In a major boost to India’s naval power, the Indian Navy will add the advanced stealth warship INS Tamal to its fleet on July 1, 2025. This ship was built in Russia’s Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad under an India-Russia agreement signed in 2016, worth Rs 21,000 crore ($2.5 Billons, taking $1= 80 INR). The move highlights India growing efforts to modernise its Navy especially with rising security concerns in the Indian Ocean. Senior naval officers, including Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh will be present at the induction ceremony.&nbsp;INS Tamal is the second of four stealth frigates being delivered as part of the Indo-Russian deal. Its addition is a key step in India aim to keep up with China as China is expanding its naval presence.&nbsp;The global defence scenario has changed significantly due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the growing conflict between Israel, USA and Iran. Many countries are reviewing their military forces and India is also doing the same.&nbsp;China’s increasing activity in the Indian Ocean has pushed India to take firm steps to guard its maritime borders. INS Tamal is a part of that response.&nbsp;What is INS Tamal?&nbsp;INS Tamal is a stealth guided-missile frigate based on the upgraded Kirvak-class design. It follows INS Tushil, which joined the Indian Navy in December 2024.&nbsp;The ship is made to avoid enemy detection using advanced infrared stealth technology and also includes Indian-made radar and weapon systems.&nbsp;Key features of INS Tamal:<ul><li>Length: 125 metres</li><li>Weight: 3,900 tonnes</li><li>Top speed: 55 km/h</li><li>Missile system: Equipped with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (range: 290–450 km)</li><li>Air support: Can carry Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters for anti-submarine</li><li>Combat capability: Built to tackle multiple threats like submarine, drones and fighter jets like F-16, F-35, Rafale, and China’s J-35A.</li></ul>After its induction INS Tamal will be deployed in the Arabian Sea under the Western Naval Command. This area is especially important as it borders Pakistan and is close to Karachi, a key city for Pakistan’s economy and navy.&nbsp;The Rs 21,000 crore deal includes four stealth frigates of the Kirvak-III class. INS Tushil and INS Tamal are being built in Russia at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore. The other two will be made in India at the Goa Shipyard with Russian support, costing Rs 13,000 crore.&nbsp;

The global defence scenario has changed significantly due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the growing conflict between Israel, USA and Iran. Many countries are reviewing their military forces and India is also doing the same.

In a major boost to India’s naval power, the Indian Navy will add the advanced stealth warship INS Tamal to its fleet on July 1, 2025. This ship was built in Russia’s Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad under an India-Russia agreement signed in 2016, worth Rs 21,000 crore ($2.5 Billons, taking $1= 80 INR). The move highlights India growing efforts to modernise its Navy especially with rising security concerns in the Indian Ocean. Senior naval officers, including Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh will be present at the induction ceremony. INS Tamal is the second of four stealth frigates being delivered as part of the Indo-Russian deal. Its addition is a key step in India aim to keep up with China as China is expanding its naval presence. The global defence scenario has changed significantly due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the growing conflict between Israel, USA and Iran. Many countries are reviewing their military forces and India is also doing the same. China’s increasing activity in the Indian Ocean has pushed India to take firm steps to guard its maritime borders. INS Tamal is a part of that response. What is INS Tamal? INS Tamal is a stealth guided-missile frigate based on the upgraded Kirvak-class design. It follows INS Tushil, which joined the Indian Navy in December 2024. The ship is made to avoid enemy detection using advanced infrared stealth technology and also includes Indian-made radar and weapon systems. Key features of INS Tamal: Length: 125 metres Weight: 3,900 tonnes Top speed: 55 km/h Missile system: Equipped with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (range: 290–450 km) Air support: Can carry Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters for anti-submarine Combat capability: Built to tackle multiple threats like submarine, drones and fighter jets like F-16, F-35, Rafale, and China’s J-35A. After its induction INS Tamal will be deployed in the Arabian Sea under the Western Naval Command. This area is especially important as it borders Pakistan and is close to Karachi, a key city for Pakistan’s economy and navy. The Rs 21,000 crore deal includes four stealth frigates of the Kirvak-III class. INS Tushil and INS Tamal are being built in Russia at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore. The other two will be made in India at the Goa Shipyard with Russian support, costing Rs 13,000 crore.

The global defence scenario has changed significantly due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the growing conflict between Israel, USA and Iran. Many countries are reviewing their military forces and India is also doing the same.

