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

Over 400 personnel of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-japans-mutually-beneficial-alliance-a-barter-between-military-and-infrastructure-20214">Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy in addition to two IL 76 aircraft</a>, one frigate and corvette each from the Navy today left the country to take part in INDRA 2017--the first ever Tri-Services Joint Exercise between Indian and Russian Armed Forces which will be conducted in the Eastern Military District of Russia from October 19 to 29.&nbsp;

Exercise INDRA in its previous nine avatars has been conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries.

The year 2017 marks a major milestone as this Exercise has been upgraded to involve all the three Services of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy &amp; Air Force), which further accentuates the importance of Joint Services in the present world environment.

Exercise INDRA-2017 will be conducted at the 249th Combined Army Range Sergeevisky and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok.

The Indian contingent will comprise of 350 personnel from Army, 80 from Air Force, two IL 76 aircraft and one Frigate and Corvette each from the Navy.

The Russian Federation Armed Forces will be represented by approximately 1000 troops of the 5th Army, Marines and Ships of Pacific Fleet and aircraft from Eastern Military District.

Addressing the Indian Contingent today, Lt Gen Satish Dua reminded them of the importance of the upcoming Exercise which will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of both countries to train in counter-terrorism operations in a multinational scenario in a joint tri-service environment.

The scope of the Exercise includes professional interactions, the establishment of joint command and control structures between the Indian &amp; Russian forces and elimination of terrorist threat in a multinational environment under the UN mandate.

Exercise INDRA-2017 is aimed at strengthening mutual confidence, inter-operability and enable sharing of best practices between both the armed forces.

It will be a landmark event in the history of Indo-Russian defence cooperation and is expected to give the Indo-Russian defence cooperation a major boost.

Exercise INDRA-2017 will be conducted at the 249th Combined Army Range Sergeevisky and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok.

Over 400 personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy in addition to two IL 76 aircraft, one frigate and corvette each from the Navy today left the country to take part in INDRA 2017--the first ever Tri-Services Joint Exercise between Indian and Russian Armed Forces which will be conducted in the Eastern Military District of Russia from October 19 to 29. Exercise INDRA in its previous nine avatars has been conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries. The year 2017 marks a major milestone as this Exercise has been upgraded to involve all the three Services of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy & Air Force), which further accentuates the importance of Joint Services in the present world environment. Exercise INDRA-2017 will be conducted at the 249th Combined Army Range Sergeevisky and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok. The Indian contingent will comprise of 350 personnel from Army, 80 from Air Force, two IL 76 aircraft and one Frigate and Corvette each from the Navy. The Russian Federation Armed Forces will be represented by approximately 1000 troops of the 5th Army, Marines and Ships of Pacific Fleet and aircraft from Eastern Military District. Addressing the Indian Contingent today, Lt Gen Satish Dua reminded them of the importance of the upcoming Exercise which will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of both countries to train in counter-terrorism operations in a multinational scenario in a joint tri-service environment. The scope of the Exercise includes professional interactions, the establishment of joint command and control structures between the Indian & Russian forces and elimination of terrorist threat in a multinational environment under the UN mandate. Exercise INDRA-2017 is aimed at strengthening mutual confidence, inter-operability and enable sharing of best practices between both the armed forces. It will be a landmark event in the history of Indo-Russian defence cooperation and is expected to give the Indo-Russian defence cooperation a major boost.

Over 400 Indian troops leave for first ever tri-services joint military excercise with Russia

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