Top ministers of India and Russia met in New Delhi on Tuesday (April 6, 2021) and had wide range of discussion with focus on issues related to defence cooperation and weapons manufacturing, Afghanistan, partnership in nuclear, space and economic cooperation. An expected visit of the Russian President Vladimir Putin later this year for the annual summit as well as vaccine cooperation was discussed today.
India-Russia Bilateral Relations:
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and the visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a joint press conference in New Delhi at the end of their talks.
So far India and Russia have completed 22 long years of Strategic partnership and almost 12 years of special and privileged strategic partnership. “The discussions were “comprehensive and productive”, Jaishankar mentioned following the meeting.
: Russian Foreign Minister coming to India To talk about military trade, Afghanistan and other concerns
Indo-Pacific
The going to Foreign minister of Russia echoed what external affairs minister has been saying on Indo-Pacific. “We are for inclusive cooperation that is for something, not against somebody”, Mr Lavrov mentioned.
During the talks each sides shared their views on the Indo-Pacific.
Addressing a joint conference following the meeting, the Russian defence minister dismissed ideas of any future military alliance among Russia and China.
Adding, “By the way, we have also heard speculation about pro-military alliances not only with reference to Russia and China relations, but have also heard about such alliances as Middle East-NATO, Asia-NATO.”
S-400 anti-aircraft missile technique
Both diplomats sidestepped inquiries which had been associated to the delivery of Moscow’s S-400 weapons technique.
Responding to a query raised by the Indian sides, each minister responded by saying that the two nations have vowed to deepen military-technical cooperation.
According to the Russian minister “the statements from the US were not discussed. Instead we have confirmed that our military co-operations will be deepening.”
Why is S-400 critical situation?
As has been reported in TheSpuzz Online final week, each India and Russia had in 2016 inked an agreement for the ‘Triumf’ interceptor-based missile technique. This technique is viewed as to be the ideal in the planet and has the capability of destroying missiles, drones and even enemy aircraft up to a variety of 400 km.
The trump administration in 2017 introduced the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA. This was a US federal law which was imposed on Iran, North Korea and Russia.
In the case of Russia, it meant sanctions on Russian interests which includes defence and safety sector, oil and gas business as properly as the monetary institutions.
And, considering that then the US side has been urging India not to acquire the world’s ideal air defence technique S-400, and other military platforms.
This is a deal which is worth USD 5 billion. And India’s constant stand has been that the method for acquiring the Russian technique had began a lot ahead of CAATSA was imposed by the US and that it is not a UN law.
A group of military specialists are currently in Moscow undertaking instruction for the S-400 Triumf ‘SA-21 Growler’ air defence systems. This technique is the primary pillar of the specific and privileged strategic partnership among the two nations.
: IAF finding prepared for Russian S-400 Triumf air defence technique, specialists leave for instruction in Moscow
Responding to a media query the going to Russian minister stated “We reiterated our commitment to military-technical cooperation. There is an intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation and it has plans. And this also includes discussion of additional manufacturing of Russian military equipment on Indian Territory.”
To the comparable query if the S-400 was discussed, the Indian external affairs minister mentioned that “Later in the year when the defence minister will meet, the S-400 will be discussed.”
The Russian minister in his opening remarks at the finish of his meeting with Jaishankar told the media that the two nations are discussing the possibility of “additional” production of Russian military gear in India.
Vaccine Diplomacy
Post COVID, each India and Russia are in talks of deepening their vaccine cooperation. Stage is set for the Indian regulatory body to clear the Russia-created Sputnik V corona virus vaccine for emergency use. This then will make offered a third vaccine solution for India which is witnessing an improve in the numbers of the Covid-19 infections.
Once authorized, according to reports, this vaccine will be manufactured by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. This is a two-dose vaccine and it demands to be stored in liquid kind at or under -18 degree Celsius.
India-Russia & Afghanistan
To a query Mr Lavrov mentioned, “Without the participation of the of all political, ethnic and other groups in Afghanistan, the talks will not be durable.”
Why? Because, as the Russian minister stated, “The Taliban movement is part of Afghan society. And, for any settlement a balance of interests of all political, ethnic and religious groups should be reflected. And they should be represented in the governing structures.”
Today’s meeting among the two foreign ministers amidst the US pushing Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the Taliban to attain a peace deal. Though there is a tension among the US and Moscow, the Russian side has been publicly backed the US proposal.
What is the US proposal?
The US desires to pull out 2500 soldiers from war torn Afghanistan. And, has proposed an interim government of national unity. This is anticipated to bringing collectively the Taliban and Afghan leaders.