Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to wish him a&nbsp;happy birthday&nbsp;and to discuss&nbsp;his upcoming India visit. President Putin is expected to visit India before year-end for the annual India Russia summit that takes place alternatively between the two countries.&nbsp;

A release from Indian Prime Minister's office said, "Prime Minister recalled his long association and friendship with His Excellency Putin, and appreciated the personal role that the latter has played in nurturing the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations."

Adding, "Prime Minister expressed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India, as soon as possible after the normalisation of the public health situation."

PM Modi was amongst the first world leaders to call President Putin on his birthday. Last month, the Russian President had called PM Modi to wish him on his birthday.&nbsp; 
 
During the talks, COVID pandemic was also discussed. Russia will be supplying its COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V to India, subject to regulatory approval. India had also reached out to Moscow, supplying the country with anti covid drug HCQ.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to wish him a happy birthday and to discuss his upcoming India visit. President Putin is expected to visit India before year-end for the annual India Russia summit that takes place alternatively between the two countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to wish him a happy birthday and to discuss his upcoming India visit. President Putin is expected to visit India before year-end for the annual India Russia summit that takes place alternatively between the two countries. A release from Indian Prime Minister's office said, "Prime Minister recalled his long association and friendship with His Excellency Putin, and appreciated the personal role that the latter has played in nurturing the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations." Adding, "Prime Minister expressed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India, as soon as possible after the normalisation of the public health situation." PM Modi was amongst the first world leaders to call President Putin on his birthday. Last month, the Russian President had called PM Modi to wish him on his birthday. During the talks, COVID pandemic was also discussed. Russia will be supplying its COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V to India, subject to regulatory approval. India had also reached out to Moscow, supplying the country with anti covid drug HCQ.

Russian president's India visit discussed during PM Modi's call with Putin on his birthday

Russia has said that it is working with India for "common approaches" for development in pacific and Indian ocean, even as both celebrate 20 years of establishment of "strategic partnership". Both sides signed the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin that year.

Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev speaking on the occasion said, "strategic partners means to proceed from the unity of destinies and to form common approaches and views on common on issues directly connected to the existence of our countries and peoples".

Explaining,"These include jointly finding solutions to problem....working out common approaches to the vision of regional development: in Pacific and Indian Oceans, or in Persian Gulf."

The comments assume significance even as India and the United States are working on Indo-Pacific concept, which New Delhi has also raised with Moscow.&nbsp;

The Russian envoy mentioned how both countries are jointly dealing with "Covid-19 pandemic, countering new challenges and threats-- terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, attempts to rewrite the history of the Great Victory".

Amid the COVID crisis, India had sent hydroxychloroquine used in the treatment of the disease to Russia. Russia is sending its COVID vaccine Sputnik V to India, but subject to regulatory approval in the country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-journalist-dies-after-setting-herself-on-fire-332243">Russian journalist dies after setting herself on fire</a>

This year also marks 10 years since India and Russia elevated the relationship to the level of “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;

The envoy said, "Special and privileged partnership" can be described by "unprecedented, unparalleled level of confidence" and "it means a situation when partner’s views, opinions, positions are by default embedded in Moscow’s or New Delhi’s approaches to key problems of the day or to key problems of developing our bilateral relations."

Adding," future of Eurasia and other regions of the world belongs to this partnership"

Last month saw both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meets. In November, Russia as the host is expected to host a virtual meeting of SCO and BRICS head of state.

Russia has said that it is working with India for "common approaches" for development in pacific and Indian ocean, even as both celebrate 20 years of establishment of "strategic partnership".

Russia has said that it is working with India for "common approaches" for development in pacific and Indian ocean, even as both celebrate 20 years of establishment of "strategic partnership". Both sides signed the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin that year. Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev speaking on the occasion said, "strategic partners means to proceed from the unity of destinies and to form common approaches and views on common on issues directly connected to the existence of our countries and peoples". Explaining,"These include jointly finding solutions to problem....working out common approaches to the vision of regional development: in Pacific and Indian Oceans, or in Persian Gulf." The comments assume significance even as India and the United States are working on Indo-Pacific concept, which New Delhi has also raised with Moscow. The Russian envoy mentioned how both countries are jointly dealing with "Covid-19 pandemic, countering new challenges and threats-- terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, attempts to rewrite the history of the Great Victory". Amid the COVID crisis, India had sent hydroxychloroquine used in the treatment of the disease to Russia. Russia is sending its COVID vaccine Sputnik V to India, but subject to regulatory approval in the country. Also Read | Russian journalist dies after setting herself on fire This year also marks 10 years since India and Russia elevated the relationship to the level of “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The envoy said, "Special and privileged partnership" can be described by "unprecedented, unparalleled level of confidence" and "it means a situation when partner’s views, opinions, positions are by default embedded in Moscow’s or New Delhi’s approaches to key problems of the day or to key problems of developing our bilateral relations." Adding," future of Eurasia and other regions of the world belongs to this partnership" Last month saw both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meets. In November, Russia as the host is expected to host a virtual meeting of SCO and BRICS head of state.

Working on common approaches with India in Pacific, Indian Ocean: Russia

India's ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Verma has said it won't be "business as usual" with China till "complete disengagement" has taken place at the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-amid-reports-of-pla-slowing-de-escalation-india-china-wmcc-talks-on-border-affairs-to-take-place-on-friday-315466">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid reports of PLA slowing de-escalation, India, China WMCC talks on border affairs to take place on Friday</a>

Speaking to Izvestia, also considered the country's national newspaper envoy, Verma said,"we have made it clear that we will not do business with China as usual until there is a complete disengagement of military forces along the Line of Actual Control and de-escalation in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols. As Prime Minister Modi noted, this is an era of development, and the era of expansion has come to an end."

His comments are significant, given Moscow has been briefed by India on the situation at the LAC after the violent flare up on June 15. The actions by Chinese that killed 20 Indian soldiers have been termed "premeditated" by India.&nbsp;

Welcoming Russia for demonstrating "understanding of India's position on the border issue" and the envoy said, "we are completely satisfied with the progress of our military-technical cooperation with Russia and the rapid delivery of weapons, so we look forward to the visit of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to India towards the end of this year."

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow in end June to take part in victory day parade. India recently approved a proposal for procurement of 21 MIG-29 along with up-gradation of existing 59 Mig-29 aircraft from Russia at an estimated cost of Rs 7418 crore.

On Indo Pacific, the envoy said, "India and Russia share common interest so that the Indo-Pacific region becomes a region of peace, stability and economic prosperity, so that no country seeks unilateral advantage at the cost of the entire region."

Russia is reluctant on the concept, given it is Washington-backed.&nbsp;

On India's ties with US versus India's ties with Russia, envoy explained that while "India has a strategic partnership with the United States and cooperation on global issues" New Delhi "pursues an independent foreign policy" and "never joined any alliance and will not do so in future."&nbsp;

On defense procurement, he said, India takes "independent decisions" and see "no contradiction between further development of India's defense relations with Russia and those with the United States", adding, "Our military cooperation with the Russian Federation will continue, taking into account the interests of India in the field of national security"

India's ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Verma has said it won't be "business as usual" with China till "complete disengagement" has taken place at the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

India's ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Verma has said it won't be "business as usual" with China till "complete disengagement" has taken place at the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Also Read: Amid reports of PLA slowing de-escalation, India, China WMCC talks on border affairs to take place on Friday Speaking to Izvestia, also considered the country's national newspaper envoy, Verma said,"we have made it clear that we will not do business with China as usual until there is a complete disengagement of military forces along the Line of Actual Control and de-escalation in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols. As Prime Minister Modi noted, this is an era of development, and the era of expansion has come to an end." His comments are significant, given Moscow has been briefed by India on the situation at the LAC after the violent flare up on June 15. The actions by Chinese that killed 20 Indian soldiers have been termed "premeditated" by India. Welcoming Russia for demonstrating "understanding of India's position on the border issue" and the envoy said, "we are completely satisfied with the progress of our military-technical cooperation with Russia and the rapid delivery of weapons, so we look forward to the visit of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to India towards the end of this year." India's defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow in end June to take part in victory day parade. India recently approved a proposal for procurement of 21 MIG-29 along with up-gradation of existing 59 Mig-29 aircraft from Russia at an estimated cost of Rs 7418 crore. On Indo Pacific, the envoy said, "India and Russia share common interest so that the Indo-Pacific region becomes a region of peace, stability and economic prosperity, so that no country seeks unilateral advantage at the cost of the entire region." Russia is reluctant on the concept, given it is Washington-backed. On India's ties with US versus India's ties with Russia, envoy explained that while "India has a strategic partnership with the United States and cooperation on global issues" New Delhi "pursues an independent foreign policy" and "never joined any alliance and will not do so in future." On defense procurement, he said, India takes "independent decisions" and see "no contradiction between further development of India's defense relations with Russia and those with the United States", adding, "Our military cooperation with the Russian Federation will continue, taking into account the interests of India in the field of national security"

No business as usual with China until complete disengagement: Indian envoy to Russia Venkatesh Verma

Russia on Wednesday praised India for sending medicines as it described the decision as "noble". It also said that this friendly gesture would be reciprocated. Speaking to WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev praised India's "comprehensive efforts" and said that it resulted in significant "decrease in the rate of infection" in the country.

Russia on Wednesday praised India for sending medicines as it described the decision as "noble". It also said that this friendly gesture would be reciprocated. Speaking to WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev praised India's "comprehensive efforts" and said that it resulted in significant "decrease in the rate of infection" in the country. WION: COVID-19 crisis is something that is caused by a great deal of uncertainty. How is Moscow and New Delhi collaborating to deal with the crisis? Nikolay Kudashev: Continous spread of COVID-19 infection is a global challenge. In this battle, Russia and India fight a common enemy. We follow closely steps taken by the union governments and regional administrations. These comprehensive efforts resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of infection and we see a number of recoveries growing. In Russia too, the government introduced various measures to tackle the diseases, apart from lockdown and social distancing measures, additional hospitals are being operated, vaccines are tested which help in preventing the unchecked spread of the infection. Of course, people are at the centre of all our efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. While keeping in mind the safety of people in Russia, we also remember the citizens stranded abroad in lockdown. The embassy of Russia with the help of Indian authorities facilitated the repatriation of our tourist from India. So far about 1700 left India onboard special charted flights organised by the Russian government from Delhi and Goa from different cities and destinations of Russia. More flights are expected. At the same time, the Russian govt has provided support to Indian stranded in Russia, to ensure their safety. The Russian ministry of the interior ministry extended the visas of Indian nationals. WION: Termed as 'game-changer' in the battle against coronavirus, India is sending hydrocholoquine around the world. It will be sent to Russia also, how do you see it. And, any collaboration at BRICS Level? Nikolay Kudashev: The generous decision of the government of India to lift the ban on the export of important medicines to treat COVID-19 patients despite the increased demand in this country was very much appreciated in Russia. Be sure, it will be reciprocated. In our understanding, the conducive atmosphere for this noble decision was created during earlier contact of our leaders, PM Vladimir Putin and PM Modi followed by conversation and contact between top diplomats. We create a framework of cooperation within the United Nations, G20 and BRICS and we will push this close cooperation further in coming days. I am sure together we will be able to defeat the infection.

India's decision to send hydrocholoquine is 'noble'; it will be reciprocated: Russia

India's mediplomacy, or sending medicines - hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol is being lauded globally with Russia being the latest entrant. Russia is one of the 55 countries I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/average-growth-of-coronavirus-in-india-was-21-in-march-12-in-april-health-ministry-293159">ndia</a> is sending the hydroxychloroquine.

