow.
Lavrov highlighted the strategic nature of this collaboration, emphasizing its alignment with the interests of both nations and its role in ensuring security on the Eurasian continent. He acknowledged India’s desire to diversify its military hardware suppliers and expressed Moscow’s readiness to support India’s domestic manufacturing needs.
The move comes as India has become one of Russia’s core economic partners, particularly following sweeping sanctions imposed on Moscow by the West in 2022 over the conflict in Ukraine. Russia has redirected a significant portion of its oil exports to India and intensified diplomatic efforts within the BRICS group, of which both countries are founding members.
Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza
In addition to discussing military cooperation, Lavrov and Jaishankar delved into global issues, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The talks also covered bilateral trade and investment. Jaishankar expressed optimism about a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to take place next year.
Indian-Russian trade is anticipated to surpass $50 billion this year, underscoring the growing economic ties between the two nations. Jaishankar emphasized India’s interest in signing a bilateral investment treaty with Russia and pursuing a free trade agreement with the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union.
The collaboration between Russia and India in military equipment production adds a new dimension to their strategic partnership. Both nations recognize the mutual benefits of such cooperation, and the development is poised to further strengthen the ties between Moscow and New Delhi.
Putin meets with Jaishankar
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would meet with Jaishankar later on Wednesday. Jaishankar expressed anticipation for a meeting between Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming year.
Jaishankar expressed India’s interest in signing a bilateral investment treaty with Russia and pursuing a free trade agreement with the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union. The move towards joint military equipment production adds a new dimension to the strategic partnership between Russia and India, enhancing cooperation in defense and strengthening diplomatic ties.
Sources: Reuters and the Deccan Herald.