More than a warship: Why INS Tamal could be the most lethal battleship in the region

India and Russia are considering exploring the possibility&nbsp;of using alternative transport routes, including the Northern Sea Route and Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), to enhance maritime cooperation.

In a statement, India's Ports, Shipping, and Waterways minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the decision was reached during a meeting with Moscow's Development of the Far East and Arctic minister, AO Chekunkov, in Vladivostok, Russia.

<h2>The meeting's achievements</h2>

In addition to the exploration of new trade routes, the two nations agreed to train Indian seafarers in polar and arctic waters at the Russian Maritime Training Institute. The institute, as per the Reuters report, offers advanced simulator facilities.

Furthermore, both India and Russia expressed their commitment to strengthening their strategic cooperation in various sectors, emphasising their enduring partnership.&nbsp;

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"We remain committed to maintaining strong ties (with Russia) and fostering strategic cooperation across various sectors," said the Indian minister in a statement.

"The operationalisation of the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) will usher in a new era of trade relationship between India and Russia," said Sonowal.

Chekunkov stated that Russia seeks to "develop relations with Indian partners in the Far East in all areas of mutual interest."

As per a statement from India's shipping ministry, Sonowal extended an invitation to an Indo-Russian workshop on the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC).

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"Sonowal was addressing the session aimed at forging possibilities for early operationalisation of the EMC as an alternative trade route between the Russian port city of Vladivostok and the Indian port city of Chennai. The workshop is proposed to take place from 30 October to 1 November 2023 in Chennai, India," said the shipping ministry.

This corridor is projected to significantly reduce the transit time between Indian and Russian ports in the Far East Region, potentially by up to 40 per cent, from the current 40 days to 24 days.

<h2>India &amp; Russia's long-standing ties</h2>

Despite the more than year-long, ongoing war Russia has waged on its neighbour Ukraine, India has maintained a close relationship with Russia.&nbsp;

As per reports,&nbsp;trade between the two nations has reached record-high levels, and Indian imports of Russian oil have contributed significantly to this increase.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India and Russia are considering exploring the possibility of using alternative transport routes, including the Northern Sea Route and Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), to enhance maritime cooperation.

India and Russia are considering exploring the possibility of using alternative transport routes, including the Northern Sea Route and Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), to enhance maritime cooperation. In a statement, India's Ports, Shipping, and Waterways minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the decision was reached during a meeting with Moscow's Development of the Far East and Arctic minister, AO Chekunkov, in Vladivostok, Russia. The meeting's achievements In addition to the exploration of new trade routes, the two nations agreed to train Indian seafarers in polar and arctic waters at the Russian Maritime Training Institute. The institute, as per the Reuters report, offers advanced simulator facilities. Furthermore, both India and Russia expressed their commitment to strengthening their strategic cooperation in various sectors, emphasising their enduring partnership. Also read | Russia's 'massive' drone attacks damaged infra at ports of Danube region, claims Ukraine "We remain committed to maintaining strong ties (with Russia) and fostering strategic cooperation across various sectors," said the Indian minister in a statement. "The operationalisation of the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) will usher in a new era of trade relationship between India and Russia," said Sonowal. Chekunkov stated that Russia seeks to "develop relations with Indian partners in the Far East in all areas of mutual interest." As per a statement from India's shipping ministry, Sonowal extended an invitation to an Indo-Russian workshop on the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC). Also read | The truth about UFOs: NASA's to unveil important report on UAPs. Here's how you can watch it live "Sonowal was addressing the session aimed at forging possibilities for early operationalisation of the EMC as an alternative trade route between the Russian port city of Vladivostok and the Indian port city of Chennai. The workshop is proposed to take place from 30 October to 1 November 2023 in Chennai, India," said the shipping ministry. This corridor is projected to significantly reduce the transit time between Indian and Russian ports in the Far East Region, potentially by up to 40 per cent, from the current 40 days to 24 days. India & Russia's long-standing ties Despite the more than year-long, ongoing war Russia has waged on its neighbour Ukraine, India has maintained a close relationship with Russia. As per reports, trade between the two nations has reached record-high levels, and Indian imports of Russian oil have contributed significantly to this increase. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India and Russia to explore new maritime routes for trade expansion

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin,&nbsp;Russian minister for Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov and governors of Russian Far East will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that will take place in Gandhinagar next month.

Four&nbsp;governors of Far East Provinces of Russia will participate in the summit that will take place from January 10&nbsp;to 12.