The spokesperson of Russian President Vladimir Putin Dmitry Peskov said, "The decision of the Indian leadership to send medicines to Russia to help fight coronavirus is in line with the spirit of partnership between the two countries and was received with a sense of gratitude."

"Moscow is pleased and grateful for the decision of the Indian government to deliver a batch of medicines to Russia to fight the coronavirus, We regard this decision of India as an effective step towards implementing the agreements on cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic," Peskov said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken on March 25 on&nbsp;the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

Putin's spokesperson also said, "Moscow is well aware that India, which itself is going through difficult times in terms of fighting the epidemic threat, made this decision guided by the common spirit of partnership between the two countries."

PM Modi-President Putin conversations were followed by talks between foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov during which both sides talked about the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s stranded citizens in their respective countries due to COVID-19 crisis.

Meanwhile, in the Gulf region, India has given Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to Bahrain, Paracetamol to Kuwait. HCQ to UAE and Oman are in the pipeline. &nbsp;New Delhi has also sent its rapid response teams to Kuwait as part of helping out its extended neighbourhood policy.

Meanwhile, PM Modi had talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa over the COVID-19 crisis which is part of his global engagement. PM Modi has spoken to over 20 world leaders over the crisis and in many conversations request for HCQ has been common.

India's mediplomacy, or sending medicines - hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol is being lauded globally with Russia being the latest entrant. Russia is one of the 55 countries India is sending the hydroxychloroquine.

India's mediplomacy, or sending medicines - hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol is being lauded globally with Russia being the latest entrant. Russia is one of the 55 countries India is sending the hydroxychloroquine. The spokesperson of Russian President Vladimir Putin Dmitry Peskov said, "The decision of the Indian leadership to send medicines to Russia to help fight coronavirus is in line with the spirit of partnership between the two countries and was received with a sense of gratitude." "Moscow is pleased and grateful for the decision of the Indian government to deliver a batch of medicines to Russia to fight the coronavirus, We regard this decision of India as an effective step towards implementing the agreements on cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic," Peskov said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken on March 25 on the COVID-19 crisis. Putin's spokesperson also said, "Moscow is well aware that India, which itself is going through difficult times in terms of fighting the epidemic threat, made this decision guided by the common spirit of partnership between the two countries." PM Modi-President Putin conversations were followed by talks between foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov during which both sides talked about the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s stranded citizens in their respective countries due to COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, in the Gulf region, India has given Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to Bahrain, Paracetamol to Kuwait. HCQ to UAE and Oman are in the pipeline. New Delhi has also sent its rapid response teams to Kuwait as part of helping out its extended neighbourhood policy. Meanwhile, PM Modi had talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa over the COVID-19 crisis which is part of his global engagement. PM Modi has spoken to over 20 world leaders over the crisis and in many conversations request for HCQ has been common.

India's coronavirus mediplomacy: Russia says thanks to New Delhi; HCQ sent to Gulf

Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, recently delivered an address in Delhi. Lavrov is arguably the second most powerful politician in Russia.&nbsp;

He ended his speech with the line - "India and Russia share a special privileged strategic partnership. I hope that our Indian friends will be promoting the same ideology'.

In response, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar called the India-Russia relationship - 'steady' and 'sustained by strong sentiment'.

These words make it clear that the old friendship, sometimes described as adrift, still remains strong.

So how does India see the shakeup in Russia? How does India see&nbsp;Vladimir Putin's attempt to remain in power and what does it mean for the relationship?

India has a remarkable history of democracy. Will that reputation be hurt by siding with leaders with authoritarian streaks? And what about China - the only thorn in India-Russia ties?

WATCH - on the Wion edit, we will discuss all of these questions.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-is-china-the-only-thorn-in-india-russia-ties-274754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Putin is poised to stay in power for a long time. This change is being done in-line with the democratic traditions of Russia and the move should bring some stability in Russia and that is good news for India.

If Putin wields absolute power, he threatens Russia's democracy, but that is something for the Russian people to decide and not India.

The only concern for India in its equation with Russia is China, which&nbsp;has been a traditional, historical and ideological ally of the Kremlin.

Last year, Xi Jinping, the Chinese President even called Putin 'his best and bosom friend'.

In the past, the Russia-China relationship has blown hot and cold, there was a border dispute which ran for many decades. China did not help Russia's efforts to build its might in West Asia.

Given this friction, Russia viewed India as leverage against a rapidly rising China. It even pushed for India's inclusion in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). But a lot has changed since then.

The world saw a financial crisis. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Russia's economy dwindled. Beijing and Moscow came closer. Financial help from China was a major reason for Russia's recovery from the 2008 crisis.

Since then, Russia and China have expanded their ties. As of 2017, Russia's top export and import destination is China.

China invests ten times more in Russia than Russia invests in China. Last year, Russia even dumped $100 billion from its reserves.&nbsp;Kremlin holds 25 per cent of the total yuan reserves in the world.

In comparison, India and Russia have strong defence ties - 70 per cent of India's defence supplies still come from Russia

Four months ago, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok in Russia, Putin insisted on an alliance with China and India.

In fact, he's looking at joint alliances with India, China and Turkey to counter the US influence in the region.

But India and China have their own contradictions - the same for India and Turkey, and hence, New Delhi should see Putin's continuity in office and his growing closeness with China in this perspective too.

By the way, it's unlikely that Putin will have his way without any resistance in Russia.

Eight years ago, when 'Prime Minister' Putin swapped his job with the then-President Dmitry Medvedev, large street protests broke out on the streets of Moscow.

Now, the opposition is more visible and active in Russia than it was in 2012. India has a serious task at hand and it must assert itself in Indo-Pacific and prevent China from disrupting the India-Russia relationship. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp;

Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, recently delivered an address in Delhi. Lavrov is arguably the second most powerful politician in Russia. He ended his speech with the line - "India and Russia share a special privileged strategic partnership.

Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, recently delivered an address in Delhi. Lavrov is arguably the second most powerful politician in Russia. He ended his speech with the line - "India and Russia share a special privileged strategic partnership. I hope that our Indian friends will be promoting the same ideology'. In response, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar called the India-Russia relationship - 'steady' and 'sustained by strong sentiment'. These words make it clear that the old friendship, sometimes described as adrift, still remains strong. So how does India see the shakeup in Russia? How does India see Vladimir Putin's attempt to remain in power and what does it mean for the relationship? India has a remarkable history of democracy. Will that reputation be hurt by siding with leaders with authoritarian streaks? And what about China - the only thorn in India-Russia ties? WATCH - on the Wion edit, we will discuss all of these questions. × Putin is poised to stay in power for a long time. This change is being done in-line with the democratic traditions of Russia and the move should bring some stability in Russia and that is good news for India. If Putin wields absolute power, he threatens Russia's democracy, but that is something for the Russian people to decide and not India. The only concern for India in its equation with Russia is China, which has been a traditional, historical and ideological ally of the Kremlin. Last year, Xi Jinping, the Chinese President even called Putin 'his best and bosom friend'. In the past, the Russia-China relationship has blown hot and cold, there was a border dispute which ran for many decades. China did not help Russia's efforts to build its might in West Asia. Given this friction, Russia viewed India as leverage against a rapidly rising China. It even pushed for India's inclusion in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). But a lot has changed since then. The world saw a financial crisis. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Russia's economy dwindled. Beijing and Moscow came closer. Financial help from China was a major reason for Russia's recovery from the 2008 crisis. Since then, Russia and China have expanded their ties. As of 2017, Russia's top export and import destination is China. China invests ten times more in Russia than Russia invests in China. Last year, Russia even dumped $100 billion from its reserves. Kremlin holds 25 per cent of the total yuan reserves in the world. In comparison, India and Russia have strong defence ties - 70 per cent of India's defence supplies still come from Russia Four months ago, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok in Russia, Putin insisted on an alliance with China and India. In fact, he's looking at joint alliances with India, China and Turkey to counter the US influence in the region. But India and China have their own contradictions - the same for India and Turkey, and hence, New Delhi should see Putin's continuity in office and his growing closeness with China in this perspective too. By the way, it's unlikely that Putin will have his way without any resistance in Russia. Eight years ago, when 'Prime Minister' Putin swapped his job with the then-President Dmitry Medvedev, large street protests broke out on the streets of Moscow. Now, the opposition is more visible and active in Russia than it was in 2012. India has a serious task at hand and it must assert itself in Indo-Pacific and prevent China from disrupting the India-Russia relationship. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Is China the only thorn in India-Russia ties?

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony.

The India-Russia ten-day long joint exercise "Indra 2019" culminated is currently wrapping up at three locations in India. The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise.

The massive wargames which had kicked-off on December 10th, as Russian naval vessels docked at Mormugao in Goa. The opening ceremony was held at the naval station in Goa to welcome the 700 Russian troops who participated in the military drills and exercises along with the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The grand scale of the exercise symbolises the continued goodwill and continuance of warm relations between the two old friends. Alignment of interest in a global world order has helped maintain all-round good ties between India and Russia.

Army - land warfare

The Indian Army is believed to have utilised offensive equipment in the land-based exercises which took place in Babina, Uttar Pradesh (near Jhansi). Some of the heavy equipment included the infantry combat vehicle - BMP-1, as well, as the main battle tank T-90M Bhisma, both of Russian origin.&nbsp;

Company-sized mechanized infantry contingents and the Ghatak platoon of the Indian Army participated alongside their Russian counterparts in Babina, Uttar Pradesh.

The exercise was largely aimed at countering terrorism under the UN mandate. Tactical operations and drills such as cordon house intervention and handling and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) also took place.

<div class="ui-state-default">
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> 2019<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Synergy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Synergy</a> 
 
Tri services contingents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Armed Forces will rehearse <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Counter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Counter</a> Terrorism drills in ten day Exercise. Aim of exercise is to hone the skills of troops in conduct of counter terrorism operations under the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedNations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedNations</a> mandate. <a href="https://t.co/aQ76H2CKtC">pic.twitter.com/aQ76H2CKtC</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1205091543549403136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Naval warfare

"The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Elyna arrived in Goa on December 10 to participate in INDRA 2019, the second edition of the tri-services exercise between the Indian and the Russian armed forces," the defence ministry had said in a statement.

INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry cast-off from Mormugao harbour on December 16, 2019, to commence the sea phase of the joint tri-service exercise.&nbsp;

INS Tarkash, INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry participated in an encounter exercise and cross-deck flying on the same day. Sea riders were also exchanged between the Indian and Russian ships which was followed by air defence exercise involving four MiG29K aircraft.

On Dec 17, a combined boarding team of Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy personnel conducted boarding exercise to train for anti-piracy operations on a hijacked merchant vessel. Other exercises included firing practice, aviation operations and other manoeuvres like maintaining station and replenishment at sea.

 
Aerial warfare

Aerial operations were conducted in the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. According to the ministry of defence, the Indian Air Force employed the Su-30MKI multi-role aircraft, Jaguar attack aircraft, MI-17 multi-purpose helicopters and AWACS aircraft. The IAF currently employs its DRDO-made Airborne Warning &amp; Control System(AWCS) on the Brazillian-made Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. The Air Force Garud commandoes also participated in the exercise as part of counter-terrorism wargames.

Pilots of the Russian Federation Air Force also joined their Indian counterparts to pilot the newly inducted and indigenously built HAL Tejas multirole light aircraft.

