Earlier in the day, India and Russia sat down for the first 2+2 format dialogue to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues<\/p>\n
India and Russia on Monday concluded a deal worth around Rs 5,000 crore for manufacturing nearly 6 lakh AK-203 rifles under a joint venture in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, and also signed an agreement to extend military technology cooperation for the next decade, from 2021 to 2031.<\/p>\n
The contracts and agreement were signed after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoigu held the 20th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military-Technical Cooperation, said sources.<\/p>\n
Rajnath Singh called Russia India\u2019s long-standing special and privileged strategic partner and said that the relations were time-tested & based on common interests in multilateralism, global peace and prosperity, mutual understanding and trust.<\/p>\n
Both nations signed a Protocol on Amending the Agreement between India and Russia on cooperation in the field of Kalashnikov Series Small Arms Manufacturing, a contract for procurement of over 6 lakh AK-203 Assault Rifles through the joint venture Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited, and an agreement on Program for Military-Technical Cooperation from 2021-2031, said sources. A protocol of the 20th IRIGC-M&MTC was also signed by the two Defence Ministers, the sources added.<\/p>\n
Singh called defence cooperation one of the most important pillars of the bilateral partnership. “India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military-Technical Cooperation is a well-established mechanism since last two decades. It provides a platform to discuss and implement a mutually agreed agenda for defense cooperation. I wish to acknowledge with respect your valuable personal contribution to strengthen our bilateral defense cooperation,” Singh said.<\/p>\n
Singh also expressed hope that Russia will remain a major partner for India in these changing circumstances. “From Ministry of Defence, we have urged for greater military-technical collaboration, advanced research, co-development, and co-production of defense equipment leading to the self-reliance of India. Separately, we proposed greater engagements in Central Asia and the Indian Ocean region,” he said.<\/p>\n
Rajnath Singh also said that India is a continuation of the vast Eurasian landmass and at the same time central in the enormous Indian Ocean region. He hoped for Russia’s cooperation in all domains.<\/p>\n