The biennial investors' summit which is the tenth edition will see a roundtable on the first day itself with governors and heads of far eastern federal districts of the Russian Federation taking part. The roundtable is expected to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;A readout on the event from the official website of the summit says the roundtable will "further boost the bilateral cooperation and enhancing collaboration in trade, commerce, and investments."

The focus on Russian Far East, an area rich in mineral resources at the summit comes even has there has been greater engagement from India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Vladivostok in 2019 which is the&nbsp;region's second-largest&nbsp;city and had spoken at the 5th Eastern Economic Summit.&nbsp;

During the visit, PM Modi had announced $1 billion line of credit to the Russian Far East to develop the region. That same year saw trade minister Piyush Goyal&nbsp;leading a high-power delegation of chief ministers of Haryana, Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh and Goa and about 140 Indian companies to Vladivostok to increase business engagement.

The presence of the ministry for the development of the Russian Far East and Arctic is another stand-out. Minvostokrazvitiya as it is known&nbsp;is a Russian executive body that coordinates&nbsp;in the Far Eastern federal district&nbsp;the implementation of state programmes and federal targeted programmes.

Around five heads of state will be participating at the summit.&nbsp;Italy is the partner country for the mega investor meet. The summit will will witness&nbsp;special country session for Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mozambique, UK,&nbsp;Japan, Sweden, Norway, South Korea.

The sessions are also on the business environment in Latvia and doing business in Africa.&nbsp;Since the meet takes place amid the COVID-19 crisis, the number of COVID-19 protocols have been put in place. These include&nbsp;entry to venues&nbsp;only on basis of fully vaccinated certificate.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Russian minister for Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov and governors of Russian Far East will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that will take place in Gandhinagar next month.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Russian minister for Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov and governors of Russian Far East will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that will take place in Gandhinagar next month. Four governors of Far East Provinces of Russia will participate in the summit that will take place from January 10 to 12. The biennial investors' summit which is the tenth edition will see a roundtable on the first day itself with governors and heads of far eastern federal districts of the Russian Federation taking part. The roundtable is expected to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A readout on the event from the official website of the summit says the roundtable will "further boost the bilateral cooperation and enhancing collaboration in trade, commerce, and investments." The focus on Russian Far East, an area rich in mineral resources at the summit comes even has there has been greater engagement from India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Vladivostok in 2019 which is the region's second-largest city and had spoken at the 5th Eastern Economic Summit. During the visit, PM Modi had announced $1 billion line of credit to the Russian Far East to develop the region. That same year saw trade minister Piyush Goyal leading a high-power delegation of chief ministers of Haryana, Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh and Goa and about 140 Indian companies to Vladivostok to increase business engagement. The presence of the ministry for the development of the Russian Far East and Arctic is another stand-out. Minvostokrazvitiya as it is known is a Russian executive body that coordinates in the Far Eastern federal district the implementation of state programmes and federal targeted programmes. Around five heads of state will be participating at the summit. Italy is the partner country for the mega investor meet. The summit will will witness special country session for Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mozambique, UK, Japan, Sweden, Norway, South Korea. The sessions are also on the business environment in Latvia and doing business in Africa. Since the meet takes place amid the COVID-19 crisis, the number of COVID-19 protocols have been put in place. These include entry to venues only on basis of fully vaccinated certificate.

Russian PM, minister for Far East & Arctic to attend Vibrant Gujarat Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as the two leaders conducted summit talks on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gift-from-gujarat-pm-narendra-modi-gives-exquisite-agate-bowls-to-russian-president-vladimir-putin-434688https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-president-putin-arrives-in-india-meets-pm-modi-434610">Also Read |&nbsp;Gift from Gujarat: PM Modi gives exquisite gift to President Putin</a>

"In the last decades there has been a fundamental change in geostrategy but Russia and India have maintained their partnership," PM Modi said as he met Russian President Putin.

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Добро пожаловать, г-н президент! 
 
Welcome to India my friend President Putin. Our meeting today will strengthen our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The initiatives that we take today will further increase the scope of our cooperation to new areas. <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KremlinRussia</a> <a href="https://t.co/v699GK4BEM">pic.twitter.com/v699GK4BEM</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1467846947365134336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"In 2021, we had the 2+2 dialogue which is a new mechanism to further our relationship," India's prime minister said.

PM Modi said India and Russia have been cooperating in various fields including in Make in India, space&nbsp;and other civil domains.

