Moscow (Russia) [India], December 3 (ANI): Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow aims to “elevate cooperation” with India and China to a “qualitatively new level.” His remarks come ahead of his visit to India from December 4–5 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow on Tuesday, Putin said the objective of numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other sectors is to strengthen ties with Beijing and New Delhi. “We aim to elevate cooperation with the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India to a qualitatively new level by strengthening its technological component. This is the objective of numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other sectors,” he said.
Putin added that he has established substantive dialogue on economic issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping and expects to continue the same with PM Modi during his visit. “We have established a substantive dialogue on economic issues with the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping. We will also discuss these topics in detail during the upcoming visit to India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including increasing imports of Indian goods to our market,” he said.
During his India visit, Putin will attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit and hold talks with PM Modi.
Earlier, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the sale of additional S-400 long-range anti-aircraft missiles could be on the agenda. “Highly on the agenda and this could be discussed. Our military industry is working pretty well. Russian arms account for 36 percent of the Indian armed forces, and hopefully this will continue,” Peskov said.
Russia also hopes to discuss the possibility of India acquiring the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter. “Su-57 is the best plane in the world. Su-57 will be on the agenda,” Peskov stated.
Speaking further about defense cooperation, Peskov highlighted the BrahMos missile program as an example of high-technology exchange between the two nations. “As far as our cooperation in the defense industry goes, let’s remember the famous BrahMos missiles. It’s not only production or acts of buying or selling; it’s an exchange of high technologies, and it paves the way for a bright future in this field of cooperation. We are developing a variety of very complicated systems, and we are ready to share this with our Indian friends,” he said.
Peskov also noted the possibility of an agreement on nuclear energy during Putin’s visit. “There will be an offer for a small reactor. Russia possesses important technology for small and flexible reactors. Russia has real experience in producing small reactors. We’re exchanging mutual and joint investments, and it makes this kind of cooperation even more valuable for our countries in terms of securing their future. We were deeply involved in creating a sector of peaceful nuclear energy in India at Kudankulam, and we hope for the continuation of this project,” he added. (ANI)
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