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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a bilateral summit in Goa, India on 15 October 2016 [PPIO]
“[The sides] discussed cooperation in the BRICS, problems of the leading multilateral export-control regimes, including New Delhi’s application for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), other issues of arms non-proliferation and control, as well as current issues on the international agenda of mutual interest,” the foreign ministry said in a statement carried by the Russian News Agency TASS.
India and Russia have long-standing and historic ties, with Moscow seeing itself as an ally to New Delhi.
The two countries also maintain strong military ties.
In early March, India signed a $3 billion deal with Russia to lease a third nuclear-powered submarine, which would be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2025.
Despite US objections and the threat of sanctions, India says it will go ahead and purchase advanced Russian defense systems.
The US has sought to sway India to purchase alternatives to advanced Russian weaponry.
India and Russia signed a multi-billion dollar defense deal revolving around the sale of five advanced S-400 Triumf surface to air missile systems, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi in October.
he S-400 is believed to be able to engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft and VLO (Very Low Observable) craft.
With a range of 400 kilometers and an altitude of close to 32 kms, S-400 Triumf is designed to shield from air strikes, strategic, cruise, tactical and operating tactical ballistic missiles and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as neutralize drones.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ air defence missile systems is equipped with three different types of missiles and an acquisition radar capable of tracking up to 300 targets within the range of nearly 600 kms.
Triumf is a system made of eight launchers and a control station.
India says the purchase, to be delivered within the next three years, will significantly boost its defensive capabilities.
The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies
