News Analysis India

Tag: India Russia Ties

  • India-Russia Trade Surpasses USD 50 Bn: Jaishankar Highlights Progress, Key Sector Cooperation | India News

    New Delhi: During a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the substantial advancement in bilateral trade between India and Russia, exceeding USD 50 billion. Jaishankar underlined the potential for continued growth and stressed the importance of fostering a more sustainable character in the trade relationship.

    “I would like to highlight the progress we have and trade, which is in excess of a turnover of USD 50 million, and we believe that this is something whose potential is now only beginning to be visible. It is important that we give it a more sustainable character, and we discussed how we should do that,” said Jaishankar.

    Covering pivotal areas of collaboration, the External Affairs Minister (EAM) delved into discussions on the nuclear sector, emphasizing the signing of vital agreements linked to the Kudankulam project. He disclosed the completion of a significant accord pertaining to nuclear fuel supply, signaling progress in India-Russia cooperation within the nuclear domain.

    Honored to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message.

    Appraised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of… pic.twitter.com/iuC944fYHq — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023

    “The second aspect pertains to the nuclear side and we signed agreements yesterday that would take the Kudakulam project forward. And also, we have finalized a very significant agreement on nuclear fuel supply,” he added.

    During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal greetings to President Putin. He mentioned that PM Modi had sent a letter expressing thoughts on the state of cooperation and recent progress.

    “Please allow me to convey the personal greetings of Prime Minister Modi and he has also, through me, sent a letter to you, a letter expressing his thoughts about, the state of our cooperation and the progress that we have made in recent days. And I will have the honor to give you the letter,” said Jaishankar.

    “Certainly, he (PM Modi) looks forward to visiting Russia next year. And I’m sure that we will find a date that is mutually convenient from the political calendars of both countries,” the EAM said, responding to President Putin’s invitation to PM Modi.

    Jaishankar took the opportunity to update President Putin on the progress made over the last two days, including discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

    A wide ranging and useful meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia.

    As strategic partners, discussed the international situation and contemporary issues. Exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation, Afghanistan and Central Asia, BRICS, SCO, G20 and… pic.twitter.com/Uk9VTbZm5y — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023

    “I would also, extensively, like to take the opportunity to share with you aspects of the progress that we have made and in the last 2 days, I had a chance to discuss it with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and today with Lavrov,” the EAM said.

    Following his meeting with the Russian President, Jaishankar took to his social media handle on X and said that he appreciated Putin’s guidance on the further developments of India-Russia ties.

    “Honored to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM Narendra Modi and handed over a personal message. Appraised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of our ties,” the EAM posted on

  • Uttar Pradesh: Amethi’s Korwa unit begins production of AK-203 assault rifles

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: The manufacturing unit of the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) situated at Korwa in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh has started the production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles.

    Last week, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande had claimed that the first batch of 5,000 AK-203 rifles would be delivered to the Army by March, this year.

    Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, the Russian partner, confirmed it by saying that Korwa Ordnance factory in Amethi has produced the first batch of 7.62 mm Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles.

    The IRRPL was set up jointly between Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) of India and Rosoboronexport (RoE) and Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern in 2019. Rosoboronexport and Kalashnikov Concern are the subsidiaries of Rostec State Corporation.

    While issuing a statement on Tuesday, Alexander Mikheev said: “The beginning of deliveries to the Indian Army is expected soon. At the same time, the Korwa Ordnance factory’s capacity makes it possible to fully equip the personnel of other law enforcement agencies in India with AK-203 assault rifles.”

    He also claimed that the joint venture would also be able to export the rifles to other countries.

    Besides retaining all the advantages of the traditional AK scheme in terms of reliability, and durability coupled with ease of maintenance, the AK-2000 series assault rifles also meet the latest requirements for firearms in terms of ergonomics and the ability to mount high-tech additional equipment, the statement added.