During the summit, the Russian president said the two countries have been holding summits every year but it could not take place last year due to the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;The two leaders also discussed regional and global developments including post-pandemic recovery and the prevailing situation in Afghanistan, the Indian foreign ministry said.

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I warmly thank H.E. President Putin for his visit to India. We exchanged very useful ideas for expanding our strategic, trade &amp; investment, energy, connectivity, defence, science &amp; technology and cultural cooperation. We also shared views on important global and regional issues. <a href="https://t.co/FQGFgQzsfX">pic.twitter.com/FQGFgQzsfX</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1467914212168982531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ak-203-rifles-to-s-400-air-defence-system-what-to-expect-from-power-packed-india-russia-summit-434494">Also Read:&nbsp;AK-203 rifles to S-400 air defence system: What to expect from power-packed India-Russia summit</a>

"We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend," President Putin said. The Russian president informed that although trade had declined last year but it increased by 38 per cent this year even as investments also increased.

The Russian president said both countries have been cooperating on important matters including energy, space and high tech sectors.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deliveries-of-russian-s-400-missile-system-have-begun-will-continue-to-happen-harsh-shringla-434729">Also Read|&nbsp;Deliveries of Russian S-400 missile system have begun: Harsh Shringla</a>

The MEA added that the role of connectivity through the International North-South Transport Corridor(INSTC) and the proposed Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor was also discussed between the two leaders.&nbsp;

"We also cooperate in the military sphere like no other country, by that I mean we develop technologies," the Russian president added. &nbsp;Putin said both countries have been holding joint military exercises on each other's territories.

"We are concerned about terrorism, terror finance and organised crime," the Russian president said adding&nbsp;that&nbsp;he was concerned about developments in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as the two leaders conducted summit talks on Monday. Also Read | Gift from Gujarat: PM Modi gives exquisite gift to President Putin "In the last decades there has been a fundamental change in geostrategy but Russia and India have maintained their partnership," PM Modi said as he met Russian President Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as the two leaders conducted summit talks on Monday. Also Read | Gift from Gujarat: PM Modi gives exquisite gift to President Putin "In the last decades there has been a fundamental change in geostrategy but Russia and India have maintained their partnership," PM Modi said as he met Russian President Putin. Добро пожаловать, г-н президент! Welcome to India my friend President Putin. Our meeting today will strengthen our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The initiatives that we take today will further increase the scope of our cooperation to new areas. @KremlinRussia pic.twitter.com/v699GK4BEM — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 6, 2021 × "In 2021, we had the 2+2 dialogue which is a new mechanism to further our relationship," India's prime minister said. PM Modi said India and Russia have been cooperating in various fields including in Make in India, space and other civil domains. During the summit, the Russian president said the two countries have been holding summits every year but it could not take place last year due to the COVID-19 crisis. The two leaders also discussed regional and global developments including post-pandemic recovery and the prevailing situation in Afghanistan, the Indian foreign ministry said. I warmly thank H.E. President Putin for his visit to India. We exchanged very useful ideas for expanding our strategic, trade & investment, energy, connectivity, defence, science & technology and cultural cooperation. We also shared views on important global and regional issues. pic.twitter.com/FQGFgQzsfX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 6, 2021 × Also Read: AK-203 rifles to S-400 air defence system: What to expect from power-packed India-Russia summit "We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend," President Putin said. The Russian president informed that although trade had declined last year but it increased by 38 per cent this year even as investments also increased. The Russian president said both countries have been cooperating on important matters including energy, space and high tech sectors. Also Read| Deliveries of Russian S-400 missile system have begun: Harsh Shringla The MEA added that the role of connectivity through the International North-South Transport Corridor(INSTC) and the proposed Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor was also discussed between the two leaders. "We also cooperate in the military sphere like no other country, by that I mean we develop technologies," the Russian president added. Putin said both countries have been holding joint military exercises on each other's territories. "We are concerned about terrorism, terror finance and organised crime," the Russian president said adding that he was concerned about developments in Afghanistan. (With inputs from Agencies)

We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend, says President Putin to PM Modi

India has said its relations with Moscow is "important" and the annual India, Russia summit which was to take place&nbsp;this year was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both countries have an annual summit mechanism at leaders' level that alternates between India and Russia.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in a statement said, "The India-Russia annual summit did not take place in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a mutually agreed decision between the two governments."

