The recent meeting between the Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Indian counterpart has been a significant event in international relations. This visit witnessed the signing of several important agreements between the two nations, with special focus on defence cooperation and economic engagement. This article will delve into the details of these agreements, their implications for both Russia and India and how they shape the future trajectory of bilateral relations.
Initiating the First Indo-Russia 2+2 Dialogue
This recent meeting was significant as it marked the first ‘2+2’ meeting between the foreign and defence ministers of Russia and India, a format India had previously only held with Quad members – the US, Japan, and Australia. The dialogue was aimed at consolidating bilateral ties and building on the common “resilient” ground.
Agreement for Kalashnikov Rifles
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the signing of two contracts for the manufacture of nearly 600,000 AK-203 rifles. This joint venture will be located in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
Fostering Military Cooperation
The two countries also sealed an agreement for military technology cooperation for the next decade, from 2021 to 2031. This agreement is seen as a move for India from solely being a Russian defence product consumer to becoming its production partner.
Moving Ahead on Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement
The meeting saw advancement on the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) and a Navy-to-Navy cooperation MoU. These agreements are aimed at enhancing naval cooperation and logistics exchange between the two nations.
Singing of Military Protocol
Russia and India also signed the Protocol of the 20th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation, a well-established mechanism that provides a platform for defense cooperation.
Further Discussions on Geopolitical Hotspots
Issues such as the situation in Afghanistan, maritime security and China’s aggressive posture along the northern border were also discussed. Both countries proposed greater engagements in Central Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.
Importance of Russia for India’s Geopolitical Balance
Russia’s strategic importance for India was recognized amid escalating tensions with China. Russia’s ability to defuse tensions with China, as demonstrated by organizing a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China following deadly clashes in Galwan Valley, underscores its significance.
New Sectors of Economic Engagement
In addition to traditional areas like weapons, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, and diamonds, sectors like mining, agro-industrial, robotics, nanotech, biotech are set to emerge as key areas of cooperation. India’s footprint in the Russian Far East and in the Arctic is expected to expand.
Russia’s Role in Combating Terrorism
India and Russia are working closely to conclude the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Russia’s support for India’s candidacy for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council and of the Nuclear Suppliers Group also underscores their mutual commitment to combat terrorism.
The Evolving Arms Trade Between Russia and India
Even though Russia’s share in India’s arms imports saw a dip over the years, it still remains one of the largest arms exporters to India. Over the last 20 years, India imported arms and weapons worth USD 35 billion from Russia.
The Way Forward for Russia-India Cooperation
Both India and Russia acknowledge each other’s significance in geopolitical dynamics. While Russia remains a key defence partner for India, the latter’s role as a balancer in the quasi-alliance setup between Russia and China cannot be underestimated.
Joint Military Production Initiatives
Discussions have been held about using India as a production base for exporting Russian-origin equipment and services to third countries, indicating the growing space for cooperation between the two nations. Russia has also made legislative changes to allow its companies to set up joint ventures in India to ensure timely supply of spares and support to the large inventory of Russian hardware in service with the Indian military.