    In consonance with the ‘Make In India’ initiative of the Government of India, the Russian partner claimed that it aimed at cooperating with its Indian counterpart in terms of transfer of technology. “With the launch of series production of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles, high-quality, convenient and modern small arms will begin to enter service with India’s defence and law enforcement agencies,” said Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostec.

    “The model combines excellent ergonomics, adaptability to different shooters and high-performance characteristics, it is one of the best assault rifles in the world,” he added.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of a new manufacturing unit of the AK-203 assault rifle, the latest derivative of the legendary AK-47 rifle, at Korwa in March 2019.

    The government of India had given its go-ahead to the manufacturing of the initial batch of 5 lakh rifles in 2021.

    The joint venture plans to ensure 100% localisation of the production of AK-203 rifles in India and in future may also increase output and upgrade its production facilities to manufacture advanced rifles based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle platform, the statement further added. 

    LUCKNOW: The manufacturing unit of the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) situated at Korwa in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh has started the production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles.

    Last week, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande had claimed that the first batch of 5,000 AK-203 rifles would be delivered to the Army by March, this year.

    Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, the Russian partner, confirmed it by saying that Korwa Ordnance factory in Amethi has produced the first batch of 7.62 mm Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles.

    The IRRPL was set up jointly between Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) of India and Rosoboronexport (RoE) and Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern in 2019. Rosoboronexport and Kalashnikov Concern are the subsidiaries of Rostec State Corporation.

    While issuing a statement on Tuesday, Alexander Mikheev said: “The beginning of deliveries to the Indian Army is expected soon. At the same time, the Korwa Ordnance factory’s capacity makes it possible to fully equip the personnel of other law enforcement agencies in India with AK-203 assault rifles.”

    He also claimed that the joint venture would also be able to export the rifles to other countries.

    Besides retaining all the advantages of the traditional AK scheme in terms of reliability, and durability coupled with ease of maintenance, the AK-2000 series assault rifles also meet the latest requirements for firearms in terms of ergonomics and the ability to mount high-tech additional equipment, the statement added.

    In consonance with the ‘Make In India’ initiative of the Government of India, the Russian partner claimed that it aimed at cooperating with its Indian counterpart in terms of transfer of technology. “With the launch of series production of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles, high-quality, convenient and modern small arms will begin to enter service with India’s defence and law enforcement agencies,” said Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostec.

    “The model combines excellent ergonomics, adaptability to different shooters and high-performance characteristics, it is one of the best assault rifles in the world,” he added.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of a new manufacturing unit of the AK-203 assault rifle, the latest derivative of the legendary AK-47 rifle, at Korwa in March 2019.

    The government of India had given its go-ahead to the manufacturing of the initial batch of 5 lakh rifles in 2021.

    The joint venture plans to ensure 100% localisation of the production of AK-203 rifles in India and in future may also increase output and upgrade its production facilities to manufacture advanced rifles based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle platform, the statement further added. 

  • Return to talks, says India as Russia goes into revenge mode

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India on Monday expressed its deep concern over the escalation of the Ukraine conflict and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities as Russia launched its biggest air strike since the war started, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more. 

    “Escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest. We urge an urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation,’’ said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.

    In view of rising tensions, the Indian embassy in Kyiv on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine and suggesting they follow the safety and security guidelines issued by the local authorities. 

    Russia’s latest attack on multiple Ukrainian cities including Kyiv is seen as a retaliation for the recent explosion of a key bridge linking Russia to Crimea. Moscow has held Ukraine responsible for the blast, which damaged parts of the 19-km bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

    “The Kyiv regime, by its actions, has actually put itself on the same level as international terrorist groups, and with the most odious of those. It is simply no longer possible to leave crimes of this kind without retaliation,” Putin said in an online broadcast. 

    NEW DELHI: India on Monday expressed its deep concern over the escalation of the Ukraine conflict and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities as Russia launched its biggest air strike since the war started, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more. 

    “Escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest. We urge an urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation,’’ said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.