Last year the summit happened in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok with Indian Prime Minister travelling to Russia, before that it took place&nbsp;in Delhi in 2018 with Russian President Putin travelling to India.

Meanwhile, the Russian ambassador to Delhi&nbsp;Nikolay Kudashev said, "Special and privileged strategic partnership" between Russia and India is "progressing well despite COVID-19" and the Russian side is "staying in close touch with our Indian friends to work out new dates for the summit, postponed due to epidemiological reasons."

He highlighted that&nbsp;"we are confident that it will be held in the near future, while the Russian-Indian relations will continue its further development."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken to each other four&nbsp;times this year.

Both Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and defence&nbsp;minister Rajnath Singh had travelled to Moscow in September for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meetings.

In&nbsp;fact, defence minister Rajnath Singhhad also visited the country for the Victory Day parade.

Due to COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic, international travel has significantly impacted.

For the first time this year, the annual United Nations General assembly meeting in September and other major summits like G20, BRICS and SCO happened virtually. The last foreign visit of Indian prime minister was in November of 2019 and since then he hasn't gone abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India has said its relations with Moscow is "important" and the annual India, Russia summit which was to take place this year was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India has said its relations with Moscow is "important" and the annual India, Russia summit which was to take place this year was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both countries have an annual summit mechanism at leaders' level that alternates between India and Russia. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in a statement said, "The India-Russia annual summit did not take place in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a mutually agreed decision between the two governments." Last year the summit happened in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok with Indian Prime Minister travelling to Russia, before that it took place in Delhi in 2018 with Russian President Putin travelling to India. Meanwhile, the Russian ambassador to Delhi Nikolay Kudashev said, "Special and privileged strategic partnership" between Russia and India is "progressing well despite COVID-19" and the Russian side is "staying in close touch with our Indian friends to work out new dates for the summit, postponed due to epidemiological reasons." He highlighted that "we are confident that it will be held in the near future, while the Russian-Indian relations will continue its further development." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken to each other four times this year. Both Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and defence minister Rajnath Singh had travelled to Moscow in September for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meetings. In fact, defence minister Rajnath Singhhad also visited the country for the Victory Day parade. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, international travel has significantly impacted. For the first time this year, the annual United Nations General assembly meeting in September and other major summits like G20, BRICS and SCO happened virtually. The last foreign visit of Indian prime minister was in November of 2019 and since then he hasn't gone abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India says relation with Russia important; annual summit postponed due to COVID-19

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh said that his discussion with Russian officials was "positive and productive" while asserting that "ongoing contracts will not just be maintained but will be executed soon" hinting at the S-400 missile defence system which India had procured from Russia in October 2018.

India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems. Last year, the India government had made the first tranche of payment of $800 million to Russia for the missile systems. Moscow was to begin the delivery of the system by the second half of next year.

It is the first official delegation to visit Moscow from India to a foreign country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

"I pay my tribute to the Russian soldiers who were killed during World War II. Lakhs of Indian soldiers also participated in this war and we also suffered casualties," India's defence minister said as Russia prepares to host a parade in Moscow's Red Square to celebrate victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

India's defence minister emphasised the "special relationship" between India and Russia and&nbsp;forwarded an invite for President Putin to visit India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this year.

India's defence minister had left on Monday for a three-day visit to Russia.&nbsp;

"Visited the Indian Embassy in Moscow today and paid my humble tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at his statue," Rajnath Singh tweeted on Wednesday.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh said that his discussion with Russian officials was "positive and productive" while asserting that "ongoing contracts will not just be maintained but will be executed soon" hinting at the S-400 missile defence system which India had procured from Russia in October 2018.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh said that his discussion with Russian officials was "positive and productive" while asserting that "ongoing contracts will not just be maintained but will be executed soon" hinting at the S-400 missile defence system which India had procured from Russia in October 2018. India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems. Last year, the India government had made the first tranche of payment of $800 million to Russia for the missile systems. Moscow was to begin the delivery of the system by the second half of next year. It is the first official delegation to visit Moscow from India to a foreign country amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "I pay my tribute to the Russian soldiers who were killed during World War II. Lakhs of Indian soldiers also participated in this war and we also suffered casualties," India's defence minister said as Russia prepares to host a parade in Moscow's Red Square to celebrate victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. India's defence minister emphasised the "special relationship" between India and Russia and forwarded an invite for President Putin to visit India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this year. India's defence minister had left on Monday for a three-day visit to Russia. "Visited the Indian Embassy in Moscow today and paid my humble tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at his statue," Rajnath Singh tweeted on Wednesday.

