Russia and India expand cooperation on weapons systems

On October 21, at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is visiting Russia. After the talks, the two sides issued a joint statement and signed five cooperation documents in the fields of energy, science and technology, and justice.

In the joint statement, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of missile technology, naval technology and weapons systems. Russia and India highly appreciated the achievements of cooperation in the military field such as the production of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, multi-purpose transport aircraft, BrahMos supersonic missiles, Su-30MKI fighters and T-90S tanks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Manhoman Singh strengthen relations (Source: AFP/TTXVN)

The two leaders particularly stressed that close and traditional cooperation between the two countries in the military-technical sphere is the most important element of the Russian-Indian strategic partnership and reflects the high level of trust between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Russian President Putin announced that one of the significant cooperation projects between the two countries is the modernization of the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy. This ship is practically ready to be handed over to the Indian side.

Another issue mentioned in the joint statement was the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Russia and India reaffirmed the need to reform the body to enhance the UN Security Council's representativeness and effectiveness in dealing with new challenges.

Russia supports India to become a permanent member of the reformed UNSC. The two countries also agreed to continue to coordinate to strengthen the central role of the UN in maintaining international peace and security and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development.

The two sides highly appreciated the cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the United Nations and agreed to continue coordinating views on international and regional issues.

Speaking after the talks, President Putin said one of the important topics of discussion during the talks between the two leaders was the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, first of all the situation in Syria and Afghanistan.

According to President Putin, Russia and India's views on these issues are completely similar. The Russian leader also emphasized that Russia and India are actively cooperating within the framework of the Group of 20 (G-20), BRICS (Russia, India, China, Brazil and South Africa), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the United Nations.

In a joint statement, Russia welcomed India's participation in the Geneva II Conference on Syria, while India appreciated Russia's role in finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis in the Middle Eastern country.

On energy, the joint statement said the two countries agreed to set up a working group to study the possibility of establishing a direct crude oil pipeline from Russia to India. The two sides also recognized the significance of Russian gas supplies to India in enhancing India's energy security and diversifying Russia's energy export markets. The Indian side expressed interest in cooperating with Russian companies in oil exploration in the Arctic region.

One of the topics that has been covered by the media during this visit is the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, which is being built by Russia for India. As planned, the first of the two reactors of this power plant was put into operation and connected to the grid on the evening of October 21.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Russian President Putin expressed his hope that Russia would continue to participate in the construction of four new reactors in India. The roadmap agreed by Russia and India is to build a total of 15 nuclear reactors for India, of which the Kudankulam nuclear power plant will have 2-8 reactors.

Regarding culture and education, Russia and India expressed satisfaction with the progress of the implementation of the Bilateral Cultural Exchange Program for 2013-2015, which was signed by the Culture Ministries of the two countries in December 2012. The two sides highly appreciated the organization of the Russian Cultural Festival in India in 2012 as well as the Indian Cultural Festival taking place in Russia this year, and agreed to continue to carry out similar activities. The two countries also agreed to accelerate the signing of an agreement on recognition of each other's training degrees and titles in common fields and medical professionals.

Regarding cyber security, Russia and India expressed their concern about the growing threat of the use of information technology for criminal and terrorist purposes and violations of the UN Charter. In the joint statement, the two countries called for the need for the international community to adopt common criteria or principles on the responsibility of states in the use of information technology. Russia and India agreed to intensify mutual consultations and further deepen cooperation in this area.

In a joint statement, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thanked Russia for its warm welcome and invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India. The Russian President happily accepted the invitation. As planned, today (October 22), the Indian Prime Minister will depart for China./.

According to (TTXVN) - DT