Russian President Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: AFP)

Speaking to Itar-Tass, Prime Minister Modi said: “Russia has been India’s leading defense partner for decades, supplying us with a large part of our defense equipment… Even in the current environment, despite India’s improved access to the world market, Russia remains our key partner. The people of India will never forget the support that the Russians gave us when we needed it the most.”

Asserting that the India-Russia defense relationship has transformed “from a buyer-seller relationship to one of joint research, development and production of advanced systems” such as the BrahMos missile, Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and T-90 tanks, Prime Minister Modi said that Russia has the potential to become a leading partner in the “Make in India” mission in the defense sector.

On civil nuclear cooperation, Mr. Modi said India is committed to building at least 12 nuclear power plants with the highest safety standards in the world with the support of Russia.

The Indian Prime Minister also stressed that Russia's strengths in science and technology, defense technology and nuclear energy will complement India's large market.

On economic relations, Mr. Modi said there is potential to further promote India-Russia relations in the fields of trade and investment./.

According to Vietnam+