Russia remains India’s ‘principal partner’ in defence: PM Modi
Moscow: Assuring Russia that it will remain India’s ‘principal partner’ in defence sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the two strategic partners are working together for joint manufacture of advanced defence equipment in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
“Russia has been India’s foremost defence partner through decades, accounting for a majority of our defence equipment… Even in the current environment, despite India’s improved access to the world market, Russia remains our principal partner,” PM Modi told Russian media.
Noting that Russia provided defence equipment to India and international support when few were willing to hold its hands, the Prime Minister said, “Indians will never forget the Russian support that we got when we needed it the most.”
India and Russia are likely to ink a number of pacts in a range of sectors including defence and nuclear energy during PM Modi’s two-day visit here beginning today for the annual Summit level talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Asserting that the Indo-Russia defence ties have been transformed “from a buyer seller relationship to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced systems” such as the Brahmos missile, Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and T-90 tanks, PM Modi said Russia has the potential to be the leading partner in Make in India mission in defence sector.
