India-Russia ties are certainly one of ‘particular and privileged strategic partnership’, says Defence

The relations between India and Russia are certainly one of “Particular and Privileged Strategic Partnership” and the continued navy contracts between the 2 sides might be maintained and in a lot of circumstances might be taken ahead in a shorter time, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mentioned on Tuesday.

Singh, who arrived right here on a three-day go to on Tuesday on the invitation of the Russian Ministry of Defence to attend the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day Parade, mentioned his go to to Moscow is the primary international go to from India of an official delegation after the COVID pandemic.

“It is a signal of our particular friendship. Regardless of all of the difficulties of the pandemic, our bilateral relations are retaining good contacts on the numerous ranges,” Singh mentioned whereas addressing the media right here.

India-Russia relations are certainly one of Particular and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Our defence relationship is certainly one of its essential pillars,” he mentioned.

The minister reviewed bilateral defence relationship with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov who visited him in his resort, regardless of the restrictions of the pandemic.

“My discussions had been very constructive and productive. I’ve been assured that ongoing contracts might be maintained and never simply maintained, in a lot of circumstances might be taken ahead in a shorter time. All our proposals have obtained constructive responses from the Russian facet. I’m absolutely happy with my discussions,” Singh mentioned, indicating the well timed supply of the S-400 missile defence techniques to India.

In October 2018, India had signed a USD 5 billion take care of Russia to purchase 5 models of the S-400 air defence missile techniques, however warning from the Trump administration that going forward with the contract could invite US sanctions.

Final yr, India made the primary tranche of fee of round USD 800 million to Russia for the missile techniques. Moscow was to start the supply of the system by the second half of subsequent yr.

Russia has been certainly one of India’s key suppliers of arms and ammunition. Nonetheless, it has been a long-standing grievance of armed forces that offer of important spares and tools from Russia takes a very long time affecting upkeep of navy techniques procured from that nation.

I can say with confidence that the standard friendship between India and Russia stays robust. Our mutual pursuits are strong and we glance to future cooperation within the spirit of our particular friendship, Singh mentioned.

In the meantime, the Chinese language media on Tuesday speculated that Chinese language Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe “will very probably meet” his Indian counterpart Singh in Moscow over border tensions between the 2 international locations.

Sources conversant in the matter confirmed to the World Instances that since Wei and Singh are attending the Russian navy parade in Moscow on Wednesday, the 2 leaders could meet.

Nonetheless, a Defence Ministry spokesperson mentioned that Singh won’t meet his Chinese language counterpart in Moscow.

Singh’s go to to Russia comes within the midst of the escalating border standoff between India and China, significantly after the killing of 20 Indian Military personnel by Chinese language troops in japanese Ladakh’s Galwan Valley on June 15.

Russia has been in contact with each India and China following their border row and officers didn’t rule out dialogue on the matter throughout Singh’s conferences in Moscow.

Singh mentioned he was wanting ahead to taking part within the 75th Victory Parade whereby an Indian Army contingent might be marching within the Pink Sq. on Wednesday.

“It’s a nice honor It is a signal of eternal friendship between the armed forces of each our international locations, the minister mentioned.

“I convey my greetings to the pleasant individuals of Russia, particularly the veterans, who’ve contributed a lot to our frequent safety,” Singh mentioned as he paid tribute to the sacrifice of the Russian individuals for victory within the Second World Battle.

He mentioned Indian troopers participated within the battle effort within the thousands and thousands and suffered immense casualties. A lot of them had been a part of the battle efforts to supply help to the Soviet Military, he added.

Singh additionally mentioned that he was wanting ahead to the go to of President Vladimir Putin to India on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this yr.

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