Contracts with Russia will be executed soon, says Defence minister Rajnath Singh in Moscow

India has said both France and Russia are important and you can't compare both as they are close partners for New Delhi

Well placed sources said, "India's strategic partnership with France has its own merits, both are important and special in their own way."

Explaining, "Comparison is not useful just as you cannot compare French&nbsp;champagne&nbsp;with Russian vodka."

The development came after a question was asked to French Emmanuel Lenain at a virtual meeting of ORF in Delhi that has France replaced Russia as India's new best friend. French envoy was quick to reply that, "being Russia in India is quite a compliment." Sources appreciated the sentiments expressed by the French envoy.

France with a veto at UNSC, growing defence partnership and increased political ties have&nbsp;led to some suggesting that Paris could be the new Moscow for Delhi. The support India got from the erstwhile Soviet Union and later Russia has been something that has become part of a legend in India.&nbsp;

During the cold war, the Soviet Union had backed India at various international forums when cornered and while India retains Russian support, increasingly France has been backing India on issues such as the listing of Masood Azhar at UN or when attempts have been made to rake up Kashmir.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi shares a close and warm relationship with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Macron and has been engaging with them frequently on a number of issues including the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India has said both France and Russia are important and you can't compare both as they are close partners for New Delhi Well placed sources said, "India's strategic partnership with France has its own merits, both are important and special in their own way.

India has said both France and Russia are important and you can't compare both as they are close partners for New Delhi Well placed sources said, "India's strategic partnership with France has its own merits, both are important and special in their own way." Explaining, "Comparison is not useful just as you cannot compare French champagne with Russian vodka." The development came after a question was asked to French Emmanuel Lenain at a virtual meeting of ORF in Delhi that has France replaced Russia as India's new best friend. French envoy was quick to reply that, "being Russia in India is quite a compliment." Sources appreciated the sentiments expressed by the French envoy. France with a veto at UNSC, growing defence partnership and increased political ties have led to some suggesting that Paris could be the new Moscow for Delhi. The support India got from the erstwhile Soviet Union and later Russia has been something that has become part of a legend in India. During the cold war, the Soviet Union had backed India at various international forums when cornered and while India retains Russian support, increasingly France has been backing India on issues such as the listing of Masood Azhar at UN or when attempts have been made to rake up Kashmir. Indian PM Modi shares a close and warm relationship with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Macron and has been engaging with them frequently on a number of issues including the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Has France replaced Russia as India's best friend? New Delhi says both are important

Moscow has made a decision to hold talks with Delhi on a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) bloc and India. EAEU is one of the largest trading bloc and five members - Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia, integrating 180 million people and nearly $5 trillion GDP.

The preferential trading agreement is one in which tariffs are reduced on certain products and can be termed as an FTA. EAEU already has FTAs with China, Iran, Vietnam, Serbia, Tajikistan, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Moldova and Ukraine.

In 2016, speaking at the, St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said, "Now we propose considering the prospects for a more extensive Eurasian partnership involving the EAEU and countries with which we already have a close partnership – China, India, Pakistan and Iran – and certainly our CIS partners."

India and Russia have “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" and this year will see PM Modi visiting the country to participate in the 75th victory day celebrations in Moscow on May 9th. Victory day is the celebration of Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II.

Moscow has made a decision to hold talks with Delhi on a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) bloc and India. EAEU is one of the largest trading bloc and five members - Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia, integrating 180 million people and nearly $5 trillion GDP.

Moscow has made a decision to hold talks with Delhi on a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) bloc and India. EAEU is one of the largest trading bloc and five members - Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia, integrating 180 million people and nearly $5 trillion GDP. The preferential trading agreement is one in which tariffs are reduced on certain products and can be termed as an FTA. EAEU already has FTAs with China, Iran, Vietnam, Serbia, Tajikistan, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Moldova and Ukraine. In 2016, speaking at the, St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said, "Now we propose considering the prospects for a more extensive Eurasian partnership involving the EAEU and countries with which we already have a close partnership – China, India, Pakistan and Iran – and certainly our CIS partners." India and Russia have “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" and this year will see PM Modi visiting the country to participate in the 75th victory day celebrations in Moscow on May 9th. Victory day is the celebration of Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II.