The broad theme for the exercise was to organise a Joint Task Force for undertaking planning and execution of air operations for eliminating terrorists at the request of the third country under UN mandate. However, combined missions between IAF and RFAF were also undertaken for enrichening experience and maximising training value in terms of interoperability. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default">
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Training together to achieve <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Synergy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Synergy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Interoperability?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Interoperability</a> 
 
Exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> commences with Joint Opening Ceremony at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Babina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Babina</a>.Tri-Services contingents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Armed Forces will rehearse &amp; share best practices in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CounterTerrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CounterTerrorism</a> drills in ten days Exercise. <a href="https://t.co/WX27bQ586f">pic.twitter.com/WX27bQ586f</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1205009773885841408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"As part of validation exercise held on 19 December 2019, troops of both the countries carried out specialised joint counter-terrorist operations which was witnessed by dignitaries of services of both countries," the defence ministry said. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default">
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeaPhase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeaPhase</a> of Indo-Russian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Triservice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Triservice</a> exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> 2019 off Goa. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSTarkash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSTarkash</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSAditya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSAditya</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuFN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuFN</a> ship Yaroslav Mudry in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Encounter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Encounter</a> Exercise &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrossDeck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrossDeck</a> flying. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeaRiders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeaRiders</a> exchanged between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuFN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuFN</a> ships followed by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirDefence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirDefence</a> exercise involving MiG29K aircraft. <a href="https://t.co/o7icW9ZBp1">pic.twitter.com/o7icW9ZBp1</a>
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1207330046400065536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The exercise concluded on 19 December 2019 with a ceremonial closing ceremony by both the contingents," the defence ministry added.

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony.

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony. The India-Russia ten-day long joint exercise "Indra 2019" culminated is currently wrapping up at three locations in India. The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. The massive wargames which had kicked-off on December 10th, as Russian naval vessels docked at Mormugao in Goa. The opening ceremony was held at the naval station in Goa to welcome the 700 Russian troops who participated in the military drills and exercises along with the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The grand scale of the exercise symbolises the continued goodwill and continuance of warm relations between the two old friends. Alignment of interest in a global world order has helped maintain all-round good ties between India and Russia. Army - land warfare The Indian Army is believed to have utilised offensive equipment in the land-based exercises which took place in Babina, Uttar Pradesh (near Jhansi). Some of the heavy equipment included the infantry combat vehicle - BMP-1, as well, as the main battle tank T-90M Bhisma, both of Russian origin. Company-sized mechanized infantry contingents and the Ghatak platoon of the Indian Army participated alongside their Russian counterparts in Babina, Uttar Pradesh. The exercise was largely aimed at countering terrorism under the UN mandate. Tactical operations and drills such as cordon house intervention and handling and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) also took place. Exercise #INDRA 2019#Synergy Tri services contingents of #Russian and #Indian Armed Forces will rehearse #Counter Terrorism drills in ten day Exercise. Aim of exercise is to hone the skills of troops in conduct of counter terrorism operations under the #UnitedNations mandate. pic.twitter.com/aQ76H2CKtC — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 12, 2019 × Naval warfare "The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Elyna arrived in Goa on December 10 to participate in INDRA 2019, the second edition of the tri-services exercise between the Indian and the Russian armed forces," the defence ministry had said in a statement. INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry cast-off from Mormugao harbour on December 16, 2019, to commence the sea phase of the joint tri-service exercise. INS Tarkash, INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry participated in an encounter exercise and cross-deck flying on the same day. Sea riders were also exchanged between the Indian and Russian ships which was followed by air defence exercise involving four MiG29K aircraft. On Dec 17, a combined boarding team of Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy personnel conducted boarding exercise to train for anti-piracy operations on a hijacked merchant vessel. Other exercises included firing practice, aviation operations and other manoeuvres like maintaining station and replenishment at sea. Aerial warfare Aerial operations were conducted in the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. According to the ministry of defence, the Indian Air Force employed the Su-30MKI multi-role aircraft, Jaguar attack aircraft, MI-17 multi-purpose helicopters and AWACS aircraft. The IAF currently employs its DRDO-made Airborne Warning & Control System(AWCS) on the Brazillian-made Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. The Air Force Garud commandoes also participated in the exercise as part of counter-terrorism wargames. Pilots of the Russian Federation Air Force also joined their Indian counterparts to pilot the newly inducted and indigenously built HAL Tejas multirole light aircraft. The broad theme for the exercise was to organise a Joint Task Force for undertaking planning and execution of air operations for eliminating terrorists at the request of the third country under UN mandate. However, combined missions between IAF and RFAF were also undertaken for enrichening experience and maximising training value in terms of interoperability. Training together to achieve #Synergy & #Interoperability Exercise #INDRA commences with Joint Opening Ceremony at #Babina.Tri-Services contingents of #Russian & #Indian Armed Forces will rehearse & share best practices in their #CounterTerrorism drills in ten days Exercise. pic.twitter.com/WX27bQ586f — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 12, 2019 × "As part of validation exercise held on 19 December 2019, troops of both the countries carried out specialised joint counter-terrorist operations which was witnessed by dignitaries of services of both countries," the defence ministry said. #SeaPhase of Indo-Russian #Triservice exercise #INDRA 2019 off Goa. #INSTarkash, #INSAditya & #RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry in #Encounter Exercise & #CrossDeck flying. #SeaRiders exchanged between #IndianNavy & #RuFN ships followed by #AirDefence exercise involving MiG29K aircraft. pic.twitter.com/o7icW9ZBp1 — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 18, 2019 × "The exercise concluded on 19 December 2019 with a ceremonial closing ceremony by both the contingents," the defence ministry added.

India-Russia joint tri-service excercise 'Indra 2019' concludes

Igor Shuvalov served as the first deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation in 2008. He also functioned as an aide to the Russian President in 2004. In 2018 he was appointed as the chairman of the State Corporation for Development whose assets in the first half of 2019 stood at 50 billion dollars.

Igor Shuvalov served as the first deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation in 2008. He also functioned as an aide to the Russian President in 2004. In 2018 he was appointed as the chairman of the State Corporation for Development whose assets in the first half of 2019 stood at 50 billion dollars. In an exclusive interview with WION, VEB.RF Chairman Igor Shuvalov spoke about the relations between India and Russia and also listed out areas where the two countries need to work together in order to further the relations. WION: What is the health of Indo Russian investments? Igor Shuvalov: India is one of the key Russian partners. Throughout the decades, our countries have been extensively fostering bilateral relations in such important areas as nuclear energy, transport infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas and others. We believe that cooperation in certain of the above areas is promising; we are also interested in your experience of developing the urban economy. Over the last five years, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has literally transformed India by making it waste-free. The government of India announced a plan to build around 100 high-technology cities from scratch. In the past, cities were built on river banks, today we build cities next to roads, yet, in the future, their location will depend on access to optic fibre networks and new generation infrastructure. Smart cities will give an impetus to India’s development, as India remains a dominantly agricultural country where almost every fifth household has no uninterrupted power supply. WION: Which are the areas, which need to be worked on? Igor Shuvalov: As a development institution, VEB.RF aims to further the relations between our companies to promote initiatives as part of the Russian-Indian technological partnership. By implementing joint initiatives, Russian companies may consider supplying Russian solar and wind power generation equipment, technologies and services to India. We will consider engaging government institutions and commercial companies to foster the implementation and development of renewable energy sources, including through the Make in India program’s initiatives. I would like to highlight the agreement on cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources between VEB.RF, Zarubezhneft, Hevel and Indian Oil Corporation Limited and SUN Group signed at the last Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Taking into account the renewable energy sector growth rates in the Republic of India and its increasing demand for RES, the parties agreed to consider the implementation of projects with various combinations of generating equipment (up to 23GW capacity), as well as complexes for energy transfer and storage. WION: Which are the new areas both can focus on? Igor Shuvalov: With regard to the Indian-Russian relations, we have a lot of improvement opportunities, i.e. development of convenient transport corridors, logistics optimisation, bilateral trade in national currencies, and development of SMEs. Future business contacts will benefit significantly from a new trade representative office of a VEB.RF’s subsidiary, Russian Export Centre, opened in February 2019 in Mumbai jointly with the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. In general, Russia and India should have a target to reach an USD30bn bilateral trade volume by 2025. WION: How is Russia handing US sanctions and what does this mean to the world at large? Igor Shuvalov: I faced this agenda for the first time when I was a member of the government. I have the following opinion: it makes us mobilise our resources, reinvigorate ourselves, and gauge our strength to progress ahead. There is nothing good about the sanctions, but the sanctions are likely a chance for us to fulfil our potential: to stay awake, to stay alert, and to count only on ourselves. You should understand that you are the maker of your success.

Moscow wants to work closely with India on building smart cities: Former deputy Prime Minister of Russia

Over 30,000 Indians Live In Russia As Bilateral Ties Grow From Strength To Strength Over 30,000 Indians live in Russia. Most large cities in Russia have tiny pockets where Indian communities lives. But there are not only limited to large cities. We found Gujarati Diamond workers, students and merchants in Vladivostok too. Here's a ground report.

Gravitas: Thriving Indian diaspora in Russia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a landmark decision of giving a line of credit worth $1 Billion for the development of the Far East region in Russia. This is the first time that India is giving a line of credit for a particular region of another country.

PM Narendra Modi announces $1billion line of credit for development of Russia's Far East region

Boosting its capabilities in beyond visual range warfare, India has signed a deal worth around Rs 1,500 crore to acquire R-27 air-to-air missiles from Russia to be equipped on the Su-30MKI combat aircraft.

"A contract has been signed with Russia for the acquisition of R-27 air-to-air missile to be fitted on the Su-30MKI combat aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force," government sources told ANI here.

The Russian missiles with an extended range would give an added capability to the Sukhois to take on enemy aircraft at long ranges, they said.

The missiles have been acquired under 10-I projects which mandate the three services to maintain critical weapon systems and spares for a specified minimum period, which is known as War Wastage Reserve (WWR).

The R-27 missile is a medium-to-long-range air-to-air missile developed by Russia for its MiG and Sukhoi series of fighter jets.

In the last 50 days, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed deals worth over Rs 7,600 crore for acquiring equipment under emergency requirements approved by the Defence Ministry.

The IAF has spent around Rs 7,600 crore in procuring missiles such as the Spice-2000, Strum Ataka ATGMs and a large number of spares under the emergency procurement route.

After the Pulwama attack, the Central government had given emergency powers to the three services to buy whatever equipment is required by them for safeguarding the borders with Pakistan.

Under the powers given, the security forces can buy the equipment of their choice within three months at the cost of up to Rs 300 crore per case.

The emergency powers were given to the forces within a few weeks after the Pulwama attack in which 44 CRPF personnel were killed and India started increasing vigil at the borders with Pakistan, they said.

Boosting its capabilities in beyond visual range warfare, India has signed a deal worth around Rs 1,500 crore to acquire R-27 air-to-air missiles from Russia to be equipped on the Su-30MKI combat aircraft.