    In view of rising tensions, the Indian embassy in Kyiv on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine and suggesting they follow the safety and security guidelines issued by the local authorities. 

    Russia’s latest attack on multiple Ukrainian cities including Kyiv is seen as a retaliation for the recent explosion of a key bridge linking Russia to Crimea. Moscow has held Ukraine responsible for the blast, which damaged parts of the 19-km bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

    “The Kyiv regime, by its actions, has actually put itself on the same level as international terrorist groups, and with the most odious of those. It is simply no longer possible to leave crimes of this kind without retaliation,” Putin said in an online broadcast. 

  • Looking at keeping economic ties with Russia stable: External Affairs Ministry

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India on Thursday reiterated that it has been looking at keeping its economic ties with Russia stable and that it procures “very little” Russian crude oil. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said this when asked at a media briefing about reports that India is buying more Russian crude oil.

    Bagchi said that India’s position on Russia has been “clear and steadfast”. “We are looking at how to keep our economic relations stable…We procure very little oil from Russia.It is not done on a government-to-government basis,” he said.

    Bagchi also said that he was not aware whether India’s procurement of crude oil from Russia has increased or not. He said that India had a very good conversation with the US on the matter. There has been some disquiet in the western countries over India’s position on the Ukraine crisis as well as its decision to procure discounted Russian oil.

  • India, Russia have been regularly in touch on Afghanistan, regional issues: PM Narendra Modi

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: India and Russia have been in regular touch on Afghanistan and regional issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday and noted that the two countries have not only helped each other without hesitation but also taken care of each others’ sensitivities.

    The Prime Minister, who held the annual summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House here, said that the 2+2 mechanism between the two countries has started a new mechanism to increase cooperation between the two countries. “Both countries have not only helped each other without any hesitation but have also taken care of each others’ sensitivities. This is really a unique and trustworthy model of intrusted friendship,” he said.

    This is the first in-person between PM Modi and Putin since they met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in 2019 in Brasilia. The visit of the Russian leader is in continuation of the tradition of annual summits held alternately in India and Russia.

    PM Modi said that various fundamental changes had occurred at the global level in the last few decades and multiple new geopolitical equations have emerged but despite these variables, the friendship between the two countries has been constant.

    He emphasised that 2021 is a special year for the strategic partnership between India and Russia. “Today, the first 2+2 dialogue was convened among our foreign and defence ministers. The dialogue has begun a new mechanism to increase our practical cooperation. We have also been regularly in touch on Afghanistan and other regional issues,” the Prime Minister said.

    “The regional partnership that began from Eastern Economic Forum and Vladivostok summit today is turning into real assistance between Indian states and Russian Far East,” he added. The Prime Minister said the two countries are also implementing a long-term vision to strengthen economic ties.

  • India, Russia to ink number of pacts during Narendra Modi-Vladimir Putin Summit on Monday

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India and Russia are expected to ink a raft of pacts to further boost cooperation in key areas of defence, trade and investment, energy and technology at the summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin on Monday, government sources said.

    In the summit as well as in the inaugural ‘2+2’ defence and foreign ministerial talks, the two sides are also expected to focus on the situation in Afghanistan and the rising threat of terrorism including from groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

    It is learnt that the joint statement to be issued after the summit is likely to reflect India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism and the security implications arising out of the Afghan crisis.

    While Putin will arrive in Delhi on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu are reaching on Sunday night.

    According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi and President Putin will begin the summit talks at 5:30 pm and the Russian leader will emplane from Delhi at 9:30 pm.

    Ahead of the summit, India has cleared the long-pending AK 203 Kalashnikov rifles deal worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore for production of over five lakh AK-203 assault rifles at Korwa in Amethi by an Indo-Russian joint venture.

    The two sides are also likely to wrap up the final phase of negotiations for a logistics support agreement, which is likely to be signed either during the two-plus-two talks or at the summit.

    In reflection of their time-tested defence ties, India and Russia are also set to renew for the next decade a framework for military-technical cooperation at the summit besides announcing a joint commission on technology and science.

