Defence sector is the strongest glue in the India-Russia ties and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going on a two-day tour with the aim of strengthening the same. In an interview to Russian news agency TASS, Modi pointed out that India and Russia enjoyed robust partnership in the field of defence, nuclear energy, science and technology and other areas. "Russia has been the largest supplier of military equipment to India and would remain so," he said.
Even as the United States of America, Israel and France are making inroads into the lucrative Indian defence market, Moscow is keen to offer New Delhi the latest weapons system. The cash-strapped Russian defence sector is pushing for expanding ties with India.
Russia is ready to renegotiate the joint development and production of fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fighter jets with India and offer the same for $3.7 billion instead of the earlier price of $6 billion, according to a report in the Indian Express. The report states that India will get the technical know-how as well as three prototypes of the PAK FA fighters with the final decision scheduled to be taken by Modi during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
India has also cleared the procurement of five regimental units of Russian-made S-400 Triumf advanced Air Defence Systems. The estimated price of weapons system is $4.5 billion. S-400 Systems is capable of engaging up to 36 targets simultaneously within a range of 400 km ensuring that all major Pakistani Air Force bases come under its range. Even Chinese Air Force bases in Tibet will come within the striking distance once the system is acquired and deployed.
S-400 Triumf can be equipped with the 40N6 or 48N6 missile series. While Russia claims the 40N6 missile has an operational range of 400 kilometers, the 48N6 missile can shoot down targets at a range of 250 kilometers.
The formal contract is likely to be signed during Modi’s visit to Moscow on December 24-25. Modi has already expressed his gratitude to Russia for being a dependable defence partner even when other countries were not willing to do business with India.
"Russia has been India's foremost defense partner through decades, accounting for a majority of our defense equipment. We value Russian support during the era when not many doors were open to us. Even in the current environment, and despite India’s improved access to the world market, Russia remains our principal partner."
In the recent past India has bought aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter jets while jointly developing and producing the 290-km range Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles.
Modi called the defence ventures "the result of unwavering mutual trust and confidence and reflect the strength of our strategic partnership".
"Our defense ties have been transformed from a buyer-seller relationship to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced systems such as the Brahmos missile system in India as well as licensed production in India of Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft and T-90 tanks. As part of our enhanced military cooperation, joint military exercises are being conducted by the Armed Forces of both the countries regularly. We are also working together for joint manufacture of defense equipment and components in India under the Make in India initiative," he added.
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