Boosting its capabilities in beyond visual range warfare, India has signed a deal worth around Rs 1,500 crore to acquire R-27 air-to-air missiles from Russia to be equipped on the Su-30MKI combat aircraft. "A contract has been signed with Russia for the acquisition of R-27 air-to-air missile to be fitted on the Su-30MKI combat aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force," government sources told ANI here. The Russian missiles with an extended range would give an added capability to the Sukhois to take on enemy aircraft at long ranges, they said. The missiles have been acquired under 10-I projects which mandate the three services to maintain critical weapon systems and spares for a specified minimum period, which is known as War Wastage Reserve (WWR). The R-27 missile is a medium-to-long-range air-to-air missile developed by Russia for its MiG and Sukhoi series of fighter jets. In the last 50 days, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed deals worth over Rs 7,600 crore for acquiring equipment under emergency requirements approved by the Defence Ministry. The IAF has spent around Rs 7,600 crore in procuring missiles such as the Spice-2000, Strum Ataka ATGMs and a large number of spares under the emergency procurement route. After the Pulwama attack, the Central government had given emergency powers to the three services to buy whatever equipment is required by them for safeguarding the borders with Pakistan. Under the powers given, the security forces can buy the equipment of their choice within three months at the cost of up to Rs 300 crore per case. The emergency powers were given to the forces within a few weeks after the Pulwama attack in which 44 CRPF personnel were killed and India started increasing vigil at the borders with Pakistan, they said.

India, Russia sign Rs 1,500 crore deal for air-to-air missiles for Su-30 fighters

India and Russia are planning to open new route connecting India's east coast with Russia's far east. It is expected to connect India to Russia's resource and energy-rich districts.&nbsp;

It was one of the focus areas when Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev came to India on a five-day visit from June 15 to 19.

During his visit, he met National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, minister of petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan and vice chairman of NITI Aayog Rajiv Kumar.

Yury Trutnev is also Putin's Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District which is the largest of eight federal districts of Russia and rich in mineral resources.

Both sides agreed to explore bilateral cooperation in the sectors of diamond-processing, petroleum and natural gas, coal and mining, agro-processing and tourism.

The visit comes ahead of the fifth Eastern Economic Forum which will be held in the eastern coastal city of Vladivostok in September in which PM Modi will be participating.

Deputy Prime Minister Trutnev had earlier visited India in March 2017.

India and Russia are planning to open new route connecting India's east coast with Russia's far east. It is expected to connect India to Russia's resource and energy-rich districts.

India and Russia are planning to open new route connecting India's east coast with Russia's far east. It is expected to connect India to Russia's resource and energy-rich districts. It was one of the focus areas when Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev came to India on a five-day visit from June 15 to 19. During his visit, he met National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, minister of petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan and vice chairman of NITI Aayog Rajiv Kumar. Yury Trutnev is also Putin's Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District which is the largest of eight federal districts of Russia and rich in mineral resources. Both sides agreed to explore bilateral cooperation in the sectors of diamond-processing, petroleum and natural gas, coal and mining, agro-processing and tourism. The visit comes ahead of the fifth Eastern Economic Forum which will be held in the eastern coastal city of Vladivostok in September in which PM Modi will be participating. Deputy Prime Minister Trutnev had earlier visited India in March 2017.

Deputy PM Trutnev's focus: Plans to connect India's east coast with Russia's energy-rich far east

The US is ready to help India's defence needs with the latest technologies and equipment, but New Delhi purchasing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-buying-of-s-400-from-russia-will-have-serious-implications-on-defence-ties-us-223011">long-range S-400 missile </a>defence system from Russia would limit cooperation, the Trump administration has cautioned.

The statement came weeks after an identical warning from a senior State Department official who had said that New Delhi's deal to procure the lethal missile system from Moscow will have "serious implications" on India-US defence ties.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 for the system.

India and Russia signed a $5 billion S-400 air defence system deal in October last year after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Senior State Department official (South and Central Asian Affairs) Alice G Wells told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Non-proliferation on Thursday that the US now does <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bill-introduced-by-us-congress-aims-to-treat-india-as-nato-ally-209822/amp">more military exercises with India</a> than any other country.

"Under the Trump administration, we've been very clear that we're ready to help meet India's defence needs and we are seeking a very different kind of defence partnership building on the 'Major Defence Partner' designation that India has received from Congress," Wells said.

She was replying to the Congressional sub-committee on India buying S-400 from Russia and how to make India-US ties as robust and as meaningful as possible.

Just a few weeks ago, India, the United States, the Philippines and Japan did a sail by in the South China Sea, she said.

"In both our bilateral, trilateral, quadrilateral formats, we're working together in ways that we didn't even conceive of 10 years ago. And so we'd like all aspects of our military relationship to catch up to this new partnership," Wells said.

Noting that India has a historical dependence on Russian arms, she said what causes concern with the S-400 is that it effectively could limit India's ability "to increase our own interoperability".

At a certain point, she argued, a strategic choice has to be made by India about partnerships and a strategic choice about what weapon systems and platforms it is going to adopt.

"It is the case that 10 years ago we did not offer the range of military equipment to India that we're prepared to offer today. We're very much engaged in a conversation with India over how we can broaden our defence relationship," Wells said in response to a question.

Signing of COMCASA agreement between the two countries, she said, was a key step forward which allows for the classified sharing of information, which is one of the basic foundational agreements that foster military interoperability.

"So we're making significant strides forward in our military relationship," she said.

"There is no a blanket waiver or country waiver when it comes to an S-400. We have serious concern about a possible S-400 purchase (by India) and we're continuing our conversations on what the United States or other defence providers could assist India," Wells said.

Over the last 10 years, she said India-US defence trade has increased from zero to $18 billion, as New Delhi has started to diversify its weapons sources.

"We expect continued progress and expanding that defence relationship. But it's still the case that about 65 or 70 per cent of India's military hardware is Russian origin," she said.

And when Russian President Putin visited India last October, there were additional announcements of big ticket military items that were potentially under consideration, she said.

Responding to another question, Wells alleged that India has the highest tariff barriers of a G-20 country.

"Historically it has been a protected market. So, our failure to negotiate an agreement over the course of the last year and a half led to the decision to suspend the GSP benefits," she said.

However, GSP or asking India to stop purchasing oil from Iran is unlikely to push India into the China camp, she said when asked about it from a lawmaker.

"I don't think so. We are India's largest and best market. Twenty per cent of India's goods come here. There is Indian Foreign Direct Investment in the US. There's a huge interest by US firms in India. As Prime Minister Modi begins his second term. He's preoccupied with job creation and attracting Foreign Direct Investment is going to be a key part of that strategy.

"Properly conducted trade can be a huge strength to the relationship and that's certainly our focus as we begin our engagement with Prime Minister Modi in his second term as how do we fix this part of the relationship," Wells added.

The US is ready to help India's defence needs with the latest technologies and equipment, but New Delhi purchasing long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia would limit cooperation, the Trump administration has cautioned.

The US is ready to help India's defence needs with the latest technologies and equipment, but New Delhi purchasing long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia would limit cooperation, the Trump administration has cautioned. The statement came weeks after an identical warning from a senior State Department official who had said that New Delhi's deal to procure the lethal missile system from Moscow will have "serious implications" on India-US defence ties. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 for the system. India and Russia signed a $5 billion S-400 air defence system deal in October last year after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Senior State Department official (South and Central Asian Affairs) Alice G Wells told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Non-proliferation on Thursday that the US now does more military exercises with India than any other country. "Under the Trump administration, we've been very clear that we're ready to help meet India's defence needs and we are seeking a very different kind of defence partnership building on the 'Major Defence Partner' designation that India has received from Congress," Wells said. She was replying to the Congressional sub-committee on India buying S-400 from Russia and how to make India-US ties as robust and as meaningful as possible. Just a few weeks ago, India, the United States, the Philippines and Japan did a sail by in the South China Sea, she said. "In both our bilateral, trilateral, quadrilateral formats, we're working together in ways that we didn't even conceive of 10 years ago. And so we'd like all aspects of our military relationship to catch up to this new partnership," Wells said. Noting that India has a historical dependence on Russian arms, she said what causes concern with the S-400 is that it effectively could limit India's ability "to increase our own interoperability". At a certain point, she argued, a strategic choice has to be made by India about partnerships and a strategic choice about what weapon systems and platforms it is going to adopt. "It is the case that 10 years ago we did not offer the range of military equipment to India that we're prepared to offer today. We're very much engaged in a conversation with India over how we can broaden our defence relationship," Wells said in response to a question. Signing of COMCASA agreement between the two countries, she said, was a key step forward which allows for the classified sharing of information, which is one of the basic foundational agreements that foster military interoperability. "So we're making significant strides forward in our military relationship," she said. "There is no a blanket waiver or country waiver when it comes to an S-400. We have serious concern about a possible S-400 purchase (by India) and we're continuing our conversations on what the United States or other defence providers could assist India," Wells said. Over the last 10 years, she said India-US defence trade has increased from zero to $18 billion, as New Delhi has started to diversify its weapons sources. "We expect continued progress and expanding that defence relationship. But it's still the case that about 65 or 70 per cent of India's military hardware is Russian origin," she said. And when Russian President Putin visited India last October, there were additional announcements of big ticket military items that were potentially under consideration, she said. Responding to another question, Wells alleged that India has the highest tariff barriers of a G-20 country. "Historically it has been a protected market. So, our failure to negotiate an agreement over the course of the last year and a half led to the decision to suspend the GSP benefits," she said. However, GSP or asking India to stop purchasing oil from Iran is unlikely to push India into the China camp, she said when asked about it from a lawmaker. "I don't think so. We are India's largest and best market. Twenty per cent of India's goods come here. There is Indian Foreign Direct Investment in the US. There's a huge interest by US firms in India. As Prime Minister Modi begins his second term. He's preoccupied with job creation and attracting Foreign Direct Investment is going to be a key part of that strategy. "Properly conducted trade can be a huge strength to the relationship and that's certainly our focus as we begin our engagement with Prime Minister Modi in his second term as how do we fix this part of the relationship," Wells added.

Ready to help meet India's defence needs but S-400 deal with Russia a concern: US official to foreign affairs committee

India is hopeful it will avoid US sanctions over its purchase of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-should-be-careful-while-acquiring-russias-s-400-triumf-air-defence-missile-cautions-us-congressman--140572">Russia's S-400 missile system</a>, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told.

New Delhi has been "heard and understood" by the US administration over its accord to buy the S-400 missile defence system for $5.2 billion, the minister said in an interview this week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-purchase-russias-s-400-air-defence-units-in-multi-billion-dollar-deal-7456">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> in October, defying US warnings of sanctions on countries buying Russian military equipment. The sanctions were part of measures to punish Moscow for its actions in Ukraine in 2014.

President Donald Trump's administration imposed sanctions on China's military last year over Beijing's purchase of the S-400 and other military hardware.&nbsp;

It has also warned NATO member Turkey of sanctions for buying the S-400, and has suspended Turkey's participation in a US jet programme.

Sitharaman told AFP that Washington has taken on board that India, bordering both Pakistan and China, needed arms from Russia, and others, to remain a "strong partner".&nbsp;

Negotiations with Moscow, a longstanding supplier to India's military, on the S-400 began before the US sanctions were introduced, she said.

"In the case of S-400 we have explained ourselves well... That has been heard and understood," Sitharaman said. "They have appreciated the point of view put forward."

Asked if she was confident that India would avoid sanctions, Sitharaman said,&nbsp;"Yes I hope so."

Cold water

Before the deal was inked, Washington poured cold water on India's efforts to obtain a waiver from the US Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Upgrades in arms systems "including the S-400 air and missile defence system" would be a particular focus for CAATSA, a US State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by India's PTI news agency.&nbsp;

But Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told a hearing in March that Washington wanted to "work through" the problem, calling India "an important emerging strategic partner."

He added however that India's contract with Russia has not been completed and that the US was "very keen to see (India) make an alternative choice (to the S-400) and we are working with them to provide potential alternatives."