    The two sides may also firm up a number of defence procurement proposals besides deliberating on the long-pending project for joint production of 200 twin-engine Kamov-226T light helicopters for Indian armed forces.

    According to sources, India is likely to apprise the Russian side about its position on the eastern Ladakh border row as well as its concerns over various regional developments.

    The sources said President Putin’s decision to visit India notwithstanding the current COVID-19 situation in Russia reflected the importance he attaches to the relationship with India.

    “December 6 will be a full Russia Day,” said a source referring to back-to-back important meetings.

    The day will begin with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s talks with his Russian counterpart Shoygu under the framework of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation.

    Separately, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold talks with his Russian counterpart Lavrov.

    Then the foreign and defence ministers of the two sides will hold the ‘2+2’ dialogue at 11:30 pm.

    Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will hold a one-on-meeting before the 21st India-Russia summit.

    A dinner will also be hosted for the Russian leader.

    The pacts to be signed will cover a wide range of areas including trade, energy, culture, defence and technology, the sources said.

    Besides government-to-government agreements, a number of other pacts are also set to be firmed up on the sidelines of the summit, the sources said.

    “Despite global geo-political changes, our relations with Russia have been very steady,” said another source.

    On cooperation in areas of defence, the sources said the two sides are set to focus on co-production and co-development of military equipment and platforms.

    Referring to investment ties, they said the target of USD 30 billion has already been met in 2018 and now the focus is on raising it to USD 50 billion by 2025.

    They said efforts would be to diversify trade ties which has till now been dominated by cooperation in the energy sector.

    “We are looking at new drivers of growth,” the source said.

    The sources said India is also keen on boosting trade relations with the Russian Far East and 11 governors from the region have been invited for the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat conclave.

    The last India-Russia Annual Summit was held in September 2019 during the visit of Modi to Vladivostok.

    The annual summit could not take place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • India-Russia ties stood the test of time: PM Modi

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:   Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the friendship between India and Russia is time-tested and evidence of this is their cooperation during the pandemic, including in the vaccine sector. 

    “India-Russia energy partnership can help bring stability to the global energy market. In Indian history and civilisation, the word Sangam has a special meaning. It means confluence or coming together of rivers, people or ideas. Vladivostok is truly a Sangam of Eurasia and the Pacific,” Modi said in his virtual address at the 6th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) Summit in Vladivostok.

    He said the energy sector is another pillar of cooperation between India and Russia. He had attended the summit in 2019 as the chief guest. “In 2019, when I visited Vladivostok to attend the Forum, I had announced India’s commitment to an Act Far East policy.

    This policy is an important part of our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with Russia,” he said. Modi also extended an invitation to the governors of the 11 regions of the Far East to visit India at the earliest. 

  • India, Russia discuss defence ties, Afghan peace process, Indo-Pacific

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Russia on Tuesday promised expansion of joint production of weapons systems in India as the two countries held extensive talks covering key areas of bilateral cooperation as well as pressing issues like the Afghan peace process and each other’s outlook for the Indo-Pacific region.

    In their talks, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov also discussed the proposed free trade pact between India and the Eurasian Economic Union.

    People familiar with the discussions said the Indian side apprised the Russian delegation of its views and apprehensions over China’s behaviour in the backdrop of the border row in eastern Ladakh.

    At a press conference with Lavrov, Jaishankar, terming the talks “very warm”, “comprehensive” and “very productive”, said much of the discussions covered the preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India for the annual India-Russia summit later this year.

    To a question, Lavrov dismissed the possibility of any future military alliance between Russia and China and asserted the cooperation between the two countries was not directed against anyone.

    Referring to bilateral defence ties, Lavrov said Russia was ready for transfer of cutting edge technologies and “additional manufacturing” of weapons systems in India.

    Russia is already part of several joint production of military hardware projects in India.

