India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment for continued partnership in the places of trade, investment, space, power, scientific and military cooperation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s take a look at was regarded crucial for its timing and some of the issues that have appeared in the ties involving the two nations. He visited straight away following the virtual summit meeting of the Quad, and the take a look at of US’ Defence Secretary, Llyod Austin. Therefore, it was extensively believed that the Quad, and defence acquire of India from Russia will figure prominently in the discussion.
The Russian Minister avoided mentioning the term Quad, but he created it clear that such blocs are counterproductive. “He reiterated that the ASEAN should play a central role in the affairs of the “Asia-Pacific”. It is intriguing to note that the term applied was “Asia-Pacific” and not the “Indo-Pacific” which is applied by the West and India. Russia does not agree to the idea of Indo-Pacific sophisticated by the US,” observes Prof Rajan Kumar, School of International Studies, JNU.
In his opening remarks the Russian minister talked about creating up investment cooperation below the national programmes of each the nations as properly as providing unique focus to power, such as nuclear power, peaceful space exploration and transport infrastructure projects in the Far East and the Arctic.
Besides rising the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, Russia is keen for an early commence of the talks on a cost-free-trade zone involving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and India along the lines of mutual advantage.
The bilateral military-technical cooperation (MTC), such as the joint production of the most current weapons in India is one of key pillars of the India-Russia relations. He had also told the media persons that Russia is India’s top external contractor in the strategically crucial region and only companion providing India cutting-edge military technologies.
Both nations are working in many fields such as rocket engine production, satellite navigation, peaceful space exploration, and laying unique emphasis on such places as manned flight programmes.
Sharing his thoughts on the remarks created by the Russian minister, according to Prof Rajan “ Lavrov clarified that Russia and China have the “best relationship ever”, but it does not presage a military-alliance involving the two nations. It is a truth that the two nations do not have a military alliance as however, but some Russian scholars argue that if pushed additional Russia may forge an alliance with China.”
“On the controversial issue of defence procurements from Russia, Lavrov referred to the open announcement of the US to put pressure on countries importing weapons from there. He re-emphasised the role of Russia in providing cutting edge military technology to India. The joint statement reiterated the continued defence cooperation between the two countries. India is unlikely to come under the US pressure on the commitments which have already been made, including the S-400 defence missiles,” Prof Rajan says.
Lavrov’s meeting is noticed as a preparatory one for the summit meeting involving the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sometime later this year.