China

Washington is in a tricky position with India. It wants to bolster ties with the Asian giant to counter China's assertiveness, a trend which has also rattled New Delhi.

In 2017 India and China had a military standoff over a Doklam claimed by both Beijing and Bhutan, a close ally of India.

Since then China and India have sought to patch up relations, including at a meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan, China in April 2018.

"Sometimes there are differences and you have a face-off," Sitharaman said. "But our attempt, particularly after the prime minister's Wuhan meet with the Chinese president, our attempt has been that these differences... cannot be allowed to become disputes."

But China has also made inroads in Sri Lanka and the Maldives -- countries that India considers to be in its sphere of influence -- through its One Belt, One Road Initiative (OBOR), also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

India has particular concerns about a series of projects passing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, a disputed territory which was the fuse for a new military flare-up between Pakistan and India in February.

China has also blocked efforts to put on UN sanctions blacklist the leader of a Pakistan-based militant group that claimed a suicide bombing in Kashmir's Pulwama district&nbsp;on February 14 that killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops.

New Delhi has reportedly declined a Chinese invitation to take part in an OBOR forum in China later this month.

"Areas which are ours legally, which are under illegal occupation of Pakistan, are the ones which are becoming part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," Sitharaman said.

"So having made that position very clear, we have not participated in anything to do with OBOR, and we stick to that position," she said.

India is hopeful it will avoid US sanctions over its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told. New Delhi has been "heard and understood" by the US administration over its accord to buy the S-400 missile defence system for $5.

India is hopeful it will avoid US sanctions over its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told. New Delhi has been "heard and understood" by the US administration over its accord to buy the S-400 missile defence system for $5.2 billion, the minister said in an interview this week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in October, defying US warnings of sanctions on countries buying Russian military equipment. The sanctions were part of measures to punish Moscow for its actions in Ukraine in 2014. President Donald Trump's administration imposed sanctions on China's military last year over Beijing's purchase of the S-400 and other military hardware. It has also warned NATO member Turkey of sanctions for buying the S-400, and has suspended Turkey's participation in a US jet programme. Sitharaman told AFP that Washington has taken on board that India, bordering both Pakistan and China, needed arms from Russia, and others, to remain a "strong partner". Negotiations with Moscow, a longstanding supplier to India's military, on the S-400 began before the US sanctions were introduced, she said. "In the case of S-400 we have explained ourselves well... That has been heard and understood," Sitharaman said. "They have appreciated the point of view put forward." Asked if she was confident that India would avoid sanctions, Sitharaman said, "Yes I hope so." Cold water Before the deal was inked, Washington poured cold water on India's efforts to obtain a waiver from the US Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Upgrades in arms systems "including the S-400 air and missile defence system" would be a particular focus for CAATSA, a US State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by India's PTI news agency. But Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told a hearing in March that Washington wanted to "work through" the problem, calling India "an important emerging strategic partner." He added however that India's contract with Russia has not been completed and that the US was "very keen to see (India) make an alternative choice (to the S-400) and we are working with them to provide potential alternatives." China Washington is in a tricky position with India. It wants to bolster ties with the Asian giant to counter China's assertiveness, a trend which has also rattled New Delhi. In 2017 India and China had a military standoff over a Doklam claimed by both Beijing and Bhutan, a close ally of India. Since then China and India have sought to patch up relations, including at a meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan, China in April 2018. "Sometimes there are differences and you have a face-off," Sitharaman said. "But our attempt, particularly after the prime minister's Wuhan meet with the Chinese president, our attempt has been that these differences... cannot be allowed to become disputes." But China has also made inroads in Sri Lanka and the Maldives -- countries that India considers to be in its sphere of influence -- through its One Belt, One Road Initiative (OBOR), also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India has particular concerns about a series of projects passing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, a disputed territory which was the fuse for a new military flare-up between Pakistan and India in February. China has also blocked efforts to put on UN sanctions blacklist the leader of a Pakistan-based militant group that claimed a suicide bombing in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 that killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops. New Delhi has reportedly declined a Chinese invitation to take part in an OBOR forum in China later this month. "Areas which are ours legally, which are under illegal occupation of Pakistan, are the ones which are becoming part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," Sitharaman said. "So having made that position very clear, we have not participated in anything to do with OBOR, and we stick to that position," she said.

'Heard and understood' by US: Nirmala Sitharaman on S-400 missile deal with Russia

Russia President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone today. The Russian president expressed his deep <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-a-peace-gesture-we-are-releasing-captured-pilot-tomorrow-pm-imran-khan-200295">condolences over&nbsp;the Pulwama </a>terrorist attack. Putin also conveyed solidarity of the people of the Russian Federation with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.

PM Modi thanked President Putin for his steadfast support for India's efforts to protect its interests against cross-border terror attacks and renewed India's commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism. PM Modi told Putin that Russia was as a pillar of special and strategic partnership.

Both the leaders also agreed that the growing cooperation between the two countries will take their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership from strength to strength.

President Putin reiterated the invitation to PM Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. PM welcomed the invitation and underscored the significance of growing economic cooperation, including in the Russian Far East.

Russia President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone today. The Russian president expressed his deep condolences over the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Russia President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone today. The Russian president expressed his deep condolences over the Pulwama terrorist attack. Putin also conveyed solidarity of the people of the Russian Federation with the people of India in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi thanked President Putin for his steadfast support for India's efforts to protect its interests against cross-border terror attacks and renewed India's commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism. PM Modi told Putin that Russia was as a pillar of special and strategic partnership. Both the leaders also agreed that the growing cooperation between the two countries will take their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership from strength to strength. President Putin reiterated the invitation to PM Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. PM welcomed the invitation and underscored the significance of growing economic cooperation, including in the Russian Far East.

President Putin calls PM Modi, expresses condolences over Pulwama attack

Russia has truly entered the "great game" in Afghanistan. First, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-offers-to-help-us-on-afghan-peace-talks-with-taliban-ria-195886"> Putin regime a few days</a> ago hosted the Taliban and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Moscow, just a few days after the US concluded its Doha talks with the Taliban.

It was an attempt by Russia to show it would not be sidelined in Afghan peace talks even decades after the Soviets left the country humiliated by the jihadists, the forerunner of the Taliban.

Now, Russia has its eyes set on Pakistan. Last year it had signed an intergovernmental agreement with the Pakistan government to discuss ways in which to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan, one of the biggest markets of the gas in the world.

Last Friday, Putin's regime signed a provisional agreement with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/once-spoiler-pakistan-starts-behind-scenes-aid-to-us-taliban-talks-196116">Imran Khan government </a>to allow state-run gas major Gazprom to conduct a "feasibility study" to construct an offshore pipeline to supply natural gas from the Middle East into Pakistan.

Both the LNG project and the latest Gazprom deal have raised eyebrows in Washington with US sanctions underway against Iran.

A few days ago Iran's oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh had said the country had accepted a "Russian proposal" to construct a sub-sea pipeline for exporting natural gas to India. The pipeline would link Gujarat to the Guly of Oman through the Indian Ocean.

The Russia-Iran-India pipeline would reportedly carry 31.5 million cubic meters gas per day to energy-starved India. Iran's oil minister had said Russia had already reached an "understanding" meaning a MoU on the pipeline last year with preparations underway to get it ready in two years.

Russia was the undisputed power as a natural gas supplier after World War-II, however, it was overtaken by tiny Qatar which became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas.

In December last year, Qatar pulled out of OPEC as relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia nosedived and the oil body turned its back on it. Qatar now seeks to increase its natural gas production, a fact not lost on the Russians.

Qatar is currently the largest supplier of LNG to India and is keen to increase its market share in the country. Qatar supplies 8.5 million tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas to India which is 40 per cent of India's energy shipment.

The Putin regime has increasingly played the "energy game" with markets in Europe, however, the Europeans are slowly breaking away from traditional energy sources and moving towards renewables namely solar and wind power. Germany already has a solar policy in place and hopes to exploit its wind turbines as it powers its economy on clean energy, other countries - Norway, Sweden, France hope to follow suit in order to balance climate change with economic concerns.

Security concerns also weigh on Europeans and Americans, after all, Gazprom had cut gas supply to Ukraine after it failed to pay up. The West also fears a re-run of the oil crisis in the 70s when OPEC had cut oil supply to the US, UK, Canada, the Netherlands and other countries due to its support for Israel during the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict in which the Arab coalition forces were soundly beaten by PM Golda Meir's military.

As the "cold war" continues between the West and Russia over a whole host of issues from arms race, the alleged poisoning of a Russian agent in the UK at Salisbury, as a result, the trio of Trump, May and Macron don't want to take any chances.

According to the &nbsp;International Energy Agency(IAEA), in 2016, the share of LNG's share in the global gas market was a remarkable of 42 per cent which is expected to reach 53 per cent by 2040 even as Europe's production halves in the same period. In order to ensure energy security, the US has now entered the LNG market in a big way as it does not want to cede ground to the Russians in the "great game".

Europe is Gazprom's biggest market with record exports reached last year. Russia has been dependent on its oil and gas reserves to service its debt and power its economy since the Soviet era, the dynamic is not going to change anytime soon.&nbsp;

Asia-Pacific headed by China and India now presents the biggest natural gas market in the world. The region currently accounts for 72 per cent of global LNG demand, Putin, therefore, is making every effort to open "gas channels" in India and hopefully involve China, Pakistan's biggest ally in the region. In the future, an India-Pakistan-China gas pipeline powered by Russia cannot be discounted.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Russia has truly entered the "great game" in Afghanistan. First, the Putin regime a few days ago hosted the Taliban and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Moscow, just a few days after the US concluded its Doha talks with the Taliban.

Russia has truly entered the "great game" in Afghanistan. First, the Putin regime a few days ago hosted the Taliban and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Moscow, just a few days after the US concluded its Doha talks with the Taliban. It was an attempt by Russia to show it would not be sidelined in Afghan peace talks even decades after the Soviets left the country humiliated by the jihadists, the forerunner of the Taliban. Now, Russia has its eyes set on Pakistan. Last year it had signed an intergovernmental agreement with the Pakistan government to discuss ways in which to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan, one of the biggest markets of the gas in the world. Last Friday, Putin's regime signed a provisional agreement with the Imran Khan government to allow state-run gas major Gazprom to conduct a "feasibility study" to construct an offshore pipeline to supply natural gas from the Middle East into Pakistan. Both the LNG project and the latest Gazprom deal have raised eyebrows in Washington with US sanctions underway against Iran. A few days ago Iran's oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh had said the country had accepted a "Russian proposal" to construct a sub-sea pipeline for exporting natural gas to India. The pipeline would link Gujarat to the Guly of Oman through the Indian Ocean. The Russia-Iran-India pipeline would reportedly carry 31.5 million cubic meters gas per day to energy-starved India. Iran's oil minister had said Russia had already reached an "understanding" meaning a MoU on the pipeline last year with preparations underway to get it ready in two years. Russia was the undisputed power as a natural gas supplier after World War-II, however, it was overtaken by tiny Qatar which became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. In December last year, Qatar pulled out of OPEC as relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia nosedived and the oil body turned its back on it. Qatar now seeks to increase its natural gas production, a fact not lost on the Russians. Qatar is currently the largest supplier of LNG to India and is keen to increase its market share in the country. Qatar supplies 8.5 million tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas to India which is 40 per cent of India's energy shipment. The Putin regime has increasingly played the "energy game" with markets in Europe, however, the Europeans are slowly breaking away from traditional energy sources and moving towards renewables namely solar and wind power. Germany already has a solar policy in place and hopes to exploit its wind turbines as it powers its economy on clean energy, other countries - Norway, Sweden, France hope to follow suit in order to balance climate change with economic concerns. Security concerns also weigh on Europeans and Americans, after all, Gazprom had cut gas supply to Ukraine after it failed to pay up. The West also fears a re-run of the oil crisis in the 70s when OPEC had cut oil supply to the US, UK, Canada, the Netherlands and other countries due to its support for Israel during the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict in which the Arab coalition forces were soundly beaten by PM Golda Meir's military. As the "cold war" continues between the West and Russia over a whole host of issues from arms race, the alleged poisoning of a Russian agent in the UK at Salisbury, as a result, the trio of Trump, May and Macron don't want to take any chances. According to the International Energy Agency(IAEA), in 2016, the share of LNG's share in the global gas market was a remarkable of 42 per cent which is expected to reach 53 per cent by 2040 even as Europe's production halves in the same period. In order to ensure energy security, the US has now entered the LNG market in a big way as it does not want to cede ground to the Russians in the "great game". Europe is Gazprom's biggest market with record exports reached last year. Russia has been dependent on its oil and gas reserves to service its debt and power its economy since the Soviet era, the dynamic is not going to change anytime soon. Asia-Pacific headed by China and India now presents the biggest natural gas market in the world. The region currently accounts for 72 per cent of global LNG demand, Putin, therefore, is making every effort to open "gas channels" in India and hopefully involve China, Pakistan's biggest ally in the region. In the future, an India-Pakistan-China gas pipeline powered by Russia cannot be discounted. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Great game-II: India-Pakistan-China gas pipeline powered by Russia cannot be discounted