    “I am sure deepening of military cooperation serves national interests of both the countries. At the same time, we respect the right of Indian friends to diversify ties in this area,” he said and described the outcome of the talks as “satisfactory”.

    Without elaborating, Jaishankar said, “Our defence sector requirements in the past year were expeditiously addressed.”

    Asked whether the issue of the US putting pressure on India to not procure Russian weapons systems figured in the talks, he said it did not.

    He said the US puts pressure on India and any other country that wants to sign agreement with Russia for procuring weapons.

    The Russian foreign minister arrived here on Monday evening on a nearly 19-hour visit amid apparent unease in Moscow over the proactive approach of the Quad member nations, including India, in dealing with geo-political developments in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Lavrov is travelling to Islamabad from India.

    Jaishankar said both nations understand the importance of the India-Russia relationship to global peace, security and stability and that the review of bilateral ties was “really encouraging”.

    “I shared our viewpoint on Indo-Pacific. As our prime minister pointed out at the Shangri-La Dialogue some years ago, contemporary challenges require countries to work together in new and different ways,” Jaishankar said.

    Russia has been critical of the Quad grouping that has been aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

    Quad comprises India, the US, Japan and Australia. Lavrov referred to Indo-Pacific as Asia-Pacific and said both sides highlighted the need to preserve the central role of ASEAN in the region.

    He also highlighted the need for interaction among Russia, India and China under the existing trilateral framework.

    At the press conference, Lavrov dismissed suggestions of any future military alliance between Russia and China.

    “We have heard speculation about pro-military alliances not only with respect to Russia and China relations, we have also heard about such alliances allegedly being promoted such as Middle East-NATO, Asia-NATO.

    Today we exchanged views on this and our Indian friends have the same position as we. We believe this is counter-productive,” he said in Russian.

    “We are interested in inclusive cooperation that is for something, not against somebody,” Lavrov said.

    Jaishankar said developments in and around Afghanistan also figured in the talks.

    “For India, what happens in Afghanistan impacts its security directly. I shared our approach that a durable peace there would require harmonising interests of all, both within and around that nation.” “The peace process must be based on foundational principles to which we all subscribe. A political solution should mean an independent, sovereign, united and democratic Afghanistan,” he said.

    The Russian foreign ministry termed the talks “an open-minded exchange of views on most significant issues of the international and regional agenda”.

    It said both sides stated the similarity of approaches to pressing global and regional problems, including a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, the Syrian crisis, the situation around Iranian nuclear programme, as well as a common understanding of the principles of shaping a reliable security architecture in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

    Jaishankar said discussions were also held on trade and investment.

    “We note the appetite for greater investments in each other by both countries. Russian support for our Gaganyaan programme has progressed which we deeply appreciate,” he said, adding the longstanding partnership in nuclear and space sectors figured in the talks.

    “Our rapidly expanding energy cooperation that now includes long-term commitments was also on the agenda.” Lavrov said both sides agreed on the need to galvanise work on renewed intergovernmental agreement on mutual security of investments and settlement of issues relating to national currencies.

    “We have to launch as soon as possible talks on free trade pact between India and the Eurasian Economic Union based on mutual benefit,” he said.

  • India and Russia agree to work closely on key issues at the UN Security Council

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: India and Russia have agreed to work closely on key issues at the UN Security Council, in keeping with the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both sides held bilateral consultations in Moscow on Tuesday on issues which are on the agenda of the UN Security Council (UNSC).

    It said the Indian delegation at the director general-level meeting briefed the Russian side on India’s priorities during its UNSC tenure.

    “Both sides agreed to work closely together on key issues on the UNSC agenda, in keeping with the special and privileged strategic partnership,” the MEA said in a statement.

    India began its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC on January 1.

    In August, India is scheduled to serve as the president of the powerful UN body.

    The MEA said the two sides appreciated the intensive ongoing bilateral contacts on matters relating to the UN, including with respect to a wide range of issues on the UNSC agenda.

    Last week, India held similar discussions with China.