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New Delhi: Amidst heightened tension between India and China along Line of Actual Control (LAC), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Russian counterpart General Sergey Shoigu for an hour in Moscow today.
Terming the meeting as “excellent”, Singh stated that they talked about a wide range of issues, particularly how to deepen defence and strategic cooperation between both the countries. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest.
India and Russia are privileged Strategic Partners and Singh said he was looking forward to further this partnership during his visit.
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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 countries in maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. 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.
Singh also 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 the Russian had responded to requests for procurement of particular weapon systems. “Both sides would continue to maintain contacts to ensure the timely delivery,” an Indian Defence Ministry spokesperson stated.
Singh also briefed General Shoigu on the ‘Make-in-India’ defence programme in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aatma Nirbhar 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 AK203 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,” the spokesperson stated, adding that General Shoigu reiterated commitment of the Russian side to engage actively with Indian MOD to ensure the success of ‘Make in India’ programme including substantial participation in the forthcoming Aero India Exhibition to be held in February next year.
Singh, in the meantime, extended an invitation for General Shoigu to visit India for the next meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission for Technical & Military Cooperation which is expected to be held towards the end of this year.
Singh is in Moscow from September 3-5, 2020 at the invitation of General Shoigu to attend the combined meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member States in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of victory in the World War II.
Also read: Russia’s response to Indian proposals on defence cooperation “positive”, says Rajnath Singh
This is the second visit of Singh to Russia ever since tension built up with China along LAC. In June, after the bloody skirmishes in Ladakh region between the two troops, Singh had paid a 3-day visit to Moscow at the invitation of the Russian Defence Minister to attend the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day Parade. During that meeting he had also met the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov in Moscow and said that Russia’s response to Indian proposals on defence cooperation was “positive”. After meeting Borisov then, he had tweeted: “My discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Yury Borisov very positive and productive. I have been assured that ongoing contracts will be maintained and not just maintained, in a number of cases will be taken forward in a shorter time.” He claimed all Indian proposals received “positive response” from the Russian side. “I am fully satisfied with my discussions,” he stated. It may be mentioned that in the past, India had placed orders for the S-400 anti-air defence systems which it wants to be delivered faster, amid the border tensions with China, and also wants spares and supplies for military platforms in service.
In the meantime, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) visited frontline air bases in Eastern Air Command (EAC) yesterday where he was briefed by respective Air Officers Commanding of the readiness state and operational preparedness of the combat units under their command. The CAS also met and interacted with air warriors serving in these units during the course of his visit. A defence ministry spokesperson said the CAS lauded the focussed efforts by the station personnel towards maintaining proficiency in all roles envisaged and urged them to continue performing their duty with due diligence.
Meanwhile, it may be mentioned that India will be assuming the Chairmanship of the Council of SCO Heads of Government later this year.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has emerged as a key regional organization in the Eurasian space in the past two decades of its existence. Accounting for over 60 per cent of Eurasia’s territory and more than 40 per cent of the world’s population, the Member States of SCO account for almost a quarter of the world’s GDP. At a webinar on India and SCO relations hosted by Indian Council of World Affairs in New Delhi today, it was pointed out that the renewed momentum in building regional synergies is reflected in addressing common security challenges and building long-term economic and energy linkages.
India received the Observer status of the organization in 2005 and was accorded the full member status in 2017. In the webinar, it was mentioned that India was willing to play a more meaningful role in this regional grouping and desired to deepen its Eurasian partnerships. “In this context, SCO provides a springboard for India to reconnect to this extended neighbourhood, with which we are bound by the enduring bonds of centuries of common history,” the webinar was told.
– globalbihari bureau
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