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended cordial wishes to India's president, prime minister and the people of the country on its 70th Republic Day, embassy officials said Saturday.

Putin in his message said India has achieved "impressive success" in socio-economic, scientific, technical and other spheres.&nbsp;

India celebrated the august occasion with a grand military parade and exhibition of its history, cultural diversity and strategic weaponry at the Rajpath -- the city's centrepiece boulevard -- in the presence of thousands of spectators including foreign dignitaries and the country's top political and military brass.

South African President Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 90-minute celebrations here marking the day when the world's biggest democracy has declared a republic in 1950.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin sends his cordial congratulations to President of India Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to all citizens of the Republic of India," a senior official of the Russian Embassy here said.

"India has achieved impressive success in socio-economic, scientific, technical and other spheres," Putin was quoted as saying in the statement. 
Putin had visited India last year in October.

"Your country rightfully enjoys high authority in the international arena, actively participates in tackling pressing issues of the regional and global agenda," he said in his message.

The relations between the two countries are "dynamically developing" in the spirit of privileged strategic partnership, he said.

"I am convinced that further advance of the entire gamut of Russian - Indian ties fully meets the interests of our friendly peoples and contributes to ensuring international stability and security."

"I sincerely wish you good health, well-being and success, and to all citizens of India - happiness and prosperity!," reads the message.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended cordial wishes to India's president, prime minister and the people of the country on its 70th Republic Day, embassy officials said Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended cordial wishes to India's president, prime minister and the people of the country on its 70th Republic Day, embassy officials said Saturday. Putin in his message said India has achieved "impressive success" in socio-economic, scientific, technical and other spheres. India celebrated the august occasion with a grand military parade and exhibition of its history, cultural diversity and strategic weaponry at the Rajpath -- the city's centrepiece boulevard -- in the presence of thousands of spectators including foreign dignitaries and the country's top political and military brass. South African President Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 90-minute celebrations here marking the day when the world's biggest democracy has declared a republic in 1950. "Russian President Vladimir Putin sends his cordial congratulations to President of India Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to all citizens of the Republic of India," a senior official of the Russian Embassy here said. "India has achieved impressive success in socio-economic, scientific, technical and other spheres," Putin was quoted as saying in the statement. Putin had visited India last year in October. "Your country rightfully enjoys high authority in the international arena, actively participates in tackling pressing issues of the regional and global agenda," he said in his message. The relations between the two countries are "dynamically developing" in the spirit of privileged strategic partnership, he said. "I am convinced that further advance of the entire gamut of Russian - Indian ties fully meets the interests of our friendly peoples and contributes to ensuring international stability and security." "I sincerely wish you good health, well-being and success, and to all citizens of India - happiness and prosperity!," reads the message.

Republic Day: Putin sends wishes to President Kovind, PM Modi; says India achieved 'impressive success'

Pakistan said on Friday that India's decision to buy S-400 missile defence system from Russia will further destabilise stability in the region and renewed the arms race.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said the Indian purchase was part of its efforts to acquire a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System through multiple sources.

"This (S-400) will further destabilise strategic stability in South Asia, besides leading to a renewed arms race," it said.

India and Russia concluded the $ 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal early this month during the visit of President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The S-400 Triumf system is a next-generation mobile air defense system, which is capable of destroying aerial targets at an extremely long range of up to 400 kilometers.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.&nbsp;

The Foreign Office also claimed that following the May 1998 nuclear tests by both sides, Pakistan had proposed a Strategic Restraint Regime in the region, advocating against the acquisition of BMD systems due to their destabilizing effect.

"Indian rejection of this proposal forced Pakistan to develop capabilities which render any BMD system ineffective and unreliable," it said.

Pakistan remains fully confident of its ability to address threats from any kind of destabilizing weapon system, the Foreign Office said.

"We reiterate our commitment towards ensuring national defence in line with the policy of maintaining credible minimum deterrence and maintaining strategic balance in the region in the future as well," it said.

Pakistan said on Friday that India's decision to buy S-400 missile defence system from Russia will further destabilise stability in the region and renewed the arms race.

Pakistan said on Friday that India's decision to buy S-400 missile defence system from Russia will further destabilise stability in the region and renewed the arms race. In a statement, the Foreign Office said the Indian purchase was part of its efforts to acquire a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System through multiple sources. "This (S-400) will further destabilise strategic stability in South Asia, besides leading to a renewed arms race," it said. India and Russia concluded the $ 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal early this month during the visit of President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The S-400 Triumf system is a next-generation mobile air defense system, which is capable of destroying aerial targets at an extremely long range of up to 400 kilometers. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. The Foreign Office also claimed that following the May 1998 nuclear tests by both sides, Pakistan had proposed a Strategic Restraint Regime in the region, advocating against the acquisition of BMD systems due to their destabilizing effect. "Indian rejection of this proposal forced Pakistan to develop capabilities which render any BMD system ineffective and unreliable," it said. Pakistan remains fully confident of its ability to address threats from any kind of destabilizing weapon system, the Foreign Office said. "We reiterate our commitment towards ensuring national defence in line with the policy of maintaining credible minimum deterrence and maintaining strategic balance in the region in the future as well," it said.

India's decision to buy S-400 missile system will further destabilise region: Pakistan

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that India "will soon find out" about his decision on the punitive CAATSA sanctions after India signed a 5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia.

Under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA sanctions, which was amended early this year, only Trump has the authority for the presidential waiver to India on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia.

India last week inked a $ 5 billion deal to purchase S-400 Triumf air defence system from Moscow. The mega deal was sealed in New Delhi during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Asked about the agreement between India and Russia, Trump while interacting with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, said, "India will find out. Aren't they?"&nbsp;

"India is going to find out,? he reiterated in response to India specific question.

Asked when, he said, "You will see. Sooner than you think."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also in the room when Trump answered the question on CAATSA sanctions. Pompeo was scheduled to meet the president later.

Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis had earlier argued the case for a waiver to India.&nbsp;

Last week, the White House had said that the US presidential waiver on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia is intended to "wean" countries like India off the Russian equipment.

"The (CAATSA presidential) waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously-purchased equipment," a White House National Security Council Spokesperson had said after the conclusion of the S-400 contract.

The US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi had said that the CAATSA was aimed at Moscow and not intended to damage the military capabilities of its "allies and partners." 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that India "will soon find out" about his decision on the punitive CAATSA sanctions after India signed a 5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that India "will soon find out" about his decision on the punitive CAATSA sanctions after India signed a 5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia. Under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA sanctions, which was amended early this year, only Trump has the authority for the presidential waiver to India on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia. India last week inked a $ 5 billion deal to purchase S-400 Triumf air defence system from Moscow. The mega deal was sealed in New Delhi during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked about the agreement between India and Russia, Trump while interacting with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, said, "India will find out. Aren't they?" "India is going to find out,? he reiterated in response to India specific question. Asked when, he said, "You will see. Sooner than you think." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also in the room when Trump answered the question on CAATSA sanctions. Pompeo was scheduled to meet the president later. Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis had earlier argued the case for a waiver to India. Last week, the White House had said that the US presidential waiver on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia is intended to "wean" countries like India off the Russian equipment. "The (CAATSA presidential) waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously-purchased equipment," a White House National Security Council Spokesperson had said after the conclusion of the S-400 contract. The US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi had said that the CAATSA was aimed at Moscow and not intended to damage the military capabilities of its "allies and partners."

India will soon find out about my decision over S-400 deal with Russia: Trump

Russia reaffirmed its "unwavering support" <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/eight-pacts-signed-after-modi-putin-summit-169627">to India for a permanent seat in an</a> expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-responds-to-indias-s-400-deal-with-russia-says-cant-prejudge-sanctions-decisions-169645">Also Read:&nbsp;US responds to India's S-400 deal with Russia, says can't prejudge sanctions decisions</a>

The strong backing by Russia was expressed in the joint statement issued after the 19th India-Russia summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia and India also underlined the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear programme in order to support international peace and security, to strengthen non-proliferation regime and to develop normal economic cooperation with Iran.

The statement assumes significance amid US' warning to all purchasers of Iranian oil to bring it down to zero by November 4 or face imminent sanctions from it.&nbsp;

The two sides called for all issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme to be resolved peacefully and through dialogue.

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump had pulled the US out of a nuclear agreement that the administration of former President Barack Obama had signed with Iran.

During the talks, Russia and India also reaffirmed their commitment to their special and privileged strategic partnership and asserted that this relationship was an important factor for global peace and stability.

The two sides reaffirmed the need to reform the UN Security Council to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges, said the statement titled, 'India-Russia: an Enduring Partnership in a Changing World'.

"Russia reiterated its unwavering support to India for Permanent Membership in an expanded UNSC. Both sides resolved to work closely to ensure peace, security and equitable development both regionally and globally and to coordinate their efforts to address challenges to the stability of the world order," it said.

Currently, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US.&nbsp;

Following wide-ranging talks between Modi and Putin on a host of global issues, the two sides declared their support to Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process.

"Concerned with the unabated violence and severely undermined security situation in Afghanistan and its adverse effect on the region, the sides resolved to work through the Moscow Format, SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, and all other recognised formats for an early resolution to the long-term conflict in Afghanistan, end terrorist violence, external safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorists and the worsening drug problem in the country," the statement said.

Both sides called upon the international community to join efforts to thwart any external interference in Afghanistan, to restore its economy, contribute to sustaining peace and security, economic and political development of a stable, secure, united, prosperous and independent Afghanistan, it said.

The two countries will direct their activity to launch joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan, the statement said. 
During the talks, the two sides also discussed the situation in Syria and the Korean Peninsula.