Eurasian Economic Union to hold preferential trade agreement talks with India

India on Friday inked $5.43 billion deal for five advanced S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile squadrons with Russia.&nbsp;

The deal is being described as a new chapter in India-Russia relations.

Sources say S-400 to be delivered by 2020.&nbsp;

An official announcement regarding the deal is expected today at 1:30, according to ANI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-russian-president-putin-arrives-in-india-to-boost-india-russia-ties-169459">Follow the live blog of Modi-Putin Summit</a>

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 to procure the lethal missile system and Moscow has already started delivery of an undisclosed number of the S-400 missile systems to Beijing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/thaad-vs-s-400-india-dumps-us-picks-russian-defence-missile-system-169445">The S-400</a> is an upgraded version of the S-300 systems. The missile system, manufactured by Almaz-Antey, has been in service in Russia since 2007.

The S-400 deal violates US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia.

The US has urged its allies to forgo transactions with Russia, warning that the S-400 missile defence system that India intends to buy would be a "focus area" for it to implement punitive sanctions against a nation undertaking "significant" business deals with the Russians.

American lawmakers, however, have allowed the possibility of a presidential waiver.

India's military wants the missile batteries, both as a deterrent against China and to gain an edge over traditional rival, Pakistan, as they are able to track and shoot down combat aircraft, even stealth planes, at unprecedented ranges.

More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry, the report added.

The United States is one of its top arms suppliers, closing $15 billion worth of deals in just the last decade.&nbsp;

SPACE DEAL

The two countries also inked a space deal for space cooperation. As per the agreement an Indian monitoring station will be built near the Russian city of Novosibirsk in Siberia.&nbsp;

India on Friday inked $5.43 billion deal for five advanced S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile squadrons with Russia. The deal is being described as a new chapter in India-Russia relations.

India on Friday inked $5.43 billion deal for five advanced S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile squadrons with Russia. The deal is being described as a new chapter in India-Russia relations. Sources say S-400 to be delivered by 2020. An official announcement regarding the deal is expected today at 1:30, according to ANI. Follow the live blog of Modi-Putin Summit 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 to procure the lethal missile system and Moscow has already started delivery of an undisclosed number of the S-400 missile systems to Beijing. The S-400 is an upgraded version of the S-300 systems. The missile system, manufactured by Almaz-Antey, has been in service in Russia since 2007. The S-400 deal violates US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia. The US has urged its allies to forgo transactions with Russia, warning that the S-400 missile defence system that India intends to buy would be a "focus area" for it to implement punitive sanctions against a nation undertaking "significant" business deals with the Russians. American lawmakers, however, have allowed the possibility of a presidential waiver. India's military wants the missile batteries, both as a deterrent against China and to gain an edge over traditional rival, Pakistan, as they are able to track and shoot down combat aircraft, even stealth planes, at unprecedented ranges. More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry, the report added. The United States is one of its top arms suppliers, closing $15 billion worth of deals in just the last decade. SPACE DEAL The two countries also inked a space deal for space cooperation. As per the agreement an Indian monitoring station will be built near the Russian city of Novosibirsk in Siberia.

India-Russia sign S-400 air defence system deal, missiles to be delivered by 2020

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of an agreement between India and Russia on cooperation in combating terrorism and organized crime.

&quot;We signed an important agreement with Russia on combating terrorism and combating organized crime,&quot; Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said while addressing a press briefing.

The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The agreement is proposed to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Indian delegation, led by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, to Russia from November 27-29, 2017.

India and Russia have a long history of close cooperation at the international fora on matters of mutual interest.

The agreement will reinforce the relationship between India and Russia through exchange and sharing of information, expertise, best practices and will help in curbing terrorism and enhancing the security in the region.&nbsp;

India-Russia Agreement is proposed to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Indian delegation, led by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, to Russia from November 27-29, 2017

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of an agreement between India and Russia on cooperation in combating terrorism and organized crime. "We signed an important agreement with Russia on combating terrorism and combating organized crime," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said while addressing a press briefing. The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement is proposed to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Indian delegation, led by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, to Russia from November 27-29, 2017. India and Russia have a long history of close cooperation at the international fora on matters of mutual interest. The agreement will reinforce the relationship between India and Russia through exchange and sharing of information, expertise, best practices and will help in curbing terrorism and enhancing the security in the region.

Cabinet approves India-Russia Agreement on cooperation in combating terrorism