The two leaders reaffirmed their determination to support efforts and initiatives aimed at preserving the role of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, and preventing the politicisation of the activities of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. 
&nbsp; 
Both sides also supported the idea of the establishment of regional security architecture, that provides equal and indivisible security to all countries in Asia and in the regions of Pacific and Indian Oceans.&nbsp;

They vowed to enhance interaction and coordination of efforts in the regional multilateral fora such as BRICS, G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Russia-India-China (RIC) and East Asia Summits. During the talks, India expressed its aspiration to broaden cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union.

Russia reaffirmed its "unwavering support" to India for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges.

Russia reaffirmed its "unwavering support" to India for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges. Also Read: US responds to India's S-400 deal with Russia, says can't prejudge sanctions decisions The strong backing by Russia was expressed in the joint statement issued after the 19th India-Russia summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia and India also underlined the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear programme in order to support international peace and security, to strengthen non-proliferation regime and to develop normal economic cooperation with Iran. The statement assumes significance amid US' warning to all purchasers of Iranian oil to bring it down to zero by November 4 or face imminent sanctions from it. The two sides called for all issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme to be resolved peacefully and through dialogue. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump had pulled the US out of a nuclear agreement that the administration of former President Barack Obama had signed with Iran. During the talks, Russia and India also reaffirmed their commitment to their special and privileged strategic partnership and asserted that this relationship was an important factor for global peace and stability. The two sides reaffirmed the need to reform the UN Security Council to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges, said the statement titled, 'India-Russia: an Enduring Partnership in a Changing World'. "Russia reiterated its unwavering support to India for Permanent Membership in an expanded UNSC. Both sides resolved to work closely to ensure peace, security and equitable development both regionally and globally and to coordinate their efforts to address challenges to the stability of the world order," it said. Currently, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US. Following wide-ranging talks between Modi and Putin on a host of global issues, the two sides declared their support to Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process. "Concerned with the unabated violence and severely undermined security situation in Afghanistan and its adverse effect on the region, the sides resolved to work through the Moscow Format, SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, and all other recognised formats for an early resolution to the long-term conflict in Afghanistan, end terrorist violence, external safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorists and the worsening drug problem in the country," the statement said. Both sides called upon the international community to join efforts to thwart any external interference in Afghanistan, to restore its economy, contribute to sustaining peace and security, economic and political development of a stable, secure, united, prosperous and independent Afghanistan, it said. The two countries will direct their activity to launch joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan, the statement said. During the talks, the two sides also discussed the situation in Syria and the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders reaffirmed their determination to support efforts and initiatives aimed at preserving the role of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, and preventing the politicisation of the activities of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Both sides also supported the idea of the establishment of regional security architecture, that provides equal and indivisible security to all countries in Asia and in the regions of Pacific and Indian Oceans. They vowed to enhance interaction and coordination of efforts in the regional multilateral fora such as BRICS, G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Russia-India-China (RIC) and East Asia Summits. During the talks, India expressed its aspiration to broaden cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union.

In joint statement, Russia reaffirms 'unwavering support' to India for UNSC seat

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on October 5 for the 19th India-Russia summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and this comes against the backdrop of a complex dynamic that relates to the texture of their individual relations with the US.

On Thursday (September 20), the Trump administration imposed sanctions on China by invoking CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) provisions since Beijing had engaged in “significant transactions” with Russia. These include the Su-35 combat aircraft and the S-400 surface-to-air missile system and it is instructive to note that these inventory items are also part of the acquisitions that are in the pipeline for India to obtain from Russia. Moscow has been a major supplier of military equipment to India for five decades and the agenda for the current Putin visit is likely to include some important G2G (government to government) agreements for the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative.

It is pertinent to note that India is among the world’s largest importers of military equipment, for it has no significant indigenous manufacturing and design/R&amp;D capability in the defence sector as related to conventional weaponry. It is an anomalous characteristic, that while India has acquired a certain degree of self-sufficiency in relation to strategic capability (nuclear weapons, missiles and nuclear propulsion), it is also a country that has not been able to design and manufacture its own rifle or pistol with a performance index that is on par with the global benchmark.

This has been a major inadequacy in the higher defence management of India for years and this manufacturing-design void in conventional military capability dilutes India’s claim to “strategic autonomy” in the global arena. While Moscow, in its own transition from the former USSR to the current Russian Federation, has provided India invaluable support in certain niches — for instance nuclear submarine construction — this has not been the case in relation to conventional military equipment, however rudimentary. Consequently, the five decades of Indian engagement with the former Soviet Union and later Russia (after the end of the Cold War in December 1991) did not lead to any significant addition to India’s defence manufacturing sector.

Thus it is significant that the Putin visit in October may also include G2G protocols for the licenced-production of the AK-103 assault rifle in an Indian defence public sector unit and a joint venture between Rostec, a Russian helicopter entity, and HAL for the production of the Ka-226 light utility helicopters. Taken to their logical conclusion, this initiative will provide substantive content to the Make in India effort that has been prioritised by Prime Minister Modi, though the question lingers as to why such a step was not taken much earlier by New Delhi. It is understood that the Russian origin Talwar class frigates and IL-78 transport aircraft would also be considered for acquisition.

But all of this would be deemed to be a “significant” transaction with Russia by the White House and early signals coming from the Beltway are cautioning India that the CAASTA legislation could be invoked against New Delhi. It may be recalled that during the recently concluded ‘2+2’ talks that India had with the US, this issue had been flagged but no official position was articulated by both sides and prudently so.

The Trump administration has advised its allies and friends that it expects them to comply with the US line on both Russia and Iran and different domestic legislation such as CAASTA has been introduced. This is a demand that cannot easily be agreed to by many nations who have a long-standing military equipment relationship with Moscow and it is expected that the waiver route would be resorted to on a case-by-case basis.

For the US, the more immediate reaction has come from Beijing which responded to the September 19 CAASTA sanctions by summoning the US ambassador in Beijing and advising Washington to review its position or “bear the consequences.” The US-China tension that is already at play in the economic-trade domain has now spread to the military domain and has become a triangular issue involving Russia as well.

How India will deal with a Trump-led US diktat over CAASTA (and later Iran) will be a litmus test for the resilience of the India-US relationship, as also an indicator of the strategic import that Delhi accords to its ties with Moscow. There are many strands of tactical discord between India and Russia that have emerged in recent years — for instance Russian dismay at the Delhi-Washington partnership that had grown to a robust military sales relationship of $15 billion in a decade and the relative lack of enthusiasm from New Delhi to pursue any new big-ticket projects with Moscow.

On the Indian side, the more recent Russia-Pakistan military relationship and coordination over the Taliban issue in Afghanistan has stoked Indian anxiety. Furthermore, India has to accept the reality that there will be a greater degree of strategic engagement between Moscow and Beijing to deal with the current US orientation in global affairs led by an unpredictable Trump administration.

But the paradox is that while there are specific and complex tactical dissonances in the bilaterals, India remains a distinctive swing State for all three of its major interlocutors: Russia, US and China. While India is militarily dependent on both the US and Russia, they are aware that to realise their respective strategic objectives over the next 25 years, it would be desirable for them to have a stable and satisfactory relationship with India. In like fashion, the Indian swing index works differently for China, wherein pushing New Delhi into the Washington camp would introduce a brittleness in the China-US relationship that will not be favourable to Beijing. India has to distribute its military dependency astutely and Putin’s visit may enable a more nuanced dialogue with Washington over CAATSA and other prickly issues.

(This article was first published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-dynamics-around-putin-s-visit-2666999">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on October 5 for the 19th India-Russia summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and this comes against the backdrop of a complex dynamic that relates to the texture of their individual relations with the US.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on October 5 for the 19th India-Russia summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and this comes against the backdrop of a complex dynamic that relates to the texture of their individual relations with the US. On Thursday (September 20), the Trump administration imposed sanctions on China by invoking CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) provisions since Beijing had engaged in “significant transactions” with Russia. These include the Su-35 combat aircraft and the S-400 surface-to-air missile system and it is instructive to note that these inventory items are also part of the acquisitions that are in the pipeline for India to obtain from Russia. Moscow has been a major supplier of military equipment to India for five decades and the agenda for the current Putin visit is likely to include some important G2G (government to government) agreements for the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative. It is pertinent to note that India is among the world’s largest importers of military equipment, for it has no significant indigenous manufacturing and design/R&D capability in the defence sector as related to conventional weaponry. It is an anomalous characteristic, that while India has acquired a certain degree of self-sufficiency in relation to strategic capability (nuclear weapons, missiles and nuclear propulsion), it is also a country that has not been able to design and manufacture its own rifle or pistol with a performance index that is on par with the global benchmark. This has been a major inadequacy in the higher defence management of India for years and this manufacturing-design void in conventional military capability dilutes India’s claim to “strategic autonomy” in the global arena. While Moscow, in its own transition from the former USSR to the current Russian Federation, has provided India invaluable support in certain niches — for instance nuclear submarine construction — this has not been the case in relation to conventional military equipment, however rudimentary. Consequently, the five decades of Indian engagement with the former Soviet Union and later Russia (after the end of the Cold War in December 1991) did not lead to any significant addition to India’s defence manufacturing sector. Thus it is significant that the Putin visit in October may also include G2G protocols for the licenced-production of the AK-103 assault rifle in an Indian defence public sector unit and a joint venture between Rostec, a Russian helicopter entity, and HAL for the production of the Ka-226 light utility helicopters. Taken to their logical conclusion, this initiative will provide substantive content to the Make in India effort that has been prioritised by Prime Minister Modi, though the question lingers as to why such a step was not taken much earlier by New Delhi. It is understood that the Russian origin Talwar class frigates and IL-78 transport aircraft would also be considered for acquisition. But all of this would be deemed to be a “significant” transaction with Russia by the White House and early signals coming from the Beltway are cautioning India that the CAASTA legislation could be invoked against New Delhi. It may be recalled that during the recently concluded ‘2+2’ talks that India had with the US, this issue had been flagged but no official position was articulated by both sides and prudently so. The Trump administration has advised its allies and friends that it expects them to comply with the US line on both Russia and Iran and different domestic legislation such as CAASTA has been introduced. This is a demand that cannot easily be agreed to by many nations who have a long-standing military equipment relationship with Moscow and it is expected that the waiver route would be resorted to on a case-by-case basis. For the US, the more immediate reaction has come from Beijing which responded to the September 19 CAASTA sanctions by summoning the US ambassador in Beijing and advising Washington to review its position or “bear the consequences.” The US-China tension that is already at play in the economic-trade domain has now spread to the military domain and has become a triangular issue involving Russia as well. How India will deal with a Trump-led US diktat over CAASTA (and later Iran) will be a litmus test for the resilience of the India-US relationship, as also an indicator of the strategic import that Delhi accords to its ties with Moscow. There are many strands of tactical discord between India and Russia that have emerged in recent years — for instance Russian dismay at the Delhi-Washington partnership that had grown to a robust military sales relationship of $15 billion in a decade and the relative lack of enthusiasm from New Delhi to pursue any new big-ticket projects with Moscow. On the Indian side, the more recent Russia-Pakistan military relationship and coordination over the Taliban issue in Afghanistan has stoked Indian anxiety. Furthermore, India has to accept the reality that there will be a greater degree of strategic engagement between Moscow and Beijing to deal with the current US orientation in global affairs led by an unpredictable Trump administration. But the paradox is that while there are specific and complex tactical dissonances in the bilaterals, India remains a distinctive swing State for all three of its major interlocutors: Russia, US and China. While India is militarily dependent on both the US and Russia, they are aware that to realise their respective strategic objectives over the next 25 years, it would be desirable for them to have a stable and satisfactory relationship with India. In like fashion, the Indian swing index works differently for China, wherein pushing New Delhi into the Washington camp would introduce a brittleness in the China-US relationship that will not be favourable to Beijing. India has to distribute its military dependency astutely and Putin’s visit may enable a more nuanced dialogue with Washington over CAATSA and other prickly issues. (This article was first published on The DNA. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Dynamics around Putin’s India visit

As India gets set to seal the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems with&nbsp;Russia for the Indian Air Force, US Republican Congressman&nbsp;Thornberry has cautioned the Modi government asserting that it could complicate US's ability to work on "inter-operability with India".

The &nbsp;S-400 Triumf air defence missile meant for the Indian Air Force has run into rough weather with US&nbsp;President Trump having signed an act in August last year according to which countries trading with Russia on defense and intelligence sectors would face sanctions.

Republican Congressman Mac Thornberry echoing the Trump administration's view, said: "If there is concern that any country...It's not just India that is looking at acquiring it or any country that requires that system, it will complicate our ability to work on inter-operability together."

"I hope that the Indian government will take its time and consider very carefully in acquiring that system (S-400) because of the difficulties it may present," Thornberry added.

The US law designed to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and involvement in the Syrian civil war has put several US allies in a quandary including Indonesia and Vietnam who regularly buy Russian armaments.

The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CATSA) forbids countries to trade with Russia which is the world’s second-largest arms exporter.

However, Thornberry did concede that the language of the Act makes it difficult for several US allies as it does not allow any "flexibility".

"There is an understanding in the administration and the Congress that some additional flexibility in that law is needed. And it's not just India that's in that situation, there other nations in that," Thornberry observed.

There is apprehension in the US administration that India's S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems deal with Russia worth 40,000-crore could also hurt US&nbsp;interests as India is the No-2 buyer of defense weapons with $15 billion worth arms trade undertaken in the last decade.

The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act forbids countries to trade with Russia

As India gets set to seal the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems with Russia for the Indian Air Force, US Republican Congressman Thornberry has cautioned the Modi government asserting that it could complicate US's ability to work on "inter-operability with India". The S-400 Triumf air defence missile meant for the Indian Air Force has run into rough weather with US President Trump having signed an act in August last year according to which countries trading with Russia on defense and intelligence sectors would face sanctions. Republican Congressman Mac Thornberry echoing the Trump administration's view, said: "If there is concern that any country...It's not just India that is looking at acquiring it or any country that requires that system, it will complicate our ability to work on inter-operability together." "I hope that the Indian government will take its time and consider very carefully in acquiring that system (S-400) because of the difficulties it may present," Thornberry added. The US law designed to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and involvement in the Syrian civil war has put several US allies in a quandary including Indonesia and Vietnam who regularly buy Russian armaments. The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CATSA) forbids countries to trade with Russia which is the world’s second-largest arms exporter. However, Thornberry did concede that the language of the Act makes it difficult for several US allies as it does not allow any "flexibility". "There is an understanding in the administration and the Congress that some additional flexibility in that law is needed. And it's not just India that's in that situation, there other nations in that," Thornberry observed. There is apprehension in the US administration that India's S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems deal with Russia worth 40,000-crore could also hurt US interests as India is the No-2 buyer of defense weapons with $15 billion worth arms trade undertaken in the last decade.

India should be careful while acquiring Russia's S-400 Triumf air defence missile, cautions US Congressman

If there were any doubts about Vladimir Putin's physical fitness, these would have been dispelled as television images recorded him walking through seemingly endless corridors in the Kremlin, for his inauguration on Monday as President of Russia for the fourth time. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Western media snidely labelled the ceremony a coronation, noting the manner of his election, that he never stepped outside the Kremlin grounds unlike earlier, pointing to the absence of foreign VIPs. Doubtless, Putin can live with that. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
India would have been represented at the level of Ambassador Pankaj Saran at least, if not at the political level. &nbsp;Although much water has flown down the Moscow River and the Yamuna, there is recognition in either country of the diplomatic and political capital they have invested in each other. 
&nbsp; 
Putin is well aware of this, but he is perhaps the last generation of Russian leaders who are committed to the India relationship.&nbsp;Putin, says Nandan Unnikrishnan of the Observer Research Foundation, genuinely likes India and sees potential benefit for his own country in India's growth story. &nbsp;Alas, that growth story faltered somewhere down the line and even as it shows signs of reviving, Russia stumbled on the obstacle course of geopolitics. 
&nbsp; 
Before we examine that, let's look at some indicators of the India-Russia relationship in the Putin era:

<ul>
	<li>Bilateral trade is an abysmal $11 bn&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Russia's share in India's arms purchases has fallen from 79% to 62% in the last five years</li>
	<li>While Russia still tops the arms table for India, the US and Israel have moved into second and third spots and could rise further</li>
	<li>Russia's ties to China are rousing concerns in South Block that Moscow may end up as Beijing's rather shabby cousin</li>
	<li>Russia's ties with Pakistan are also growing</li>
	<li>Russia is supplying frontline weaponry to China, which could end up passing on some to its 'Iron Brother' Pakistan</li>
</ul>

&nbsp; 
Russia insists there's no problem, there's no conflict, India would like to believe but China and Pakistan represent realities that are impossible for South Block to ignore.&nbsp;Yes, Putin has authorised the sale of the S-400 missile defence system to India, also the lease of another nuclear-powered submarine knowing full well that they are for use against China. &nbsp;But he's also selling Su-35 fighter jets to China which are the equivalent of India's Su-30MKI. 
&nbsp; 
Then there's Afghanistan where Russia, China and Pakistan appear on the same side of the fence. &nbsp;Russia insists it wants to cover its flanks from radical Islam and therefore the need to open contacts with the Taliban. &nbsp;Fair enough. &nbsp;But the doubts don't go away. &nbsp;Doubts too in Moscow about India's chin wagging with the Americans and where it's going. 
&nbsp; 
So when the two sides meet there's lots to talk about. Geopolitics, as I mentioned earlier, maybe partly to blame. Russia's re-emergence as a pole in the Arab world has discomfited America. Earlier Russia's annexation of Crimea and its role in Ukraine have added to bad blood. US sanctions are biting and Russia finds itself being driven closer to China. 
&nbsp; 
India has to tread carefully through this minefield. South Block finds strategic value in the Russian connection but this is Putin's last tenure and succession issues will increasingly preoccupy him. A generational change is on the Russian horizon which means uncertainty. India will watch but is not going to wait for the new man in Moscow. It will maintain its course trusting the Russian connection will fall into place.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India would like to believe but China and Pakistan represent realities that are impossible for South Block to ignore.

If there were any doubts about Vladimir Putin's physical fitness, these would have been dispelled as television images recorded him walking through seemingly endless corridors in the Kremlin, for his inauguration on Monday as President of Russia for the fourth time. The Western media snidely labelled the ceremony a coronation, noting the manner of his election, that he never stepped outside the Kremlin grounds unlike earlier, pointing to the absence of foreign VIPs. Doubtless, Putin can live with that. India would have been represented at the level of Ambassador Pankaj Saran at least, if not at the political level. Although much water has flown down the Moscow River and the Yamuna, there is recognition in either country of the diplomatic and political capital they have invested in each other. Putin is well aware of this, but he is perhaps the last generation of Russian leaders who are committed to the India relationship. Putin, says Nandan Unnikrishnan of the Observer Research Foundation, genuinely likes India and sees potential benefit for his own country in India's growth story. Alas, that growth story faltered somewhere down the line and even as it shows signs of reviving, Russia stumbled on the obstacle course of geopolitics. Before we examine that, let's look at some indicators of the India-Russia relationship in the Putin era: Bilateral trade is an abysmal $11 bn Russia's share in India's arms purchases has fallen from 79% to 62% in the last five years While Russia still tops the arms table for India, the US and Israel have moved into second and third spots and could rise further Russia's ties to China are rousing concerns in South Block that Moscow may end up as Beijing's rather shabby cousin Russia's ties with Pakistan are also growing Russia is supplying frontline weaponry to China, which could end up passing on some to its 'Iron Brother' Pakistan Russia insists there's no problem, there's no conflict, India would like to believe but China and Pakistan represent realities that are impossible for South Block to ignore. Yes, Putin has authorised the sale of the S-400 missile defence system to India, also the lease of another nuclear-powered submarine knowing full well that they are for use against China. But he's also selling Su-35 fighter jets to China which are the equivalent of India's Su-30MKI. Then there's Afghanistan where Russia, China and Pakistan appear on the same side of the fence. Russia insists it wants to cover its flanks from radical Islam and therefore the need to open contacts with the Taliban. Fair enough. But the doubts don't go away. Doubts too in Moscow about India's chin wagging with the Americans and where it's going. So when the two sides meet there's lots to talk about. Geopolitics, as I mentioned earlier, maybe partly to blame. Russia's re-emergence as a pole in the Arab world has discomfited America. Earlier Russia's annexation of Crimea and its role in Ukraine have added to bad blood. US sanctions are biting and Russia finds itself being driven closer to China. India has to tread carefully through this minefield. South Block finds strategic value in the Russian connection but this is Putin's last tenure and succession issues will increasingly preoccupy him. A generational change is on the Russian horizon which means uncertainty. India will watch but is not going to wait for the new man in Moscow. It will maintain its course trusting the Russian connection will fall into place. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: China a worry, India needs to reset ties with President Putin

India-Russia tri-services military exercise <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-400-indian-troops-leave-for-first-tri-services-joint-military-excercise-with-russia-22515">is underway&nbsp;at the 249th combined Army range Sergeevisky&nbsp;</a>in Russia and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok.

The Indian contingent comprises of over<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-tri-services-drill-aimed-at-reinforcing-rivalry-mentality-says-china-daily-22678"> 400 officers from the Army, Navy and Air force.</a> The Indian&nbsp;Air Force has included two IL 76 transport aircrafts, one frigate and a corvette.

The Russian Federation Armed Forces is being represented by approximately 1,000 troops of the 5th Army, Marines and Ships of Pacific Fleet and aircraft from Eastern Military District.

The aim of the exercise is to improve interoperability between the two forces especially during disaster and relief operations around the world, India&#39;s defense&nbsp;officials said.

Exercise INDRA-2017 in its previous nine avatars was&nbsp;conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries.

Military ties between the two countries date back to the Soviet-era when India entirely depended on Moscow to equip its armed forces.

The United States has since taken over as India&#39;s top arms supplier.

The aim of the exercise is to improve interoperability between the two forces especially during disaster and relief operations

India-Russia tri-services military exercise is underway at the 249th combined Army range Sergeevisky in Russia and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok. The Indian contingent comprises of over 400 officers from the Army, Navy and Air force. The Indian Air Force has included two IL 76 transport aircrafts, one frigate and a corvette. The Russian Federation Armed Forces is being represented by approximately 1,000 troops of the 5th Army, Marines and Ships of Pacific Fleet and aircraft from Eastern Military District. The aim of the exercise is to improve interoperability between the two forces especially during disaster and relief operations around the world, India's defense officials said. Exercise INDRA-2017 in its previous nine avatars was conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries. Military ties between the two countries date back to the Soviet-era when India entirely depended on Moscow to equip its armed forces. The United States has since taken over as India's top arms supplier.

Watch Exercise INDRA: India-Russia tri-services military exercise underway near Vladivostok

india-russia-0

India Russia, News on India Russia, stories on India Russia, articles on India Russia, India Russia stories at Wion, India Russia news, India Russia latest news

india russia-0